How do I turn on the radio in my Toyota Highlander?
The radio in a Toyota Highlander turns on when the infotainment system is powered, which you accomplish by pressing the Power/Volume knob (or the on-screen Power button) once the vehicle’s electrical system is supplied with power.
This guide covers the two common ways Highlanders power the radio—using the physical controls on the center stack and using the touchscreen—plus a brief troubleshooting section for when the radio won’t turn on. While steps are accurate for most model years, exact sequences can vary by year and trim, so consult your owner’s manual if something seems different.
Powering on with physical controls
Many Highlanders provide a dedicated Power/Volume knob on the center console. If you’re starting from a resting state and want only the radio, you’ll typically need power from the vehicle’s electrical system (ACC or ON) before the radio will operate.
- With the engine off, switch the ignition to ACC (Accessory) mode by pressing the Start/Stop button once without pressing the brake (some model years may require a second press to reach ON). This supplies power to the infotainment system without starting the engine.
- Locate the Power/Volume knob on the center stack. It is usually labeled with a power icon and doubles as the volume control.
- Press the Power/Volume knob to turn on the radio. The head unit should illuminate and display the main radio interface or home screen.
- If the radio does not turn on, verify the ignition is in ACC or ON and try again. If needed, wake the display by touching the screen or pressing the Home button.
In some trims, the radio may require the ignition to be ON (engine running) to enable certain features, but the basic power-on action remains the same: ensure power is supplied, then press the PWR knob to wake the radio.
Turning on via the touchscreen
On models with a touchscreen-first infotainment system, you can power the radio directly from the display once it has power from ACC or ON.
- Ensure the vehicle’s electrical system has power (ACC or ON). If in doubt, start the engine or activate ACC as described above.
- Wake the infotainment display by tapping the screen or pressing the Home/menu button.
- Tap the Power icon on the top bar or select Radio/Audio from the home screen to turn on the radio.
- If the power option is not visible, navigate to the Audio or Settings menus to enable or access the radio function, then return to the home screen.
Once on, the radio will stay powered until you turn the ignition off or manually exit the infotainment system.
Troubleshooting if the radio won’t turn on
Check the ignition mode
Make sure the Highlander is in ACC or ON. Some models will not power the infotainment system when the engine is fully off unless ACC is engaged.
Check fuses
A blown fuse can prevent the radio from powering on. Locate the infotainment or radio fuse in the vehicle’s fuse box and replace with the correct amperage if needed. If you’re unsure which fuse to check, consult your owner’s manual or a dealership.
Software reset or hardware issue
Sometimes the system needs a reset. Try turning the ignition off and back to ACC/ON, or perform a soft reset of the infotainment system per your model’s instructions. If problems persist, there may be a software update or a hardware fault requiring service.
Summary
Turning on the radio in a Toyota Highlander typically involves powering the vehicle’s electrical system to ACC or ON and using either the physical Power/Volume knob or the on-screen Power control to wake the infotainment system. If the radio won’t power on, verify ignition status, check for blown fuses, and perform a reset if needed. Most issues are resolved by ensuring the system has power and using the correct control for your trim.
How to turn audio on in Toyota?
To use your audio controls, turn the audio on by pressing the "AUDIO" button. Adjust the audio volume by turning the power volume knob.
Why is my Toyota radio not working?
If your Toyota radio isn't working, first try simple resets by restarting the car or holding the power/volume knob to reboot the system. Next, check for blown fuses in the interior and under the hood, and inspect the antenna and wiring for loose connections. If the problem persists, a professional technician can help diagnose and fix more complex issues like a faulty head unit or internal wiring problems.
Troubleshooting steps
1. Perform a system reset
- Soft reset: Turn the car off, wait a minute, and then restart it. This can often clear temporary glitches.
- Hard reset: For persistent issues, try a hard reboot by pressing and holding the power or volume knob for about 10 seconds until the Toyota logo appears.
- Battery disconnect: As a last resort, disconnect the negative terminal of your car's battery for 10-15 minutes to perform a full system reset.
This video demonstrates how to reset the Toyota radio head unit by holding the volume knob: 1mSteven WelchYouTube · Jul 4, 2025
2. Check fuses
- Locate the fuse boxes, which are typically under the dashboard on the driver's side and under the hood.
- Consult your owner's manual or the diagram on the fuse box lid to identify the correct radio fuse(s). You may need to check more than one.
- Visually inspect the fuse. If the metal wire inside is broken, the fuse is blown and needs to be replaced with one of the same amperage rating.
This video shows the location of some fuses for the Toyota Corolla that need to be checked when the radio is not working: 58sClever FixYouTube · Jul 21, 2024
3. Inspect connections
- Antenna: Ensure the antenna is securely connected and not damaged. A loose or faulty antenna can cause radio signal problems.
- Wiring: Check for any loose or corroded wires behind the radio unit. This is more likely if aftermarket audio equipment was recently installed.
4. Seek professional help
- If the above steps don't resolve the issue, there may be an internal hardware problem, such as a faulty amplifier or a malfunctioning head unit.
- A qualified technician can perform further diagnostics and repairs.
You can watch this video to learn about another issue that might cause the Toyota radio to stop working: 58s312DriveYouTube · Jul 3, 2023
Why is the radio not working in my Toyota Highlander?
If your Toyota Highlander radio isn't working, first check the relevant fuses and inspect the wiring behind the head unit for loose or damaged connections. If fuses and wiring are okay, try a system reset by disconnecting the battery for 10 minutes or using the head unit's software reset option. If the problem persists, it could be a software glitch or a failed internal component like the head unit or amplifier, which may require professional diagnosis.
Troubleshooting steps
This video demonstrates how to reset your Toyota radio head unit: 1mSteven WelchYouTube · Jul 4, 2025
- Check the fuses:
- Locate the fuse box, which may be under the dashboard or in the engine bay.
- Find the fuse labeled "RADIO," "AUDIO," or "INFOTAINMENT" and visually inspect it.
- Replace any blown fuse with one of the same amperage.
- Perform a system reset:
- Battery disconnect: Disconnect the negative battery terminal for at least 10 minutes to fully reset the system.
- Head unit reset: Try a soft reset by pressing and holding the power button for a few seconds until the screen goes blank and the system reboots. You may also find a reset option in the infotainment system's settings menu.
- Inspect wiring and connections:
- Carefully inspect the wiring harnesses behind the radio for any loose, damaged, or corroded connectors.
- If your model has an external amplifier, check its connections as well.
- Update the software:
- If your screen is frozen or unresponsive, a software glitch could be the cause. Download the latest software update from the Toyota website and install it using a USB drive.
- Seek professional help:
- If the above steps do not resolve the issue, the head unit, amplifier, or Integration Control Module may be faulty.
- A professional can use diagnostic tools to test the components and identify the specific problem.
How do I turn on the radio on my Toyota Highlander?
You do have your options you got a list of favorites. And then you can also select your tune mode where you can actually tune it in by the radio. Channel if you know the uh the station.
