How to connect FM-Radio to wireless headphones on Xiaomi phone: the full guide

Wireless headphones have become an integral part of everyday life, but many Xiaomi users are faced with the problem of how to listen to traditional headphones. FM-radio via Bluetooth headphones, if the smartphone does not support live streaming without wire? In this article, we will discuss all working methods - from built-in functions MIUI to bypass solutions using third-party applications.

It is important to understand that technology FM-Radio in smartphones is originally designed to work with wired headphones (they act as an antenna). However, with the help of software tricks and additional accessories, you can adapt this functionality to the same level. TWS-We tested all the methods on current Xiaomi models. 13/14 series, Redmi Note 12 and POCO X5, to provide proven solutions.

Why? FM-Radio does not work directly with wireless headphones

The main problem lies in the hardware limitations: the chip FM-receiver in Xiaomi smartphones (for example, Qualcomm) WCN3660 or Broadcom BCM4356) It requires a physical antenna, which is a wire from the headphones. The wireless models don't have this component, so the standard app is a physical antenna. FM Radio in MIUI They just don’t see them as compatible devices.

In addition, manufacturers often block this feature at the software level because of:

  • πŸ“‘ Legal restrictions in some countries (e.g. radio frequency certification requirements)
  • πŸ”‹ Savings in battery charge β€” FM-The chip consumes energy even in the background
  • 🎧 Marketing strategy – promotion of streaming services (Mi Music, Spotify)

πŸ’‘

On some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T) FM-The chip is physically missing – check the specifications of your device on the official website.

However, there are workarounds: from the use of headphones with FM-We'll go through each method in detail.

Method 1: Using wired headphones as antennas (hybrid method)

It’s a half-dimensional solution, but it works on 100% of Xiaomi models. FM-You're gonna need a chip:

  • 🎡 Common wired headphones (even the cheapest ones)
  • πŸ”Œ Bluetooth adapter with support FM-transmissions (e.g. Avantek) WF-100)
  • πŸ“± Smartphone with a 3.5 mm connector or adapter USB-C β†’ 3.5 mm

Algorithm of action:

  1. Connect wired headphones to the smartphone (they will act as an antenna).
  2. Activate. FM Radio in MIUI (Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ FM-radio).
  3. Connect Bluetooth headphones to the adapter, and the adapter to the audio output of the smartphone.
  4. Configure the adapter to transmit audio over Bluetooth (instructions depend on the model).

Does your smartphone support you? FM-radio|Is there a 3.5 mm connector or adapter?|Is the Bluetooth adapter charged?|Is the Developer Mode Included (if necessary)

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A critical nuance: some adapters introduce a latency of up to 200 ms, which is noticeable when listening to news or sports broadcasts.

Method 2: Online radio via streaming apps

If the physical FM-Radio is not available, Internet radio is the alternative:

  • 🌍 Access to thousands of stations from around the world
  • πŸŽ›οΈ Ability to record the air
  • πŸ” Search by genres, cities, languages

The best apps for Xiaomi:

AnnexFeaturesConsReference
TuneIn Radio100,000+ stations, podcasts, sports broadcastsAdvertising in the free versionGoogle Play
Radio GardenUnique interface with the "globus", local stationsHigh traffic consumptionGoogle Play
Mi Radio (official)Integration with MIUI, low power consumptionLimited choice of stationsPre-installed at MIUI

To save traffic:

  1. Connect to Wi-Fi.
  2. In the application settings, select Low Quality (64 kbit/s).
  3. Turn off background playback in Settings β†’ Battery β†’ Optimization.
πŸ“Š Which radio do you listen to more often?
Local. FM-stationery
Internet radio (TuneIn, etc.)
Podcasts
Sports broadcasts
I don't listen to the radio.

Method 3: Software bypasses for activating FM via Bluetooth

For advanced users, there is a method using ADB and modified firmware.Warning: this requires unlocking the bootloader and may result in a loss of warranty!

