How to Unlock a Honda Radio: Finding and Entering Your Unique Code

There isn’t a single “Honda radio code” for all cars. Each Honda radio has its own 5-digit anti-theft code tied to the vehicle and the radio’s serial number. You can usually find it in your owner materials or retrieve it using your VIN and the radio’s serial number via Honda’s official code-retrieval system or through a dealership.

Why there isn’t one code for every Honda

Honda radios use individualized anti-theft codes so a removed radio can’t be used in another vehicle. When power is lost (after a battery change, for example) some units ask for the code to verify ownership. Newer models often auto-verify against the vehicle VIN and won’t ask for a code unless the unit or vehicle electronics were replaced.

Where to find your Honda radio code

Start with the easiest places. Many owners already have the code and don’t need to contact Honda. The items below are the most common, legitimate sources.

• Owner’s materials: Look for a small card or sticker labeled “Radio Code” in the owner’s manual packet.
• Glovebox or door jamb sticker: Some Hondas have a white sticker with two numbers; one is the 5-digit radio code (navigation systems may have a separate code).
• Honda Owners account: If you’ve registered your VIN, your code may be stored in your online owner profile (varies by region).
• Original purchase paperwork or service invoices: Dealers often note the code during prep or service.

If you find a 5-digit number labeled for the radio, that’s typically the code you’ll enter using the radio preset buttons (1–6). If you can’t locate it, you’ll need the radio’s serial number to retrieve the code.

How to get your radio’s serial number

You’ll need the radio serial number for online retrieval or when contacting a dealer. Methods vary by model and year.

Standard Honda radios (most non-navigation units, ~2001–2012)

Many classic Honda head units can display the serial without removal using a button combination.

1. Turn the ignition to ON (II). Turn the radio OFF.
2. Press and hold preset buttons 1 and 6 simultaneously.
3. While holding 1 and 6, press the power button to turn the radio ON.
4. Write down the 8-digit serial that appears. It may display as two segments (e.g., U1234 L5678) that combine into one number (12345678).

If the display does not show the serial, your model may use a different sequence or require physical access.

Navigation or Display Audio units (many 2013+ models)

Later systems often show the serial in on-screen menus.

• Go to Settings > System > About > Device Information (or About This Device) to find the audio or navigation serial.
• On some older navigation units, press and hold Map/Guide + Menu + Cancel to access the diagnostic screen, then check “Unit Check” for the serial.

Menu labels vary by model and year. If you don’t see the serial in these menus, consult your owner’s manual for your exact model.

If the screen is dead or the shortcuts don’t work

When on-screen retrieval isn’t possible, you may have to read the serial from the radio’s rear label.

• Remove the radio or display unit to view the sticker with the serial number (or ask a technician to do it).
• Some vehicles also list the radio serial on a factory build sheet or service history; a dealer can check with proof of ownership.

Because trim removal can damage clips or wiring, many owners have a dealer or audio shop retrieve the serial safely.

How to retrieve the code from Honda

Once you have your VIN and radio serial, you can use official Honda resources to get the code.

• Online (U.S./Canada): Use Honda’s Radio/Navigation Code retrieval portal (search “Honda radio code” or visit radio-navicode.honda.com). You’ll typically enter your 17-digit VIN, the radio serial, and owner info (ZIP/phone/email) to verify.
• Dealership: Provide a photo ID, your VIN, and the radio serial. Most dealers will retrieve the code at no charge or a small fee.
• Regional Honda owner portals: In some countries, the code is provided through your national Honda website or by contacting customer care.

If the system can’t validate your details—for example, if the head unit was replaced—your dealer can still verify ownership and supply or reset the code.

How to enter the Honda radio code

Entering the code is straightforward once you have it.

1. Turn the ignition to ON (II) and power on the radio. It should display “CODE” or prompt for a code.
2. Use presets 1–6 to enter the 5-digit code. Each press inputs that digit.
3. The radio should unlock immediately after the fifth digit. If it doesn’t, recheck your code and try again.

Some navigation units may request a separate navigation code. Follow the on-screen prompts; the process is similar.

If you see “Err,” “Error,” or “LOCKED”

Too many incorrect attempts can temporarily lock the unit.

• Wait period: Many Honda radios reset the attempt counter after about 1 hour with the radio powered on and the ignition in ON. Do not keep entering random codes.
• Confirm digits: Make sure you’re using the radio code (not the serial) and that it’s for your specific unit.
• Contact dealer: If it remains locked or the code still fails, a dealer can verify the unit and assist.

A lockout is a safeguard. Patience and the correct code will typically resolve it without hardware service.

Do newer Hondas still need a code?

Many recent models (especially mid-2010s and newer with Display Audio) automatically reauthorize after battery reconnect if the head unit recognizes the vehicle VIN. You’ll usually only need a code if the unit or certain vehicle modules were replaced, or if the system cannot validate ownership.

