Audio and Connectivity

Learn how to operate the vehicle’s audio system.

Basic Audio Operation

Connect audio devices and operate buttons and displays for the audio system.

■ USB Port

Connect a USB flash drive or other audio device, such as an iPod or iPhone*14. Install the flash drive or cable connector to the USB port.

On the back of the console compartment*1

The USB ports (2.5A) are only for charging devices.

■Auxiliary Input Jack

Connect the standard audio devices with a 1/8 inch (3.5 mm) stereo miniplug.
  1. Open the AUX cover.
  2. Insert the miniplug attached to the audio device into the jack. The audio system switches to AUX mode. Use the device to control the audio.

■Accessory Power Socket

Open the socket cover to use power when the vehicle is on.

Power sockets are located in the front console and inside the center console.

Notice Do not insert an automotive type cigarette lighter element. This can overheat the power socket.

■Steering Wheel Controls

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

SOURCE button: Cycle through available audio modes.

< / > : buttons: Change presets, tracks, albums, or folders.

: Change presets, tracks, albums, or folders.

+ / - buttons: Adjust audio volume.

: Adjust audio volume.

Menu button*: From the audio screen, press to choose options for the current audio mode. Use the +/- buttons and the SOURCE button to scroll and enter selections.

FM/AM/SiriusXM Radio

Press < or > for the next or previous station.

Press and hold < or > for the next or previous strong station.

CD/iPod/USB/Bluetooth Audio

Press < or > for the next or previous track.

Press and hold < or > for the next or previous folder (CD/USB).

Pandora (U.S. only)

Press > for the next song.

Press and hold < or > for the next or previous station.

■Adjusting the Sound

Adjust various sound settings.

Models with color audio system

Use the selector knob to make and enter selections.

  1. Press the Sound button.
  2. Select a sound mode to change, and adjust it using the selector knob.
  3. Press the Back button to exit the menu.

Models with display audio

Make selections using the touchscreen

  1. From the HOME screen, select Settings.
  2. Select Audio.
  3. Select Sound.
  4. Select the tabs to change the sound mode and adjust the setting.
  5. Select OK when complete.

Color Audio System

Use the buttons to control the display audio system.

2019 Ridgeline

Display Audio System

Use simple gestures-including touching, swiping and scrolling-to operate certain audio functions.

Some items may be grayed out during driving to reduce the potential for distraction. You can select them when the vehicle is stopped or use voice commands.

Wearing gloves may limit or prevent touchscreen response.

You can use the microfiber cleaning cloth included in the glove box kit to remove dust or fingerprints from the touchscreen.

Managing Apps

Models with Display Audio

Customize the Home screens by adding, moving, and hiding apps. Use presets to keep frequently used apps at your fingertips.

■Add Apps to a Home screen

  1. On the Home screen, Select and hold the home screen.
  2. Select Add.
  3. Drag and drop the icon to where you want it to be, Select OK.

■Move Apps

  1. On the Home screen, select and hold an icon.

  2. Drag and drop it where you would like it.

  3. Select OK.

■Hide Apps

  1. On the Home screen, select and hold an icon.

  2. Drag and drop it on the Hide icon.
  3. Select OK.

■Set Shortcuts

  1. On the Home screen, select and hold an icon.

  2. Drag and drop it the upper-left corner of the screen.

  3. Select OK.

HondaLink®

Models with Display Audio

Provides you with useful information about your vehicle directly from Honda.

To check phone compatibility, visit automobiles.honda.com/handsfreelink/ (U.S.) or call (888) 528-7876 (Canada). Standard data rates may apply with your phone service provider.

To get more information on HondaLink, visit www.hondalink.com (U.S.) or honda.ca/hondalink (Canada).

■HondaLink Connection

Follow the steps below to connect to HondaLink and use its features.

  1. Download the HondaLink Connect app to your compatible smartphone.
  2. Pair your phone to Bluetooth HandsFreeLink or see Pairing a Phone.

  3. From the HOME screen, select HondaLink.

  4. Certain features require you to send vehicle information to Honda. Select Enable Once, Always Enable, or Cancel.

■HondaLink Menu

Select a menu option.

Places*1: Displays restaurants, gas stations, and other locations. You can send a location to the navigation system and set a route.

Vehicle: Get instructional messages when your vehicle needs service.

Messages from Honda:Displays helpful and important information from Honda. If you have a new message, a yellow envelope icon appears at the top of the screen and a beep sounds. Swipe down to view the message.