Instructions:

  1. Unlock Bootloader on your smartphone (official instructions on the Xiaomi website).
  2. Install custom recovery (TWRP).
  3. Sweep through the FM Radio Enabler module for Magisk.
  4. In /system/build.prop, add the following line: ro.fm.transmitter=true
  5. Restart the device and check the FM through Bluetooth.
List of compatible models for this method
Xiaomi Mi 11, Redmi K40, POCO F3, Xiaomi 12 Pro (only on MIUI 13 and below). On new firmware (MIUI 14+), this method may not work due to changes in the core.

⚠️ Warning: Incorrect firmware modules can lead to loss IMEI Or problems with your mobile network. Before you experiment, make a full backup through your phone. TWRP!

Method 4: External FM-transmitter

If you need a radio in the car or in the country, the best solution is autonomous. FM-It transmits sound from a smartphone to any device. FM-The frequency that your receiver then picks up (like a car radio recorder:

  • πŸš— Nulaxy KM18 β€” compact, with Bluetooth 5.0 support
  • πŸ“» GOgroove FlexSMART X2 β€” s USB-charging-port
  • πŸ”‹ Anker Roav SmartCharge with two USB-port

How to set up:

  1. Connect the transmitter to the lighter or USB-port.
  2. Sync it with your smartphone over Bluetooth.
  3. Adjust the frequency (for example, 87.9 FM) and adjust the tape to it.
  4. Run a radio station via TuneIn or YouTube on your phone.

The advantage of this method is versatility: you can broadcast not only radio, but also music from Spotify or Yandex Music.

πŸ’‘

External transmitters are the only way to listen to radios through wireless headphones without loss of quality and delay.

The answer to the problem: why the radio doesn’t work

If none of the methods worked, check:

Problem.Possible causeDecision
FM-radio is not available on the menuDisabled in the region or missing the chipCheck the model specifications on GSMArena
The sound is interrupted.Weak antenna signalUse headphones as an antenna or external amplifier
Bluetooth headphones don't connectConflict of A2DP and HFP profilesIn Settings β†’ Bluetooth Reset your device settings
High battery consumptionFM-chip is running in the backgroundTurn off the radio after use

To diagnose hardware problems, enter the engineering menu:

##4636##

Go to Phone Information β†’ Test menu and select FM Radio Test.

⚠️ Note: On models with MediaTek Helio (e.g. Redmi) 9A) FM-The chip can be turned off at the firmware level, and then only the customization of the flashing version will help. MIUI.

FAQ: Frequent questions on FM-radio

Can I listen? FM-Radio on Xiaomi without headphones?
Technically yes, but the reception will be extremely low. FM-The chip uses the headphone wire as an antenna, without which the signal is weakened by 5-10 times, the alternative is to hold the smartphone to the window or use an external antenna (for example, from an old radio receiver).
Why is my Xiaomi not using FM Radio?
There are three reasons: your model is not equipped. FM-chip (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Ultra). the manufacturer has disabled the feature for your region (check in Settings) β†’ The phone. β†’ Version. MIUI β€” if CN, The app is hidden. Try to find it by searching the menu or installing it. APK APKMirror.
How to record a radio broadcast on Xiaomi?
In the standard annex FM Radio doesn't have this function: 🎀 Screen Recorder – The quality will be worse. πŸ“± Audio Recorder with system sound recording support (root rights required). 🌐 Streaming services (e.g. TuneIn Pro) with recording function.
Can I listen to the radio on Xiaomi with a smart watch?
Yes, but with reservations: πŸ“» Mi Band 7/8 Xiaomi Watch S3 supportive FM-radio. 🎧 Amazfit GTR 4 It can transmit sound from a smartphone, but the radio itself does not catch. πŸ”Š The best option is to connect Bluetooth headphones to the clock, and on the phone to start streaming radio via TuneIn.
How to improve the quality of FM reception on Xiaomi?
Try these methods: πŸ“Ά Use headphones with longer wires (they are better at catching the signal). πŸ™οΈ Stay closer to the window or on the upper floors of the building. πŸ”§ In the engineering menu (#36446337##) turn on the option FM Antenna Boost (if available). πŸ› οΈ Install a modified Spirit app FM (root).