To change what you see on a 2020 Honda Civic, adjust the infotainment screen through Settings > Display and use the steering-wheel controls to switch the instrument-cluster screens. In short, you adjust the touchscreen display in its settings and cycle the dash information with the wheel controls.
In this guide, we break down how to customize two key areas: the central touchscreen infotainment display and the digital driver information display. You’ll learn how to change brightness, switch between light and dark themes, manage what information is shown on the dash, and how to navigate these options safely using the vehicle’s controls. Note that features can vary by trim level and the year’s software updates.
Infotainment display settings
Adjusting the main touchscreen display involves accessing the vehicle’s Settings menu and configuring visibility and appearance for day-to-day use.
- Tap the Home button on the touchscreen to bring up the main menu.
- Select Settings (or the gear icon) to open the system settings.
- Choose Display or Display Settings to access brightness, contrast, and theme options.
- Adjust the brightness slider; enable or disable Auto Brightness if your model supports it.
- Toggle Night/Dark Mode or any theme options available to suit daytime or nighttime driving.
- If your trim supports it, customize the home screen layout or app order within the Display Audio system.
After setting the infotainment display, your screen should reflect your preferred brightness, theme, and the arrangement of icons or apps you use most often. This helps reduce glare and makes navigation easier while driving.
Additional infotainment tips
For models with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, the appearance of those apps is typically governed by the phone and OS, but the system’s overall brightness and night mode can still be controlled from the Settings menu. If you notice any lag or unresponsiveness after changing settings, a quick system restart (turning the car off and back on) can help clear minor glitches.
Instrument cluster / driver information display
The driver information display (the digital gauge cluster) is controlled primarily by the steering wheel controls. You can switch what data is shown and how it’s laid out, depending on trim and software.
- Use the left-side steering-wheel controls (often labeled Menu, Mode, or Display) to cycle through the available instrument-screen views.
- Navigate through screens that show Trip A, Trip B, fuel economy, range, clock, and other driving data. Some trims offer multiple gauge layouts you can toggle with the View button.
- Select or confirm a preferred view using the same steering-wheel controls if your model supports a selection step.
- Adjust the instrument cluster brightness or dimming via the interior lighting controls or a dedicated dimmer setting if your car includes it.
By using these controls, you can customize the dash to emphasize the information you care about most—like current fuel economy or remaining range—without taking your eyes too far from the road. Always perform these adjustments while parked or at a safe stop if necessary.
Safety and usability tips
Display customization should be done with safety in mind. Use the controls on the steering wheel or the voice commands where available, and avoid making extensive changes while driving. If you rely on features like CarPlay/Android Auto, remember that those apps’ behavior can change with phone updates, so periodically review in-car display settings to ensure they still meet your needs.
Troubleshooting common display issues
If the display isn’t responding or you notice unexpected behavior, try these steps. They are general fixes and may vary by trim and software version.
- Restart the infotainment system by turning the ignition off and back on, or performing a soft reboot if your vehicle supports it.
- Check for any available software updates through the vehicle’s settings or from a dealer, as updates can fix display quirks.
- Verify that brightness and night-mode settings are not overridden by an automatic schedule or by a connected device setting.
- If problems persist, contact a Honda dealer or certified technician to inspect for firmware or hardware issues.
These steps cover the most common display-related problems and should resolve most ordinary malfunctions without needing professional service.
Summary
The Honda Civic 2020 allows you to tailor two main displays: the central infotainment screen and the digital instrument cluster. Use Settings > Display to adjust brightness, theme, and layout on the touchscreen, and use the steering wheel’s Menu/Mode controls to switch and customize the dash information. Trim differences may affect available options, so if something looks different on your car, consult the owner’s manual or visit a dealership for model-specific guidance. Keeping your display settings optimized can improve readability, reduce distraction, and enhance your overall driving experience.