Listening to the radio via a smartphone with wireless headphones is convenient, but it is not always obvious how to do it correctly. Many users encounter problems: the sound is interrupted, the battery drains too quickly, and some applications generally refuse to work with Bluetoothheadsets. In this article, we will look at all the nuances - from choosing apps to fine-tuning the connection so that the radio sounds clearly, without delays and drains the phone minimally.

It is important to understand that Android devices they do not always support FM radio out of the box: it all depends on the smartphone model and the availability of physical chip. However, even without it, you can listen to online radio stations via the Internet - the main thing is to correctly configure the sound transmission to TWS headphones (for example, AirPods, Sony WF-1000XM4 or Xiaomi Buds). We tested several methods and collected working solutions for different scenarios.

Checking FM radio support on your smartphone

Before downloading applications, make sure that your phone is capable of receiving FM signal. Many modern flagships (for example Samsung Galaxy S23 or Google Pixel 7) lack a hardware FM chip, while budget models (Redmi 12, Samsung Galaxy A14) often retain it. You can check this in two ways:

  • 🔍 Through the specifications: find the model of your phone on the manufacturer's website or in the service GSMArena - in the "Radio" section it should indicate "FM radio".
  • 📱 Practical test: download the application NextRadio (available in Google Play) - it will automatically determine whether your device has an FM module.

If there is no chip, do not be discouraged: online radio via the Internet often sounds better, and the choice of stations is wider. But keep in mind that in this case you will need a stable network connection (3G/4G/5G or Wi-Fi) and a tariff with sufficient traffic.

⚠️ Attention: On some smartphones (for example, OnePlus or Oppo) the FM chip can be disabled at the software level even if physically present. In this case, only firmware with radio support will help (for example, custom) radio receiver LineageOS).
📊 How do you usually listen to the radio?
Via FM on your phone
Online via the Internet
From an old radio
I don’t listen to the radio

Top 5 applications for listening to radio on Android

The choice of app depends on what type of radio you prefer: local FM stations or Internet broadcasting We have selected the best options with support Bluetooth headphones and minimal delays. sound.

Application Radio type Bluetooth support Features
NextRadio FM (hardware) Yes (with a delay of ~1 sec) Works only with supported chips, shows song covers
TuneIn Radio Online + FM Yes (stable) 100,000+ stations, podcasts, premium version without excess water
Radio Garden Online Yes Unique interface with "globe", stations from anywhere in the world
Diaspora.fm Online Yes Minimalistic design, low traffic consumption
Simple Radio Online + FM Yes Light (10 MB), works on older Androids, has an alarm clock

For FM radio best choice - NextRadio (if there is a chip) or Simple Radio. For Internet stations we recommend TuneIn Radio due to the huge database and stable operation with Bluetooth 5.0+. If the atmosphere is important to you, try Radio Garden - it allows you to “travel” through the stations by rotating the virtual globe.

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Before launching the FM radio application for the first time, connect wired headphones (even if you plan to use wireless ones) - they often act as an antenna to improve reception.

Step-by-step radio setup with wireless headphones

Let's look at the universal instructions for both types of radio (FM and online). The main rule: connect the headphones first, and only then launch the application - this will minimize failures.

  1. Connect the headphones:
    • Open Settings → Bluetooth on your phone.
    • Activate pairing mode on the headphones (usually hold the power button for 3-5 seconds).
    • Select a device from the list of available ones. For TWS headphones (for example, JBL Live 300) wait for connection. both ears.
  2. Launch the application:
    • For FM: open NextRadio, allow access to the microphone (needed to scan stations) and wait for automatic channel search.
    • For online radio: TuneIn or Radio Garden select a station from the catalog.
  • Adjust the sound:
    • On headphones, activate the "Low Latency" mode (Low Latency), if it is available (for example, in Sony WH-1000XM5).
    • In Android settings, open Sound → Quality sound and select Adaptive or HD audio (if supported).

    Are headphones connected to the phone?|Is Bluetooth enabled in the settings?|Is access to the microphone allowed (for FM)?|Has a station with a good signal been selected?-->

    If the sound is interrupted, try:

    • 🔄 Reconnect the headphones (sometimes resetting the connection helps).
    • 📶 For FM: change the position of the phone - the signal may improve or on the balcony.
    • 🌐 For online radio: switch from mobile data on Wi-Fi or vice versa.

    How to reduce sound delay in Bluetooth headphones

    Audio delay (latency) is the main problem when listening to radio through wireless headphones, especially on budget models. It occurs due to codecs Bluetooth (for example, SBC or AAC) and can reach 200-300 ms. Here's how to reduce it:

    1. Use a low latency codec:

    • 🎧 aptX Low Latency (supported in Sony WH-1000XM4, Bose QuietComfort 45) - delay ~40 ms.
    • 🎧 LC3 (new standard for Bluetooth 5.2+) - up to 20 ms, but requires support by both phone and headphones.

    To enable the desired codec: 

    Settings → Bluetooth → Click on the connected headphones → Audio codec → Select aptX LL or LC3

    2. Optimize Android settings:

    • 🛠️ Enable Developer mode (click 7 times on Build number in Settings → About phone).
    • 🛠️ In the developer menu, find Debugging Bluetooth AVRCP i select version 1.6.
    • 🛠️ Disable Absolute Bluetooth volume (may cause conflicts).
    Why is the delay higher on FM radio than online stations?

