FM radio on Android smartphones is gradually becoming a rarity: manufacturers remove the application from the firmware, disable the chip in new models, or hide the function in the depths of the system. But if your phone physically supports an FM receiver (and this 80% of devices until 2022 releaseis), it can be brought back to life - even without root access. In this article we will analyze all the current methods: from basic settings to working with ADB and third-party firmware.

It is important to understand: the problem is not always in the software. For example, Samsung Galaxy S22+ and newer have lost the hardware FM module, and in Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 the radio is disabled at the level of regional firmware. We will focus on devices where the chip is present but blocked by software. If you are not sure about the availability of the module, check the specifications of your model on the manufacturer's website or through the app CPU-Z (section Sensors).

Spoiler: the most reliable method is to use the application NextRadio with official Qualcomm support, but it only works on chipsets Snapdragon and requires activation through ADB. For devices on Mediatek or Exynos you will have to look for workarounds.

1. Checking hardware support for FM radio

Before trying to restore the radio, make sure that your smartphone is physically capable of receiving it. "Radio", this does not mean the absence of a module.

How to check:

  • 🔍 Through the specifications: Find your model on GSMArena or the official website of the brand. Look for the line "FM radio" in the section Comms. For example, Redmi 9A has FM, and Google Pixel 7 —no.
  • 📱 Application CPU-Z: Install the utility from Play Market, open the tab SensorsIf available. line FM Receiver —the module is present.
  • 🛠️ Disassembly (for advanced): On the motherboard, look for a chip marked QFE1100 (Qualcomm) or MT6628 (Mediatek). Their presence confirms support.

If the check shows the absence of a module, further actions are pointless. For such cases, an alternative is Internet radio (applications TuneIn Radio, Radio Garden) or external FM transmittersconnected via USB-C.

📊 Does your smartphone support FM radio?
Yes, but it is disabled
Yes, and it works
No, there is no module
I don’t know, not checked

2. Enabling FM radio through standard settings

On some devices (especially budget ones Xiaomi, Realme, Nokia), the radio is simply hidden in the menu. Try these steps:

  1. Open Open Settings → Applications → All applications.
  2. In the list, find FM Radio or Radio (may be called Broadcast).
  3. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner → Show on the main screen.
  4. Return to the desktop - a shortcut should appear.

If the application is not in the list, try an alternative way:

  • 📻 Dial the code in your phone dialer: ##36446337## (for Mediatek).
  • 🔢 For Qualcomm use: ##7780## (does not reset settings!).
  • 🔄 After entering, reboot the device and check the appearance of the radio.
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On some firmware MIUI the radio is hidden in the application Mi Music. Open it, swipe left to the "Radio" section or tap on the antenna icon in the upper right corner.

If the standard methods do not work, go to the next section - there we will look at third-party applications and ADB.

3. third-party applications for FM radio

Even if the native application is removed, you can use third-party solutions. The main condition is the presence of a hardware FM module. The best options:

Application Chipset support Does it require? ADB Features
NextRadio Qualcomm Snapdragon Yes (for activation) Official solution with RDS support
Spirit FM Qualcomm, Mediatek (partially) No Works without the Internet, but may require root
FM Radio (by Simple Tools) Universal No Simple interface, but limited functionality
Quick FM Mediatek (Helio) Sometimes Supports recording air

For NextRadio (the most reliable option) do:

  1. Download the application from Play Market.
  2. Connect headphones (they act as an antenna!).
  3. If the radio does not turn on, activate it via ADB (instructions in the next section).

Spirit FM is suitable for devices without Snapdragon, but may require unlocking the bootloader or root access on new firmware Before installation, check compatibility on XDA Developers.

Why does NextRadio require ADB?

Manufacturers block access to the FM chip at the software level. The ADB command unlocks this access, simulating permission from the system. It is safe and does not violate. guarantee.

4. Activation of FM radio via ADB (without root)

If the standard methods do not work, and the application NextRadio asks you to "unlock the FM chip", you will need Android Debug Bridge (ADB)This is an official tool from Google that does not require. root access.

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Download Platform Tools (official package from Google).
  2. Enable on your phone USB debugging (Settings → About phone → Build number - tap 7 times, then return c Settings → System → For developers).
  3. Connect your phone to the PC, open the command line in the folder c platform-tools and run:
adb devices

(Your device should appear. If not, install the drivers.)

adb shell pm grant com.nextradio.nextradioandroid android.permission.READ_PRIVILEGED_PHONE_STATE

For devices on Mediatek an additional command may be required:

adb shell settings put global fmradio_on 1

After completing the commands, restart the phone and try again open NextRadio. If the radio worked, the problem was in the software lock.

Install Platform Tools|Enable USB debugging|Connect the original cable|Check device detection with the adb devices command|Make a backup data

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⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (for example, ColorOS 13+ or One UI 5.1) ADB commands may be reset after updating the system. In this case, the procedure will have to be repeated.

5. Restoring FM radio through custom firmware

If none of them methods did not help, and the radio is critical - consider installing custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience). This method is suitable for advanced users and requires:

  • 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (bootloader).
  • 📥 Compatible firmware for your model (check at XDA or 4PDA).
  • 🔧 Firmware utility (TWRP, Fastboot).

