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Your Radio ID (also called ESN or RID) is the unique code SiriusXM uses to unlock channels on your radio. The fastest way to find it is to tune your radio to channel 0, where the ID appears on the display. Newer systems use an 8-character alphanumeric ID; some older ones use a 12-digit number. Some vehicles have two IDs: one for audio and one for data or traffic.

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Quick ways to find your Radio ID

  • Tune to channel 0 in SiriusXM or SAT mode.
  • Press and hold the SAT or ESN button on some radios.
  • Check the radio menu under System Info or Subscription.
  • Look for a sticker on the radio, dock, or original packaging.
Copy the ID carefully. The letter O and the number 0, or the letter I and the number 1, are easy to mix up.

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Step-by-step methods

1

Check channel 0

Switch to SiriusXM or SAT mode and tune to channel 0. The Radio ID is shown on the display. On some systems it appears automatically; on others you may need to wait a few seconds.
2

Try the SAT or ESN button

On some radios, press and hold the SAT or ESN button for a few seconds to reveal the Radio ID. This is common on certain factory and aftermarket systems.
3

Look in your car's settings

If channel 0 does not show it, open the radio or infotainment Settings menu and look for a SiriusXM, system information, or subscription screen.
4

Check the radio label or box

On portable and aftermarket radios, the ID is often printed on a sticker on the radio, the vehicle dock, or the original packaging.

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How to find your Radio ID by car brand

These methods come from official SiriusXM help documentation. If your brand is not listed, tune to channel 0 first, then check your owner’s manual for the exact menu path.

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Don’t have the Radio ID?

For many factory-installed car radios, the official SiriusXM activation page lets you use your vehicle identification number (VIN) instead. The VIN is usually printed at the bottom of the windshield on the driver’s side and in your registration documents. The official activation page asks, “Please enter your Radio ID or VIN.”

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What the Radio ID looks like

  • Newer systems: 8-character alphanumeric ID.
  • Older radios: 12-digit numeric ID.
  • Some vehicles: two separate IDs, one for audio and one for data or traffic services.

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What to do next

Use your Radio ID to complete XM radio activation or to refresh your radio.

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Frequently asked questions

Try the SAT or ESN button, or navigate through your radio settings to the system information screen. Some newer infotainment systems hide the ID in a menu rather than on channel 0.
Yes, for many factory-installed radios. Enter your VIN on the official SiriusXM activation page. The VIN can be found on the driver’s side windshield or in your registration.
Some vehicles have one ID for audio and a second ID for data or traffic services. You usually need the audio ID for activation.
Check the bottom or back of the radio for a sticker, or look on the original packaging. You can also try tuning to channel 0 if the device has a display.
Tune to channel 0 or check the radio menu. If the display is broken and the label is unreadable, contact SiriusXM customer care through the official site with your VIN.
This is an independent, unofficial guide. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by Sirius XM Holdings Inc. Always complete activation, payments, and account changes on the official SiriusXM website or app, and never share card details on third-party sites.