    FM radio transmits audio in real time without buffering, while online radio uses a 2-5 second buffer, which "absorbs" small Bluetooth delays.

    ⚠️ Attention: On some smartphones (for example, Xiaomi with iOS MIUI) codec aptX may not work even when supported by headphones. In this case, resetting Bluetooth settings or installing alternative firmware will help.

    Battery saving during long-term listening

    Listen to the radio through Bluetooth —means wasting the charge of both the phone and the headphones. Here's how to extend autonomous operation:

    For the phone:

    • 🔋 Turn on Economy mode batteries (will limit background activity).
    • 📴 Turn off mobile data if you listen to FM radio (online stations require a network).
    • 🌑 Reduce screen brightness or activate Dark theme.

    For headphones:

    • 🎧 Disable noise reduction (ANC) - it eats up to 30% of the charge.
    • 🎧 Use one earphone (mono mode) if stereo is not essential.
    • 🎧 For AirPods: disable Automatic switching of devices in iCloud settings (if connected to iPhone).
    Device Operating time (FM) Operating time (online)
    Samsung Galaxy A54 + Galaxy Buds2 Pro 12-14 hours 8-10 hours
    Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 + Redmi Buds 4 15-18 hours 6-8 hours
    Google Pixel 6 + Pixel Buds Pro No FM 5-7 hours
    💡

    FM radio uses up your phone's battery 1.5-2 times slower than online broadcasting, since it does not require constant data transmission over the network.

    Solving common problems

    Even after correct configuration, failures may occur. Let's look at typical situations and ways to correct them.

    1. The sound is interrupted or disappears:

    • 🔌 For FM: check if the phone case is blocking the antenna (usually located at the top). Try connecting wired headphones as an antenna, even if you listen via Bluetooth.
    • 🌐 For online radio: switch to another station server in the application settings (for example, in TuneIn you can select Low quality for stability).

    2. Headphones connect, but there is no sound:

    • 🔊 Check if the sound is turned on through the phone speaker: open the notification panel and make sure that the source is selected Bluetooth.
    • 🔄 Restart the radio application - sometimes it “forgets” to switch to wireless devices.

    3. Severe interference on FM:

    • 📡 Install the application Spirit FM —it allows you to manually adjust the sensitivity of the chip.
    • 📱 Change the orientation of the phone: sometimes a vertical position improves reception.
    ⚠️ Attention: On some smartphones (Huawei, Honor) after updating to EMUI 13+ support for FM radio may disappear. This is due to the manufacturer's policy of removing "obsolete" features. In this case, only online broadcasting remains.

    Alternative ways to listen to the radio without a smartphone

    If your phone does not support FM and Internet traffic is limited, consider these options:

    • 📻 Portable FM receiver: devices like Sony ICF-P26 or Tecsun PL-330 catch a signal without a phone, and some models (for example, Sangean WR-22) have output to Bluetoothspeakers.
    • 🚗 Car radio: if in the car yes Bluetooth, connect headphones to it via an adapter FM transmitter (for example, Nulaxy KM18).
    • 💻 Computer + Bluetooth: listen to online radio through a browser on your laptop, and transmit the sound to headphones are suitable. streaming radio and wireless audio transmission - ideal for use in the kitchen or bedroom. Radio.net.

    For lovers of a retro atmosphere there is even smart radio alarm clocks With Bluetooth, For example, Lenovo Smart Clock. They combine FM radio, streaming radio and wireless audio - ideal for use in the kitchen or bedroom.

    FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

    Can I listen to FM radio without headphones?

    Technically yes, but the quality reception will deteriorate: headphones often act as an antenna. Some phones (for example Samsung Galaxy S20) have a built-in antenna, but the signal will be weaker. For better reception, use at least one wired headphone (you don’t have to connect it to the jack - just place it next to the phone).

    Why online radio is slow even though the Internet stable?

    The reasons may be different:

    • The station server is overloaded - try another channel.
    • The application uses an outdated protocol - update it or clear the cache (Settings → Applications → [name] → Memory → Clear cache).
    • VPN or firewall is blocking the stream - turn them off while listening.

    How to record radio broadcasts on your phone?

    To record an FM stream:

    1. Use the application FM Radio Recorder (requires rootaccess on some devices).
    2. Connect headphones - they will improve the recording quality.
    3. Set the bitrate no higher 128 kbit/sso as not to overload the processor.

    Any screen recorder is suitable for online radio (for example, AZ Screen Recorder), but keep in mind that the recording will include system sounds.

    You can Is it possible to listen to the radio via Smart Watch?

    Yes, but with reservations:

    • 🌍 Apple Watch or Wear OS (for example, Samsung Galaxy Watch 6) can broadcast online radio via Bluetoothheadphones if connected to a phone.
    • 🚫 FM radio on the watch does not work independently (without a smartphone) - there is no hardware chip.
    • 🔊 Some smart watches (for example, Garmin Venu 2) support offline downloading of podcasts, but not real-time radio.

    Why in headphones Can you hear interference, but there is none in the phone speaker?

    This is due to Bluetooth interference immunity. The wireless signal is sensitive to:

    • 📶 Congested airwaves (many devices on 2.4 GHz —routers, microwaves).
    • 🔋 Low headphone charge - at a level below 20%, clicks may appear.
    • 🛠️ Codec incompatibility (for example, SBC on old headphones).

    Solution: switch to a codec AAC (less susceptible to interference) or use headphones with support Bluetooth 5.0+.