While most modern smartphones have a built-in FM radio chip, many manufacturers and service providers disable this feature by default. This guide will show you how to activate the FM receiver on an Android phone using a free app, allowing you to listen to local radio stations without using mobile data. Note that not all Android devices have a compatible and unlockable FM chip.
How to enable the FM radio on your Android device
This guide will walk you through installing the NextRadio app and using it to scan for and play local FM radio stations directly on your compatible smartphone.
- Open the Google Play Store app, which has an icon of a colorful triangle.
- In the search bar at the top, type
NextRadioand press search. - From the search results, tap on the app named NextRadio Free Live FM Radio, which is identified by a blue radio icon.
- Tap the green Install button to download and install the app on your device.
- Once installed, open NextRadio. You can do this by tapping the Open button in the Google Play Store or by finding the new blue radio icon on your home screen or in your apps drawer.
- If your device is compatible, a message will appear that says “Lucky You! Your device is FM enabled so you can enjoy live, local FM radio”.
- Plug in your wired headphones, which are required to act as an antenna. After they are connected, swipe left on the screen to continue.
- Tap the white button at the bottom of the screen that says I’m Ready!. The app will begin searching for local stations.
- If a pop-up appears, tap Allow to grant NextRadio permission to access your device’s location to find nearby stations.
- At the top of the screen, you can choose between Local FM Radio or Local Streams to see the list of available stations.
- Tap on any station in the list to begin playback. It may take a few moments for the station to load and start playing through your headphones.
- To play the audio through your phone’s speaker instead, tap the button with three vertical dots ( ⋮ ) in the upper-right corner and select Output to Speaker.
Activating your phone’s dormant FM chip provides a reliable, data-free source of entertainment and information. Unlike streaming apps that consume your data plan and battery life, listening to FM radio is much more efficient. This can be particularly useful when you are trying to conserve data or are in an area with poor cellular service.
Furthermore, the FM radio can be a critical tool during emergencies. When cellular networks are congested or down, FM broadcasts often remain operational, providing vital news, weather alerts, and instructions from local authorities. Having access to this feature ensures you stay connected and informed when it matters most.
