Why Xiaomi smartphones are not FM-7 Reasons and 5 Ways to Listen to Radio Without Internet

You bought a new Xiaomi smartphone and were surprised to find that it does not have any FM-Even in the budget models of Redmi or POCO This functionality is often missing, even though older button phones and many other Android devices from other brands have defaulted on radio?

In fact, the absence FM-Xiaomi’s current smartphone module is not an accident, but a deliberate strategy.In this article, we’ll discuss 7 key reasons why the manufacturer abandoned radio, and show 5 working ways to listen to air stations without the Internet (including hidden features). MIUI). Find out which Xiaomi models are supported FM, What to do if the radio Suddenly disappeared after the update.

Spoiler: it's not just about saving on parts. And yes, 90 percent of the time, hardware support. FM You have a smartphone, but it's software-enabled -- and you can get around it. Read on to find out how to do it.

1.Technical reasons: why Xiaomi is taking down FM-smartphone

Myth: There is no place in smartphones for FM-In fact, the radio hardware is already built into most of the Qualcomm and Mediatek processors that Xiaomi uses. 4xx/6xx/7xx support FM out of the box, but the manufacturer doesn't activate this feature in the firmware?

Here are 3 key technical reasons:

• 🔌 Conflict with 4G/5G antennae. FM-radio uses the same antenna circuit as mobile communications. In budget smartphones (e.g. Redmi). 9A or POCO M3) One headphone connector acts as an antenna, but with active 4G/5G Xiaomi opted to drop the feature to avoid complaints of interference.
• 📶 Lack of certification for legal broadcasting FM-Radio in some countries (e.g. the EU) requires certification of the device as a radio receiver, and Xiaomi saves on this by releasing "universal" firmware without radio support.
• 🔋 Energy consumption. FM-chip-size 10-15 MA per hour – it seems a little, but in the race for autonomy (especially in models with a battery) 3000-4000 mAh) every milliamper counts.

Interesting fact: in Xiaomi Mi A2 (2018) FM-The radio was in firmware, but after upgrading to Android 10, it disappeared, which confirms that the problem is not hardware, but software limitations.

2.Economic and Marketing Reasons: Why Xiaomi Doesn't Want Radio in Phones

Technical limitations are just the tip of the iceberg. FM Xiaomi is a business strategy company. Here are 4 key factors:

1. Xiaomi is actively developing Mi Music and partnerships with streaming platforms (for example, Spotify in global firmware). FM-Radio distracts users from these services, where the company makes money from advertising and subscriptions.
2. Market segmentation: China (Main Market of Xiaomi) FM-Radio is almost in demand due to the developed Internet, the company optimizes firmware for priority regions, ignoring the requests of countries with poor coverage (for example, Russia, India, Latin America).
3. It's cheaper to make, even if the chip supports it. FM, To activate it, you need additional tests and antenna tuning. Xiaomi saves on this, especially in budget lines (Redmi Note, POCO M).
4. Smartphones without a 3.5mm connector (such as the Xiaomi 12 or Mix 4) cannot physically use headphones as an antenna for the purpose of using the device. FM. The company is gradually abandoning the audiojack, which makes the radio meaningless.

In India, for example, the Redmi 9 Prime) FM-But radio is still present, because of the high demand in regions with unstable Internet, which proves that the decision to shut down radio is based on the market, not on technical constraints.

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If you buy Xiaomi for out-of-town travel, check availability FM The same model may or may not have a radio depending on the region of sale.

3. What Xiaomi models still support FM-radio (list 2026)

Despite the general trend, some Xiaomi smartphones still retain the FM-radio, usually:

• 📱 Budget models for emerging markets (India, Latin America, Africa).
• 📱 Devices with a 3.5 mm connector (radio antenna).
• 📱 Smartphones on Mediatek (for example, Helio) G85 or G95), where FM more frequently activated by default.

Current list of models with FM-radio (as of 2026):

⚠️ Note: Even if your model is on the list, FM-For example, in the Redmi Note 11 for Russia, there is no radio, although in the Indian version of the same model it is.

4. How to turn on FM-Radio on Xiaomi, if it is disabled in the firmware

If your smartphone supports hardware FM, but the function is hidden in MIUI, There are 3 ways to activate it:

Method 1: Through a Hidden Menu MIUI

Some firmware hides the radio app, but doesn't remove it completely.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on three dots in the upper right corner and select Show All Apps.
3. Find it. FM Radio and turn it on.

Method 2: Installation of a third party APK

If the standard application is removed, download it. APK FM Radio for Xiaomi (e.g. from here:

• 🔹 It only works on Qualcomm and Mediatek chips with hardware support FM.
• 🔹 Root rights are required for some models (e.g, POCO X3).
• 🔹 Xiaomi. 11/12/13 The series does not work due to lack of a connector 3.5 mm.

Method 3: Custom firmware ROM

Advanced users can install firmware with support FM, for example:

• LineageOS (for most Xiaomi models)
• Pixel Experience (activated by the FM on Qualcomm chips).

⚠️ Warning: Unofficial firmware can disrupt work NFC Or cameras. Before you install it, back up through the TWRP.

5. Alternatives FM-How to listen to the radio on Xiaomi without the Internet

If your smartphone does not support you FM, Don't despair. Here are 5 ways to listen to the offline radio:

• 📻 DAB radio (digital radio) in some countries (e.g. UK, Germany) broadcasts digital radio DAB+. You need an external reception. USB-receiver (e.g. Sony) XDR-P1DBP), plug-in OTG.
• 🎧 Download podcasts or radio recordings in advance (for example, through Radio Garden or TuneIn Radio) and listen without the Internet.
• 📡 Caching applications: Some applications (e.g. Radio) FM Russia) allows you to download transmissions for offline listening.
• 🔊 Portable FM-Compact devices (e.g. Xiaomi Mi Radio or Sony) ICF-P26) stand 1000-2000 ₽ and run on batteries.
• 📱 Second phone with FM. If you have an old smartphone (like the Nokia 105 or Samsung Galaxy) J2), Use it as a radio.

Comparison of methods:

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The most reliable way to listen to radio without the Internet is portable FM-It's independent of the firmware of the smartphone, and it works in all conditions.

6. Frequent problems with FM-Radio on Xiaomi and how to solve them

Even if your smartphone supports you FM, There may be errors. Let's look at the typical cases:

Problem. 1:Radio says "No headset connected"

Reason: The headphones act as an antenna, and if you're using Bluetooth headphones or you're not wired, the radio won't work.

Decision:

• Connect wired headphones (even non-original ones).
• If you use an adapter USB-C → 3.5 mm, check its quality (cheap adapters do not transmit antenna signal).

Problem 2: After the update MIUI radio's gone

The reason: Xiaomi often removes “unnecessary” features in newer firmware versions.

Decision:

• Reverse to the previous version of MIUI via Fastboot.
• Install a custom radio app (e.g. Spirit) FM).

Problem 3: Radio only catches a few stations

Reason: Weak signal or interference from 4G/5G.

Decision:

• Turn off your mobile data during listening.
• Use the headphones as an antenna, positioning them vertically.
• Try NextRadio app – it scans stations better.

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If the radio isn't working well, try tricking your smartphone: plug in your headphones, start the radio, and then turn off the headphones (sound will go through the speaker), which works on some models.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions about Radio in Xiaomi