How to Find and Enter Your Honda Radio Code

Download Article

Get your Honda radio code in minutes to rock out on the open road

Co-authored by Dan Hickey

Last Updated: October 9, 2024 Fact Checked

Download Article

Locating the Code

|

Entering the Code

|

What is a radio code?

|

Tips

You’ve loaded up your Honda for an epic road trip, but when you turn on the radio, you discover a message saying “CODE” instead of hearing your favorite songs. What gives? If you’ve recently had your battery serviced or replaced, you’ll need to enter a special radio code to tune in on the road. Thankfully, your Honda radio code is easy to track down in a number of places (no silent contemplation on this drive!). In this article, we’ll show you how to find and enter your Honda radio code to enjoy your stereo system once more, plus explain what a radio code even is. Let’s dive in!

Things You Should Know

Check your glove compartment and owner’s manual for a sticker containing your radio code.
Alternatively, gather your VIN and radio serial number and go to Honda’s Retrieve Radio/Navigation Codes page. Enter the information and click "Submit."
Once you have the code, turn on your radio and use the preset buttons to enter the code and restore access to the radio.

Section 1 of 3:

Locating the Code

Download Article

1
Glove compartment Open your Honda’s glove compartment and look for a sticker placed inside. The sticker is probably a white rectangle (like a credit card) with lots of codes printed on it, including your radio code, radio serial number, navigation codes, and more. Check for a code labeled “Anti-Theft Radio Code” or something similar.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- In some cases, there may be a loose card with codes printed on it rather than an adhesive sticker.
Grab your owner’s manual from the glove compartment (or wherever you store it) and look for a sticker with the radio code on the front or back cover. This sticker is identical to the one placed in your glove compartment and will also have the radio serial number and other useful codes printed on it.^{[2]
X
Research source}

Advertisement
3
Online Navigate to the Retrieve Radio/Navigation Codes page on Honda’s website and fill in the requested information to find your radio code. Enter your VIN (vehicle identification number), ZIP code, email address, phone number, and radio code serial number, then select “Radio Code” toward the bottom of the form (there are options to retrieve your radio code, navigation code, or both). Click “Submit” to access your code.
- To find your VIN, look for a sticker in the driver’s side door jamb. If there isn’t one, check the driver’s side dashboard (viewable from outside through the windshield), your vehicle title, or your insurance card.^{[3]
  X
  Research source}
- Your radio serial number location depends on when your Honda was manufactured:
  - 2001 or newer models: Turn on the radio, then press and hold 1 and 6 at the same time (on some models, press and hold 1 and 6, then turn on the radio). Your 8-10 digit alphanumeric serial code will appear on the screen.^{[4]
    X
    Research source}
  - Models older than 2001: Remove the radio and look for a sticker with the serial number on the side of the case. If you’re not comfortable removing the radio yourself, take your Honda to a dealership—a technician can access the serial number and also retrieve your radio code.
4
Phone Call Honda’s Automobile Customer Service line at 1 (800) 999-1009. Provide your personal information along with your VIN and radio serial number when prompted. Then, a customer service agent will provide your radio code and answer any other questions you have about using and entering it.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- You may also need to provide proof of ownership, like the car title (a different document from your vehicle registration or proof of insurance).
Make an appointment at a local Honda dealership and explain that you’re missing your radio code. The technician will be able to locate your VIN and radio serial number to retrieve your radio code for you.^{[6]
X
Research source}

Section 2 of 3:

Entering the Code

Download Article

Get in your car and turn the key so that the electrical system turns on (you don’t have to actually start the car, but you can if you’re preparing to drive somewhere anyway). Then, turn on the radio. You’ll see a message on the screen that says “CODE” or something similar.
2
Use the radio preset buttons to enter your 5- or 6-digit radio code. When the “CODE” message appears, enter your radio code with the preset buttons (the numbered buttons that let you bookmark your favorite radio channels for quick access). Once the code is entered, the radio will beep and your connection will be fully restored immediately.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- If the code doesn’t work, turn the radio and car off and try again. Make sure to enter the code exactly as it appears on your manual sticker or the Honda code retrieval website. If it still doesn’t work, schedule an appointment at a Honda dealership and have a technician take a look.
- Most Honda radio codes are 5 digits, but some models may have a 6- or sometimes 4-digit code.

Section 3 of 3:

What is a radio code?

Download Article

The code is a deterrent to would-be burglars since they won’t be able to use or sell the radio system without it. You’ll be prompted for the code when you first turn on the radio after the battery dies, gets replaced, or is disconnected for maintenance.^{[8]
X
Research source}

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Tips

Once you retrieve your Honda radio code, write it down and store it in a secure location (like the glove compartment) so you can easily enter it the next time your battery is disconnected.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0