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If your SiriusXM radio is not working, the most common cause is a blocked satellite signal. Move to an open area away from garages, tunnels, and tall buildings, then wait a minute. If the radio still shows an error message or will not play, use the symptom-based fixescause is a blocked satellite signal. Move to an open area away from garages, tunnels, and tall buildings, then wait a minute. If the radio still shows an error message or will not play, use the symptom-based fixes below.

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Quick troubleshooting checklist

  • Move outside with a clear view of the skyve outside with a clear view of the sky.
  • Check that the antenna cable is firmly connectedCheck that the antenna cable is firmly connected.
  • Make sure your subscription is active on the official SiriusXM websiteMake sure your subscription is active on the official SiriusXM website.
  • Send a refresh signal from siriusxm.com/refresh while the radio is on outdoorsSend a refresh signal from siriusxm.com/refresh while the radio is on outdoors.
  • Try resetting the head unit if a message is stuck on the screen.
  • Try resetting the head unit if a message is stuck on the screen.

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Common problems and fixes

The antenna cannot see the sky. Drive into an open area away from tunnels, bridges, covered parking, mountains, tall buildings, and heavy foliage. For home radios, move the antenna near a window with a clear view of the sky. Check that the antenna cable is firmly connected.
The antenna or its cable may be loose or damaged. Reconnect the antenna securely. If the message stays after checking connections, the antenna may need to be replaced by a car audio installer or dealer.
The radio has not received your subscription authorization yet. Keep it on, park outside, and send a refresh signal from the official SiriusXM website.
The Radio ID may be typed wrong on your account, or the subscription expired. Recheck your Radio ID and your account status on the official SiriusXM site.
This means SiriusXM is updating the channel lineup. Channels may be added or removed. Wait for the update to finish. If it takes a long time, try turning the radio off and on again while outside.
If the message stays on the screen and the radio does not respond, try resetting the head unit. The method varies by car; common ways include holding the power button for 10 seconds or disconnecting the car battery for a few minutes. If the problem persists, contact your dealer.
Short dropouts near bridges, tunnels, and dense city streets are normal. Constant dropouts can mean a weak antenna connection or a failing antenna. Check the cable and consider antenna replacement if dropouts happen in open areas.
Try resetting the head unit and sending a refresh signal. If the error continues, the radio may need dealer service or replacement.

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What causes signal loss?

Tunnels, bridges, covered parking, mountains, tall buildings, and heavy foliage can briefly interrupt the satellite signal. This is normal. If you lose signal in wide open areas with no obstructions, the antenna or its connection may be faulty.

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Common problems and fixes

The antenna cannot see the sky. Drive into an open area away from tunnels, bridges, covered parking, mountains, tall buildings, and heavy foliage. For home radios, move the antenna near a window with a clear view of the sky. Check that the antenna cable is firmly connected.
The antenna or its cable may be loose or damaged. Reconnect the antenna securely. If the message stays after checking connections, the antenna may need to be replaced by a car audio installer or dealer.
The radio has not received your subscription authorization yet. Keep it on, park outside, and send a refresh signal from the official SiriusXM website.
The Radio ID may be typed wrong on your account, or the subscription expired. Recheck your Radio ID and your account status on the official SiriusXM site.
This means SiriusXM is updating the channel lineup. Channels may be added or removed. Wait for the update to finish. If it takes a long time, try turning the radio off and on again while outside.
If the message stays on the screen and the radio does not respond, try resetting the head unit. The method varies by car; common ways include holding the power button for 10 seconds or disconnecting the car battery for a few minutes. If the problem persists, contact your dealer.
Short dropouts near bridges, tunnels, and dense city streets are normal. Constant dropouts can mean a weak antenna connection or a failing antenna. Check the cable and consider antenna replacement if dropouts happen in open areas.
Try resetting the head unit and sending a refresh signal. If the error continues, the radio may need dealer service or replacement.

​
What causes signal loss?

Tunnels, bridges, covered parking, mountains, tall buildings, and heavy foliage can briefly interrupt the satellite signal. This is normal. If you lose signal in wide open areas with no obstructions, the antenna or its connection may be faulty.

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If that didn’t workIf that didn’t work

Contact SiriusXM customer care through listenercare.siriusxm.com or the official SiriusXM website and app. Have ready:Contact SiriusXM customer care through listenercare.siriusxm.com or the official SiriusXM website and app. Have ready:
  • Your Radio ID or VIN
  • The exact error message on the screen
  • Your account email or phone number
  • A note about where the problem happens (city, highway, specific location)
  • Your Radio ID or VIN
  • The exact error message on the screen
  • Your account email or phone number
  • A note about where the problem happens (city, highway, specific location)

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Frequently asked questions

Check the antenna connection. The antenna may be loose, damaged, or failing. If the connection is secure and the message continues, the antenna may need replacementCheck the antenna connection. The antenna may be loose, damaged, or failing. If the connection is secure and the message continues, the antenna may need replacement.
Yes, in many cases. Check that the antenna cable is firmly plugged in. If the message persists after reconnecting, contact a car audioYes, in many cases. Check that the antenna cable is firmly plugged in. If the message persists after reconnecting, contact a car audio installer or dealer.
Satellite signals cannot pass through solid structures. Brief dropouts under bridges, in tunnels, or near tall buildings are normalSatellite signals cannot pass through solid structures. Brief dropouts under bridges, in tunnels, or near tall buildings are normal.
A head unit reset can fix stuck messages like “Preparing SiriusXM Radio.” Check your owner’s manual for the correct reset procedure for your vehicleA head unit reset can fix stuck messages like “Preparing SiriusXM Radio.” Check your owner’s manual for the correct reset procedure for your vehicle.
Log in to your account on the official SiriusXM website or app to check your plan status and renewal dateLog in to your account on the official SiriusXM website or app to check your plan status and renewal date.
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.