Tips to avoid future lockouts

A few simple steps can save time the next time your battery is disconnected.

• Record the code: Write it in your owner’s manual and save it in your phone or owner portal.
• Take photos: Photograph the glovebox sticker and the radio serial screen for quick reference.
• Use memory savers: During battery changes, a 12V memory saver can preserve settings on some models.

Keeping the code and serial handy ensures you can restore audio quickly after routine maintenance.

Legal and security note

Radio codes are an anti-theft measure. Only retrieve or reset a code for a radio you legally own. Dealers and Honda customer support may require proof of ownership for your protection.

Summary

There is no universal Honda radio code. Each unit uses a unique 5-digit code, which you can find in your owner materials, on a vehicle sticker, or by retrieving the radio’s serial number and using Honda’s official code-retrieval tools or a dealer. If your radio is locked, get the serial (on-screen or from the unit label), use your VIN to obtain the correct code, enter it with the preset buttons, and avoid repeated incorrect attempts to prevent lockouts.

How do I find my 4 digit radio code free?

Contact the vehicle manufacturer: Some carmakers will provide the radio code for free. Speak with the dealership that originally sold the vehicle: Dealerships may have access to radio codes and may give you this information for free or a small fee. Contact the previous owner.

How do I get my Honda radio code?

To retrieve your Honda radio code, start by checking the owner’s manual or the anti-theft ID card, which is often located in the glove box. If these are unavailable, you can obtain the code online by visiting the Honda website and providing your vehicle’s VIN, radio serial number, and other required information. Alternatively, you can contact your local Honda dealership with your VIN and they can retrieve the code for you. 
This video demonstrates how to find the Honda radio code from the car’s serial number and how to enter it: 1mFisher AutoYouTube · Mar 22, 2022
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
1. Check the Owner’s Manual and Glove Box: 

• The radio code may be written inside the owner’s manual or on a sticker inside the glove box, often found on a card or label.
• Look for a five-digit number on a small white sticker, possibly on the side of the glove box or inside. 

2. Obtain the Serial Number:

• If the code isn’t readily available, you’ll need the radio’s serial number. 
• For some models, you can retrieve the serial number by turning the ignition to the ACC position, turning on the radio, and then pressing and holding the tops of the SEEK/SKIP and CH/DISC bars while simultaneously pressing and releasing the PWR/VOL knob. 
• If this method doesn’t work, you may need to check the radio unit itself (for older models) or contact a dealership. 

3. Online Retrieval:

• Visit the official Honda website (or your country’s equivalent) and navigate to the “Get Codes” section. 
• You’ll need to enter your vehicle’s VIN, radio serial number, and other required information (such as your ZIP code and email). 
• The website will then provide you with the radio code. 

This video explains how to get the Honda radio code from the website after finding the serial number: 59sKIT’S Auto and Truck RepairYouTube · Sep 23, 2021
4. Contacting a Dealership:

• If you’re unable to find the code online or through the other methods, contact your local Honda dealership.
• Provide them with your vehicle’s VIN and proof of ownership, and they will be able to retrieve the code for you. 

This video shows how to retrieve the code from a Honda dealership after getting the serial number: 1mCrazy Honda ChrisYouTube · Feb 24, 2023

How do you unlock a locked Honda radio?

Check the inside of your glovebox or owner’s manual for the code. You should be able to find it on a sticker with the radio serial number. Visit our Honda service center at Honda Carland near Roswell to have one of our certified technicians locate the code for you. Retrieve your code online via the OEM site.

What is the 4 digit code on a Honda radio?

Honda vehicles sometimes require a 4-digit code to unlock the radio, especially after the battery has been disconnected or replaced. This code is often related to the navigation system rather than the radio itself. You can typically find the code on a sticker in the glovebox, center console, or in your owner’s manual. If you can’t find it there, you can retrieve it online by providing your VIN and radio serial number on the official Honda website. 
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
1. Check for the code in common locations:

• Sticker in the glovebox or center console: The 4-digit code (or a longer serial number) may be on a sticker in one of these locations, according to Fisher Honda. 
• Owner’s manual or service history: The code might also be in your owner’s manual or service history log, according to Fisher Honda. 
• Anti-Theft Radio Identification Card: Newer models may include a separate card with the code and serial number. 

2. If you can’t find the code:

• Online retrieval: . Opens in new tabHonda’s website provides instructions for retrieving the code online. You’ll need your VIN and radio serial number (obtained from the radio itself by holding down preset buttons 1 and 6 while powering on). 
• Contact a Honda dealer: . Opens in new tabIf you’re unable to retrieve the code yourself, a Honda dealership can help you. They may need your VIN and radio serial number. 

Important notes:

• Be careful with entering the code: Avoid entering incorrect codes repeatedly, as this can lock the radio. 
• Navigation system codes: If the code is related to the navigation system, you may need to access the navigation system’s menu to enter the code.