How to Get A Honda Radio Code the Easy Way

Has your Honda Accord radio suddenly started displaying “CODE” on the screen? Whether you’ve disconnected your battery, experienced an electrical issue, or purchased a used Accord, you’ll need the correct radio code to regain access to your audio system. This comprehensive guide will walk you through multiple methods to retrieve your Honda Accord radio code quickly and easily.
Understanding Honda Accord Radio Security Systems
Honda implemented radio security codes in Accord models as an anti-theft measure. When power to the radio is disconnected (such as when replacing the battery or during electrical work), the radio enters a protected mode requiring a unique numeric code to reactivate. This feature makes stolen radios effectively useless without the corresponding code, deterring theft and protecting your investment.
Did you know? The Honda Accord’s radio code system has been implemented across various generations since the 1990s, with each generation featuring slightly different retrieval methods.
If you’re dealing with other Honda models, the process is similar but may have slight variations. For instance, Honda Odyssey owners facing the same radio code issue can find detailed instructions specifically tailored to their model years 2009-2025 in our comprehensive Honda Odyssey radio code guide. The Odyssey uses similar retrieval methods but has some unique button combinations and display variations that are worth knowing about.
Finding Your Honda Accord Radio Code: Quick Methods
Method 1: Check Your Accord’s Documentation Package
The easiest way to find your Honda Accord radio code is through the original documentation that came with your vehicle. Honda typically includes the radio code on a small card placed in the documentation package.
- Locate your Honda Accord’s owner’s manual packet.
- Look for a small card labeled “Anti-theft Radio Code” or “Radio Code.”
- The card should contain a 4-5 digit code — this is your radio unlock code.

Method 2: Check the Glove Compartment
Many Honda Accord owners are surprised to discover their radio code is conveniently located in the glove compartment:
- Open your Accord’s glove compartment.
- Look for a small sticker on the side or back panel.
- The sticker may contain both the radio serial number and the radio code.
Method 3: Inspect the Radio Anti-Theft Identification Card
Honda often provides a dedicated Anti-Theft ID Card with newer Accord models:
- Locate the Anti-Theft ID Card that came with your vehicle.
- The card typically lists both the radio serial number and the radio code.
- This card is separate from the owner’s manual and is often wallet-sized.
Honda Accord Radio Code Retrieval Methods by Generation
Accord Generation | Years | Radio Code Method |
---|---|---|
10th Generation | 2018-Present | Serial number retrieval or dealer assistance |
9th Generation | 2013-2017 | Serial number retrieval or dealer assistance |
8th Generation | 2008-2012 | Pre-code button sequence or serial number retrieval |
7th Generation | 2003-2007 | Pre-code button sequence or serial number retrieval |
6th Generation | 1998-2002 | Serial number retrieval or dealer assistance |
5th Generation | 1994-1997 | Serial number retrieval only |
Retrieving Your Honda Accord Radio Code Without Documentation
Method 4: Find the Serial Number and Use Honda’s Official Website
If you can’t locate your code in the documentation, you’ll need to find your radio’s serial number:
- Turn your Accord’s ignition to the “ON” position without starting the engine.
- Press and hold radio preset buttons 1 and 6 simultaneously.
- While still holding these buttons, press the radio power button.
- The radio display should show two codes – usually an “E” code followed by a “U” or “L” code.
- Write down both codes – these are your radio’s serial numbers.
- Visit Honda’s official radio code retrieval website with these numbers and your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

Important Note: This method works for most Honda Accord models from 1998 onwards. Older models may require slightly different button combinations or dealer assistance.
Method 5: Retrieve Your Code Using the Radio Navigation Serial Number
For Accord models with navigation systems:
- Turn the ignition to the “ON” position.
- Press and hold the “MENU” and “MAP” buttons.
- Press the power button while continuing to hold the other buttons.
- The navigation screen should display a diagnostic menu with serial numbers.
- Write down the serial number and use it along with your VIN to retrieve your code.
Method 6: Access Your Honda Accord Radio Code from a Dealership
Honda dealerships can retrieve your radio code with proper identification:
- Visit your local Honda dealership with proof of ownership of your Accord (registration, title, etc.).
- Provide your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and radio serial number.
- The dealership can look up your radio code in Honda’s database.
How to Enter Your Honda Accord Radio Code
Once you’ve retrieved your radio code, follow these steps to enter it:
For Standard Honda Accord Audio Systems
- Turn your ignition to the “ON” position or start the engine.
- Turn on your radio. It should display “CODE” on the screen.
- Using the radio preset buttons (1-6), enter the digits of your radio code. For example, if your code is 12345, press preset button 1, then 2, then 3, and so on.
- After entering the correct code, your radio should unlock and begin functioning normally.
For Honda Accord Navigation/Touchscreen Systems
- Turn your ignition to the “ON” position or start the engine.
- When prompted for the code on the touchscreen, use the virtual keypad to enter your code.
- Press “OK” or “Enter” on the touchscreen to submit the code.
Warning: Most Honda Accord radios will lock temporarily after multiple incorrect code attempts. If this happens, leave the radio on for about an hour before trying again.
Common Honda Accord Radio Code Issues and Solutions
Radio Displays “ERR” After Entering Code
If your Accord’s radio displays “ERR” after entering a code:
- Verify you’re entering the correct code for your specific radio.
- Wait at least one hour with the radio turned on and ignition in the “ON” position.
- Try entering the code again, being careful to press each digit correctly.
Radio Completely Locked After Multiple Attempts
If your radio is completely locked:
- Leave your Accord’s ignition in the “ON” position with the radio turned on for at least 1-2 hours.
- After this waiting period, the radio should reset and allow you to try entering the code again.
- If this doesn’t work, some owners have reported success after disconnecting the battery again for about 10 minutes, then reconnecting and trying the code entry process from the beginning.
Frequently Asked Questions About Honda Accord Radio Codes
How many digits is a Honda Accord radio code?
Most Honda Accord radio codes are 4-5 digits long, though some early models used 3-digit codes and some newer models use 6-digit codes.
Will my Honda Accord radio code be the same if I replace the radio?
No. Each Honda Accord radio has its own unique code. If you replace your radio, you’ll need the code specific to the new radio unit.
Do aftermarket radios installed in Honda Accords require codes?
Most aftermarket radios do not use the Honda security code system. However, they may have their own anti-theft mechanisms that function differently.
Can I get my Honda Accord radio code for free?
Yes, if you are the registered owner of the vehicle, you can obtain your code for free from a Honda dealership with proof of ownership or through Honda’s official website. However, for convenience and immediate service, our online service provides instant code retrieval without the wait.
Need Your Honda Accord Radio Code Quickly?
While the methods above work for many Honda Accord owners, they can be time-consuming and sometimes frustrating. Our specialized service can provide your Honda Accord radio code instantly, saving you time and hassle.
With this guide, you should be able to retrieve and enter your Honda Accord radio code and get back to enjoying your audio system. Remember to store your radio code in a safe place for future reference should you need it again.
Other Popular Honda Models Radio Codes
Looking for radio codes for other Honda models? Check out our dedicated pages: