Customize the CR-V’s infotainment display by using the touchscreen’s Settings: adjust brightness and dimming, switch between light and dark themes, manage language/units, and configure Apple CarPlay or Android Auto connections. In many trims you can also rearrange home-screen apps where supported. Custom wallpaper is generally not available.
The exact steps depend on your model year and trim, as Honda has updated the Display Audio system over time. This guide walks you through common options and points out year-by-year differences, with practical steps you can try on most CR-Vs today.
What you can customize on the CR-V screen
These are the standard customization options you’ll typically find in the CR-V’s infotainment system. Availability may vary by trim and software version.
- Brightness and auto-dimming to suit lighting conditions
- Display theme or appearance (light vs. dark mode, and sometimes auto-luminance)
- Language, units (miles/km), date and time formats
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, including connection/permission settings
- Home screen app layout, shortcuts, and, on supported models, rearranging icons
- Software updates for the infotainment system (via Settings or dealer service)
If certain options aren’t visible on your screen, it may be due to trim limitations or the current software version. wallpaper customization is not typically supported on Honda’s CR-V infotainment systems.
Model-year highlights and how to customize (by era)
2017–2019 CR-V: Early Display Audio systems
This era uses the original Display Audio interface with a 7-inch touchscreen on lower trims and a larger display on higher trims. Customization options are more basic, but you can still adjust core display settings and phone connections.
- Power on the vehicle and wake the infotainment display.
- Tap the Settings (gear) icon on the home screen.
- Select Display or Screen to adjust Brightness and Auto-Dim settings.
- If available, look for a Theme or Appearance option to switch between light and dark modes.
- For home-screen layout, press and hold an app icon (if the system supports it) to rearrange or remove icons; some trims may have a fixed layout.
- Set up smartphone integration by pairing Bluetooth for hands-free use, or connect Apple CarPlay/Android Auto via USB if your trim supports it; enable the corresponding option in Settings if present.
Note: On this early setup, customization options are more limited. If you don’t see a feature described above, it may not be supported on your specific trim or software version.
2020–2022 CR-V: Updated Display Audio with larger screens
During these years Honda refreshed the Display Audio interface, often offering a larger touchscreen and refined menu organization. You’ll find more intuitive display controls and more robust phone integration options.
- Open Settings from the home screen and navigate to Display or Screen.
- Adjust Brightness and Auto-Dim to your preference; enable Auto if you want the display to adapt automatically.
- Look for a Theme or Appearance option to choose light/dark modes; some models auto-switch based on time or environment.
- Manage the home screen layout by long-pressing app icons to rearrange them where supported, or add/remove favorites if your software allows it.
- Connect Apple CarPlay or Android Auto by plugging in or enabling wireless CarPlay/Android Auto if your trim supports it; configure permissions in the phone’s CarPlay/Android Auto settings as needed.
- If you need software updates, go to Settings > System Update (or similar) and follow prompts; a dealer visit may be required for major updates.
With these versions, you’ll generally have more control over layout and smoother integration with phones, though exact menu names can vary by trim and production date.
2023–present CR-V: Modern displays with wireless CarPlay/Android Auto
Current CR-V models often include wireless CarPlay/Android Auto on higher trims and an 8–9-inch touchscreen with clearer graphics and faster responses. Customization focuses on display preferences and seamless phone integration.
- Access Settings from the home screen and select Smartphone Connection or CarPlay/Android Auto settings.
- Enable and set up Apple CarPlay or Android Auto; choose wired or wireless connection based on your device and trim.
- From Display, adjust Brightness and Auto-Dim, and enable Dark Theme if available to reduce glare at night.
- Customize the home screen either by rearranging app icons (if supported) or by using any available “Favorites” or shortcut options.
- For software updates, use Settings > System Update or visit your dealer if an update is not delivered over-the-air.
- CarPlay/Android Auto usage is largely controlled by the phone’s apps; you can curate the apps visible on CarPlay/Android Auto from your phone’s settings, not directly from the car’s screen.
Newer Honda CR-Vs emphasize smartphone integration and cleaner display settings; features may still vary by trim level and regional market.
Summary
Customizing the Honda CR-V screen revolves around the infotainment Settings: adjust brightness, choose light or dark appearance, manage language and measurements, and configure Apple CarPlay or Android Auto connections. Depending on year and trim, you may also rearrange home-screen icons and update software. If a desired option isn’t visible, consult the owner's manual or contact a Honda dealer, as some features depend on software versions and regional specifications.