Help & Support: Displays tips for vehicle usage, get roadside assistance, or contact customer service.

Weather: Displays a weekly five-day weather forecast for any location.

■Operator Assistance

HondaLink® Assist

Models with Display Audio

If your vehicle’s airbags deploy or if the unit detects that the vehicle is severely impacted, your vehicle automatically attempts to connect to an operator. Your phone must be paired to the system and have good cellular connection. Visit www.hondalink.com (U.S.) or honda.ca/hondalinkassist (Canada) for more information.**

Apple CarPlay™

Models with Display Audio

Connect an Apple CarPlay-compatible iPhone to the system. You can use the touchscreen to make a phone call, listen to music, and more. Visit the Apple CarPlay website for more information.

  1. Connect the iPhone to the front USB port (1.5A). See USB Port.
  2. Apple CarPlay requires you to send vehicle information to Honda. Select Enable Once, Always Enable, or Cancel. Your phone may prompt you to allow access for CarPlay to be launched.
  3. From the HOME screen, select Apple CarPlay.
  4. Select a menu option.

    Phone: Access your contacts, make phone calls, or listen to voicemail. While connected to Apple CarPlay, calls can only be made through Apple CarPlay, not through Bluetooth HandsFreeLink.

    Music: Play music stored on your iPhone.

    Maps: View a map and operate navigation. You can only use Apple CarPlay or the pre-installed navigation system to set a destination with routing guidance.

    Message: View and reply to text messages, or have messages read to you aloud by the system.

    Once connected, press and hold the Talk button on the steering wheel to operate the system using voice commands with Siri® Eyes Free or see Siri® Eyes Free.

Android Auto™

Models with Display Audio

Connect a compatible Android phone to the system. You can use the touchscreen to make a phone call, listen to music, and more. Visit the Android Auto website for more information.

Park in a safe place before connecting your Android smartphone and launching any compatible apps.

  1. Download the Android Auto app to your phone.
  2. Connect the phone to the front USB port (see USB Port). The phone is automatically paired. A tutorial also appears.
  3. From the HOME screen, select Android Auto.
  4. Android Auto requires you to send vehicle information to Honda. Select Enable Once, Always Enable, or Cancel.
    Notice When you first use Android Auto, a tutorial will appear on the screen. We recommend you complete this tutorial while safely parked before using Android Auto.
  5. Select a Menu Option.
    1. Maps (Navigation): View Google Maps and operate navigation. You can only use this system or the pre-installed navigation system to set a destination with routing guidance. You cannot enter destinations using the keyboard while the vehicle is moving.
    2. Phone (Communication): Make or receive phone calls or listen to voicemail. While connected to Android Auto, calls can only be made through Android Auto, not through Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®.
    3. Home (Google Now): Display useful information organized by Android Auto into simple cards that appear only when needed.
    4. Music: Play music from compatible apps. Select this icon to switch between music apps.
    5. Return to HOME Screen: Go back to the vehicle system HOME screen.
    6. Voice: Use voice commands via Google Voice Search to operate Android Auto. You can also press and hold the Talk button on the steering wheel to say voice commands.

Wi-Fi Connection

Models with Display Audio

You can connect the audio system to the internet using Wi-Fi and use online services through the touchscreen. If your compatible phone has hotspot capabilities, the system can be tethered to the phone. Follow the steps below to set up Wi-Fi when the vehicle is stopped. Standard data rates apply with your phone service provider.

  1. From the Home screen, select Settings.
  2. Select Bluetooth/Wi-Fi. Select the Wi-Fi tab.
  3. Select Wi-Fi On/Off Status, and select On.
  4. Select Wi-Fi Network List. Make sure your phone's Wi-Fi setting is in access point (tethering) mode.
  5. Select the network you want to connect to the system. If the phone you want to connect does not appear, select Scan.
  6. Select Connect.
  7. Enter a password for your phone. Select OK. The Wi-Fi symbol is displayed on the list when connection is successful.

FM/AM Radio

Play FM or AM radio stations.

Models with Color Audio

Models with Display Audio

SiriusXM® *1

Models with Display Audio

Available on a subscription basis only. For more information or to subscribe, contact your dealer, or visit www.siriusxm.com(U.S.) or www. sirius.ca(Canada).

To learn about additional features—such as multi-channel preset, replay, or SportsFlash—see your Owner’s Manual at owners.honda.com (U.S.) or myhonda.ca (Canada).

iPod®

Play and operate an iPod®*14 through the vehicle’s audio system. Connect your device to the USB port (see USB Port).

