Skip to main content
Use your SiriusXM radio in the car to browse channels, save favorites, and enjoy your subscription on the road. This guide covers finding channels, setting presets, activating a trial in a new or used vehicle, and moving your service to a different car.

​
Find and Save Channels

1

Browse channels

Press the Channel or Category button on your radio to scroll through music, sports, news, and talk channels.
2

Save a preset

Tune to the channel you want, then press and hold a Preset button until you hear a confirmation tone or see a saved indicator.
3

Recall a preset

Press the saved Preset button to jump directly to that channel.
Many factory radios let you save more presets by holding additional buttons or using a favorites list in the audio menu.

​
Activate a Trial in a New or Used Car

New and certified pre-owned vehicles often include a SiriusXM trial. To activate it:
1

Find your Radio ID

Tune to channel 0 or 1 on your radio to display the Radio ID (also called ESN or SID). Write it down.
2

Start the trial online

Go to the SiriusXM activation page and enter your Radio ID, then follow the prompts to begin listening.
If your used car shows a previous subscriber’s channels, you may need to refresh the signal or contact support to start a new trial.

​
Transfer Service to a New Car

If you change vehicles, you can move your subscription to the new radio:
1

Get the new Radio ID

Tune to channel 0 or 1 in your new car and write down the Radio ID.
2

Update your account

Sign in to your SiriusXM account online and use the transfer option, or contact support with both the old and new Radio IDs.
3

Refresh the signal

After transferring, request a signal refresh at siriusxm.com/refresh and keep the radio tuned to channel 1 or 184 for several minutes with a clear view of the sky.
Satellite reception requires a clear view of the sky. Tunnels, parking garages, and dense tree cover can block the signal and cause audio dropouts.