Advantages of custom firmware:

  • 🎛️ Full control over system functions, including FM radio.
  • 🚀 No bloat or unnecessary manufacturer restrictions.
  • 🔄 Regular updates (unlike abandoned official firmware).

Risks:

  • ⚠️ Loss of warranty (if the bootloader is unlocked).
  • ⚠️ Possibility of "bricking" the device in case of an error.
  • ⚠️ Not all functions (for example, Widevine L1 for Netflix in HD) can work.

For beginners, we recommend firmware based on AOSP (for example, ArrowOS), where FM radio is usually turned on by default. Before installing the firmware, be sure to make a backup via TWRP!

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Custom. firmware is an extreme method. Before installing, check reviews from users of your model on the forums. Some firmware may not support FM due to lack of drivers.

6. Alternatives to FM radio on Android

If it was not possible to restore FM, consider alternatives:

  • 🌍 Internet radio: Applications TuneIn Radio, Radio Garden or DAB Radio (for digital radio). The downside is traffic consumption.
  • 📡 External FM transmitters: Devices like Nulaxy KM18 connect via USB-C or Bluetooth and convert the phone into a receiver.
  • 🎧 Headphones with FM: Some models (for example, Sony MDR-EX155AP) have a built-in FM receiver with its own chip.
  • 📻 Portable radios: Compact devices like Tecsun PL-330 do not depend on a smartphone and operate on batteries.

For Internet radio it is useful to know:

  • 📶 To reduce traffic consumption, use VLC for streaming with bitrate 64 kbit/s.
  • 🔋 In Saving traffic mode (in the mobile network settings), some applications block background playback.
  • 🎵 For offline listening, download podcasts via Podcast Addict or Google Podcasts.

If FM is fundamentally important to you (for example, for receiving local stations when traveling), an external transmitter is the optimal solution. Its price starts from 800 rubles, and the reception quality is often better than that of the built-in module.

7. Frequent errors and their solutions

When restoring an FM radio, users encounter typical problems. Here's how to solve them:

Error Cause Solution
"FM chip not detected" Driver disabled in firmware Use ADB or custom firmware
"No sound when you turn on the radio" Headphones (antenna) are not connected Connect headphones or use an adapter USB-C → 3.5 mm
"The radio application is not in the Play Market" Regional restrictions Download APK from APKMirror or use VPN
"Radio only works with headphones" Hardware limitation (antenna in cord) Buy FM transmitter with external antenna
"After the update, the radio disappeared" The manufacturer disabled the function Rollback to old firmware or ADB-activation

Critical information: On devices with chipsets Exynos (for example, Samsung Galaxy S21 FE) FM radio is often blocked at the kernel level. In this case, neither ADBnor custom firmware will help - only external solutions.

⚠️ Attention: If, after manipulating with ADB or firmware, the phone stops turning on ("brick"), do not try to repeat the steps. Contact the service center indicating the reason (“attempt to activate FM radio”). In 90% of cases, the device is restored through EDL mode.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

My phone is a Samsung Galaxy A52. Is it possible to restore an FM radio on it?

Galaxy A52 (2021 models) has an FM chip, but it is disabled in the firmware. Try:

  1. Install NextRadio and activate via ADB (command from section 4).
  2. If it doesn’t work, flash One UI versions for Latin America (where the radio is enabled by by default).

On Galaxy A53 (2022) and newer there is physically no FM chip.

Do you need root access to restore FM radio?

In 90% of cases - no. Enough ADB or third-party applications. Root may only be needed for:

  • Installing modified FM drivers on Mediatek.
  • Changing system files (for example, build.prop) on old Androids.

On new versions of Android (12+), root often breaks SafetyNetwhich blocks banking applications.

Why does FM radio only work with headphones?

In most smartphones, the headphone cord acts as an antenna. Without them the signal is too weak. Solutions:

  • Use headphones with 3.5 mm a connector (even without a microphone).
  • For devices without a connector, buy an adapter USB-C → 3.5 mm (for example, from Google or OnePlus).
  • Purchase an external FM transmitter with its own antenna.

On some phones (for example, Xiaomi Poco X3the radio also works through the speaker, but the quality reception is worse.

Is it possible to listen to FM radio without the Internet?

Yes, this is the main advantage of FM over Internet radio. For offline listening:

  • Activate FM through any methods from the article.
  • Connect headphones (required!).
  • Launch the application (for example, NextRadioand select a station.

No traffic is consumed, since the signal is received directly through the chip, as in a regular radio receiver.

After updating Android, the radio disappeared How. return?

Manufacturers often disable FM in new firmware versions. Options:

  1. Rollback to the old one version: Find archived firmware for your model on 4PDA or SamMobile (for Samsung).
  2. ADB activation: Repeat the commands from section 4 - sometimes it helps even after updating.
  3. Custom firmware: Install LineageOS or other firmware with FM support.

Before rolling back, make a backup via TWRP or adb backup!