Models with Color Audio

Models with Display Audio

■Searching for Music

Models with Color Audio

Use the selector knob to search for tracks stored on the iPod.

Model with Display Audio

Use the touchscreen to search for tracks stored on the iPod.

  1. Use the touchscreen to search for tracks stored on the iPod.
  2. From the audio screen, press MENU.
  3. Select Music Search.
  4. Select a search option.
  5. Select the track you want to play.

On vehicles with navigation, you can also search for and play iPod music using Song By Voice™.

Pandora® *1

Models with Display Audio

Play and operate Pandora from your compatible phone through the vehicle’s audio system. Visit automobiles.honda.com/handsfreelink/ to check phone compatibility. Standard data rates apply with your phone service provider. Available in the U.S. only. Connect your phone when the vehicle is stopped.

For iPhone:

  • Connect via Bluetooth HandsFreeLink (see Pairing a Phone) or USB port (see USB Port).
  • A pop-up may appear on your phone requesting you to allow access for Pandora to be launched.
  • If you cannot operate Pandora through the audio system, it may be streaming through Bluetooth Audio. Make sure Pandora is selected on the audio system.
  • If Pandora still does not operate, try rebooting the phone and reconnecting the cable if necessary.

For other compatible smartphones:

USB Flash Drive

Play and operate a USB flash drive through the vehicle's audio system. Connect your device (see USB Port).

Models with Color Audio

Models with Display Audio

■USB Flash Drive - Models with color audio

USB Flash Drive

Play and operate a USB flash drive through the vehicle’s audio system. Only MP3, WMA, or AAC formats are supported. Connect your device to the USB port.

Searching for Music

Use the selector knob to search for tracks stored on the flash drive.

  1. From the audio screen, press the selector knob.
  2. Select a folder.
  3. Select the track you want to play.

■USB Flash Drive - Models with Display Audio

Play and operate a USB flash drive through the vehicle's audio system. Connect your device to the USB port (see USB Port).

Searching for Music

Use the touchscreen to search for tracks stored on the USB flash drive.

  1. From the audio screen, press MENU.
  2. Select Music Search.
  3. Select a folder.
  4. Select the track you want to play.

Bluetooth® Audio

Play streaming or stored audio from your compatible phone through the vehicle’s audio system. Visit automobiles.honda.com/handsfreelink/ (U.S.) or phone (888) 528-7876 (Canada) to check phone compatibility. Standard data rates apply with your phone service provider. Connect your phone to Bluetooth HandsFreeLink.

Models with Color Audio

Models with Display Audio

■Bluetooth® Audio - Models with color audio

Play streaming or stored audio from your compatible phone through the vehicle’s audio system. Connect your phone to Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®(see Pairing a Phone. Visit automobiles.honda.com/handsfreelink/ (U.S.) or call (888) 528- 7876 (Canada) to check phone compatibility. Standard data rates apply.

Searching for Music

Use the selector knob to search for tracks stored on the device.

Use the selector knob to search for tracks stored on the device.

  1. From the audio screen, press the selector knob.
  2. Select a category.
  3. Select the track you want to play.
    Note:
    • Make sure the volume on your phone is properly adjusted.
    • You may need to enable additional settings on your phone for playback.
    • The resume/pause function and remote audio controls are not supported on all phones.

■Bluetooth® Audio - Models with Display Audio

Play streaming or stored audio from your compatible phone through the vehicle’s audio system. Visit automobiles.honda.com/handsfreelink/ (U.S.) or call (888) 528-7876 (Canada) to check phone compatibility. Standard data rates apply with your phone service provider. Connect your phone to Bluetooth HandsFreeLink (see Pairing a Phone).

Searching for Music

Use the touchscreen to search for tracks stored on the device.
  1. From the audio screen, press MENU.
  2. Select Music Search.
  3. Select a search category.
  4. Select the track you want to play.
Note:
  • Make sure the volume on your phone is properly adjusted.
  • You may need to enable additional settings on your phone for playback.
  • The resume/pause function and remote audio controls are not supported on all phones.

Compact Disc (CD)*1

Models with Display Audio

The system supports audio CDs, CD-Rs, and CD RWs in MP3, WMA, or AA formats. Insert a CD to begin automatic payback.

Truck Bed Audio System *1

Models with Display Audio

Send audio system content to outside the vehicle by using the truck bed liner as a speaker.
  1. From the Home screen, select Truck Bed Audio.
  2. Select On or Off.