Where to find the radio code for a 2011 Honda Pilot

The 5‑digit anti‑theft radio code is typically on a sticker in the glove box or on a card in the owner’s manual; if you can’t find it, retrieve the radio’s serial number from the unit (often by holding preset buttons 1 and 6 while turning the radio on) and use Honda’s official radio/nav code lookup or contact a Honda dealer to get the code for free. Below is a step‑by‑step guide covering every option.

The quickest places to check first

Before pulling serial numbers or calling the dealer, look for Honda’s supplied code labels and documents. Many 2011 Pilots still have these in the cabin or in the original paperwork.

• Glove box sticker: Look on the inside walls of the glove box. Many Hondas have a white label marked “Anti‑Theft” listing a 5‑digit radio code and, often, an 8‑digit serial number.
• Owner’s manual packet: Check for a small “Anti‑Theft ID Card” (credit‑card size) or a label affixed to the radio/audio section of the manual with the 5‑digit code.
• Service paperwork: Prior dealer service invoices sometimes note the radio code or the radio serial number.

If you locate a 5‑digit code labeled “Audio” or “Radio,” that’s typically all you need. For navigation‑equipped Pilots, you may also see a separate “Navi” code.

If you don’t see a code: get your radio serial number

If the code isn’t in the glove box or manual, retrieve the audio unit’s serial number. The process differs slightly between standard audio and navigation units, but it can usually be done without removing the radio.

Standard (non‑navigation) audio units

Use the built‑in display shortcut to show the serial number.

1. Turn the ignition to ON or ACC. Turn the radio OFF.
2. Press and hold preset buttons 1 and 6 simultaneously.
3. While holding 1 and 6, press the Power/Volume knob to turn the radio ON.
4. Note the 8‑digit serial number shown. Some units display it as two 4‑digit blocks (often labeled “U” and “L”); combine them into one 8‑digit number.

Write the serial number down exactly as shown. You’ll use it with your VIN to retrieve the code.

Pilots with factory navigation

Navigation models can show the audio serial number via a hidden diagnostic menu, or sometimes the same 1+6 method works on the integrated audio display.

1. Turn the ignition to ON or ACC.
2. On the navigation screen, press and hold Menu + Map/Guide + Cancel for several seconds to open the diagnostic menu.
3. Select Unit Check or similar System/Version info to view the “Audio H/U” (head unit) serial number; also note any separate “Navi” serial if shown.
4. If the menu isn’t available, use the 1+6 method on the audio side, or as a last resort, the serial number label can be read directly on the unit (requires removal).

Record the audio serial number (and navigation serial, if displayed). Navigation‑equipped Pilots may have both radio and navigation codes.

Get your unlock code from Honda (free)

With your VIN and serial number(s) in hand, use Honda’s official lookup or contact a dealer. In the U.S., Honda’s Radio/Navi Code Retrieval site provides codes at no cost to the vehicle owner.

• Online (U.S.): radio-navicode.honda.com or via owners.honda.com (register your VIN, then look for “Retrieve Radio/Navi Code”).
• You’ll typically need: VIN, radio serial number, your ZIP code and phone number (as originally provided to Honda), and device type (radio and/or navigation).
• If you’re in Canada or the site doesn’t recognize your info, contact your Honda dealer or Honda Customer Relations with proof of ownership; they can provide the code from Honda’s database.

The code retrieval is free for owners. Avoid third‑party pay sites; dealers can also supply the code at no charge with proof of ownership.

No luck online? Call or visit a Honda dealer

A Honda service department can look up your code using the VIN and radio serial number. Bring your driver’s license and registration or title. If the radio has been replaced in the past, they may verify the current head unit’s serial number.

Most dealers provide the code for free; some may require a brief in‑person verification.

How to enter the code on a 2011 Pilot

Once you have the 5‑digit code, entering it is quick. If your Pilot has navigation, you may have separate codes for Audio and Navi; enter each when prompted.

1. Turn the ignition to ON or ACC. The radio should show “CODE” or “ENTER CODE.”
2. Use the radio preset buttons (1–6) to enter the 5‑digit code. Each press sets that digit.
3. If accepted, the radio will power up normally. On navigation models, enter the navigation code on the touchscreen keypad if prompted.

If the display shows “ERR” after multiple failed attempts, leave the radio powered ON with the ignition ON for about one hour to reset it back to “CODE,” then try again with the correct code.

Troubleshooting and cautions

If the code won’t take or you encounter errors, these tips can save time.

• Double‑check the serial number: use the display methods above; don’t confuse the navigation DVD or map database serial with the audio head unit serial.
• Verify your VIN matches the vehicle in front of you; if the radio was swapped, the serial must match the installed unit.
• Avoid repeated guesses; too many wrong attempts will lock the unit temporarily (shows “ERR”).
• Keep a charger on the battery if you must leave the ignition ON for a reset hour.
• Aftermarket radios do not use Honda anti‑theft codes.
• Treat any found code/sticker as sensitive; don’t post your code or VIN publicly.

If problems persist, your dealer can confirm the correct serial and obtain the official code directly from Honda.

Summary

For a 2011 Honda Pilot, check the glove box and owner’s manual packet first for a 5‑digit anti‑theft code. If it’s not there, display the radio’s 8‑digit serial number (hold 1 and 6 while powering the radio on, or use the navigation diagnostic menu), then retrieve the code for free via Honda’s official radio/nav code site or your Honda dealer. Enter the 5 digits with the preset buttons; for navigation models, you may also need to enter a separate navigation code.

How do I get the 5 digit code for my Honda radio?

Your vehicle came with a unique four or five-digit radio reset code, and you can usually find it on a sticker labeled “Anti-Theft Radio Code.” This sticker is most usually found in one of the following places: Glovebox. Center Console. Auto Service History Log.

Where can I find my Honda Pilot radio code?

To find your Honda Pilot’s radio code, first check the owner’s manual and glove box for a sticker with the code. If you can’t find it there, you can obtain it online through the Honda website or by contacting your local Honda dealer. You’ll need your vehicle’s VIN number and potentially the radio’s serial number for the online lookup. 
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
1. Check the Owner’s Manual and Glove Box: 

• The radio code is often printed on a sticker inside the owner’s manual or on a separate card included with the manual.
• Look for a sticker inside the glove box or center console. 

2. Online Retrieval:

• Visit the Honda website and navigate to the radio/navigation code retrieval section. 
• You’ll likely need to enter your VIN, phone number, zip code, and the radio’s serial number (if required). 
• The Honda website will then provide your radio code. 

3. Contact Honda Dealer:

• If you can’t find the code using the above methods, your local Honda dealer can help. 
• They may need your VIN and proof of ownership. 
• In some cases, they may charge a small fee, especially if they need to remove the radio. 

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 to reset radio on 2011 Honda Pilot?

TURN THE VEHICLE IGNITION SWITCH OR USE THE START BUTTON TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN THE AUXILIARY (NOT THE START OR RUN) POSITION. PRESS AND HOLD THE RADIO BUTTONS ONE (1) AND SIX (6) TOGETHER WITH ONE HAND. WHILE HOLDING BUTTONS 1 & 6 TURN THE RADIO ON WITH YOUR FREE HAND.