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How do I get my Acura radio off mute?

The quickest way to unmute is to press the volume knob or the dedicated mute button on the steering wheel; if you’re in the middle of a Bluetooth call or the audio source is Bluetooth, end the call or switch the source back to radio to restore sound.


Quick fixes to unmute the radio


Try these fast actions first. They cover the most common causes of an Acura radio staying muted on the fly.



  • Press the volume knob once to toggle mute off. In most Acura models, the VOL control doubles as a mute toggle when pressed.

  • Press the mute button or the speaker icon on the steering wheel (if equipped) to toggle mute off.

  • Check the current audio source. If Bluetooth or a phone call is active, switch back to FM/AM or USB audio, or end the call.

  • Rotate the volume knob to raise the sound after unmuting, ensuring it’s not set to the minimum.


If these quick actions don’t restore sound, move on to the deeper troubleshooting steps below.


Why your Acura radio might be muted


Knowing what can cause a mute helps you decide whether you should use a quick control or a menu setting. Below are common triggers you may encounter.



  • Active Bluetooth phone call or audio streaming that is routed through the hands-free system.

  • A mis-toggled mute setting in the infotainment system’s audio or sound menu.

  • Source isolation where the radio is not the active output (for example, if USB or Bluetooth audio is playing but the display shows mute).

  • A brief software glitch or a system reset required after a period of use.


Understanding these causes can save time when diagnosing a muted radio in different driving scenarios.


Troubleshooting using the controls and the touchscreen


If quick fixes don’t work, use these guided steps to locate and disable mute through both hardware controls and the infotainment interface.



  1. Use the volume knob to unmute and then verify the audio source is set to FM/AM, HDMI, USB, or Bluetooth as desired.

  2. Check steering wheel controls: press any mute button or the speaker icon to toggle mute off, if your trim includes this control.

  3. Open the infotainment touchscreen Settings or Audio/Sound menu and ensure Mute is set to Off and the volume level is above zero.

  4. End any active Bluetooth call or switch the audio source away from Bluetooth to restore normal playback.

  5. Power cycle the system: turn the car off, wait about 30 seconds, then start the engine again to reset the radio subsystem.


With these steps, the radio should return to normal operation in most scenarios. If the issue persists, a deeper check may be needed.


Model-era notes


Older and some mid-2010s models


In many older Acura models, the mute function is primarily tied to the volume knob and a steering wheel button. If you don’t see a dedicated mute button, rely on pressing the volume knob to toggle mute off and ensure the audio source is correct via the knob or touchscreen.


Recent models (2020s and newer)


Newer Acura models typically place mute controls on the steering wheel and integrate them with the infotainment system. If the mute persists, check both the physical controls and the touchscreen’s Audio/Sound settings, as software updates can slightly alter menu paths.


When to seek help


If the radio remains muted after all standard controls and menu checks, consult your owner's manual for model-specific instructions or contact your local Acura dealership or roadside assistance. There may be a software update or a hardware issue that requires service.


Summary


Most Acura radios come out of mute with a simple press of the volume knob or the steering wheel mute button. If the mute is tied to a Bluetooth call or an alternate audio source, switch back to radio or end the call, and verify the Audio settings. When in doubt, a quick power cycle or a visit to the manual can resolve lingering issues and ensure your sound is back to normal.

How do I unlock my Acura radio?


To unlock an Acura radio, first check the owner's manual or the anti-theft card in the glove box for the code, which is often a shorter, bolded number on the card. If you can't find it, get the VIN and the radio's serial number from the vehicle's windshield and glove box (or display screen), then use these to look up the code on Acura's online code retrieval page or by contacting an Acura dealership. 
Step 1: Find the radio code

  • Check the owner's manual/anti-theft card: The code is often printed on an "Anti-Theft Identification Card" found in the owner's manual or glove compartment. 
  • Look for a sticker: A sticker with the code might be inside the glove box, trunk jamb, or door jamb. 
  • Use the serial number: If you only have the serial number, you will need to use it to get the code. The serial number can be found on the anti-theft card or on the radio's display. 

Step 2: Get the radio code if you can't find it 
  • Use the VIN and serial number to look it up online: Visit the Acura's radio and navigation code website and enter your vehicle's VIN and serial number to retrieve the code. 
  • Contact an Acura dealership: A dealership can provide the code for you. You may need to provide your vehicle's VIN and proof of ownership. 

Step 3: Enter the code into your radio 
  • Turn the ignition on and wait for the radio to display "CODE" or "WAIT". 
  • Use the radio's preset buttons to enter the 5-digit code. The code is often a shorter, bolded number from the anti-theft card. 
  • Press the appropriate button (e.g., the "scan" button) to confirm the code. 

This video shows how to find your car's radio code: 40sStudent LessonYouTube · Mar 21, 2025
Troubleshooting: What if the code doesn't work?
  • Try entering the code again: Make sure you are entering the code correctly using the preset buttons. 
  • Contact Acura support: If the code still doesn't work, contact an Acura dealership for assistance. 
  • Check the correct serial number: Ensure you are using the serial number for your current radio, not a different one. 
  • Try the bypass method: In some cases, pressing and holding the radio's power button for about 30-40 seconds may bypass the code entirely. 



How to turn audio power on Acura?


Operating a two-screen Acura audio system is easy by using steering wheel mounted controls the touchscreen display or voice control to turn on the audio system push the power button which is located



How to unmute Acura audio?


You can operate certain functions of the audio system using the steering wheel controls.

  1. SOURCE Button.
  2. Left Selector Wheel.
  3. Roll Up: To increase the volume.
  4. Roll Down: To decrease the volume.
  5. Push: To mute. Push again to unmute.
  6. When listening to the radio.

PDF



How to reset acura screen?


That's going to bring you up to this dealer diagnostic. Screen. So what you're going to do here. Go into the detail information and setting.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.