How to listen to radio via Bluetooth headphones from Xiaomi Redmi Note

Modern smartphones line Xiaomi Redmi Note almost completely lost the classic 3.5 mm connector for wired headsets, which creates certain difficulties for fans of analogue. FM-The thing is, the built-in FM-The module in Qualcomm and MediaTek processors traditionally uses wired headphones as an antenna to receive a signal. However, technology is not standing still, and users are increasingly wondering whether it is possible to broadcast this sound to a Bluetooth headset without losing the quality and stability of the connection. MIUI HyperOS and have several ways to solve this problem, from standard system settings to the use of specialized software.

In this article, we will explore the technical aspects of a radio in conjunction with a wireless data protocol. You will learn why there is sometimes a delay of sound or interference, and which applications are best optimized for working with Redmi Note 10, 11, 12 and 13. We will also touch on the topic of Internet radio as an alternative, which is often ignored, but provides access to thousands of stations around the world without the need to connect an antenna. Understanding these nuances will allow you to enjoy your favorite transmissions on the road or during training with maximum comfort.

It’s worth noting that the success of the operation depends on the version of the Android operating system and the specific Bluetooth module in your smartphone. Some older headphone models may not support the necessary codecs for streaming audio in real time, which leads to desynchronization. Below we will look at all possible scenarios and offer working solutions for each situation you may encounter when setting up.

Technical features of the work FM-module and Bluetooth

The fundamental limitation that users face is the architecture of the signal reception. FM-The chip in Xiaomi smartphones physically requires wired loads to be connected, which act as an antenna, without which the module simply cannot detect radio waves of the desired frequency. When you connect Bluetooth headphones, the system tries to redirect the audio stream, but the process of receiving the signal remains tied to the presence of physical contact through the connector or built-in antenna of a new type.

Modern flagship models and some mid-budget Redmi Note devices are starting to feature built-in antennas integrated directly into the body or motherboard, which allows wireless signal reception, but the software doesn't always automatically switch audio output to a wireless headset, requiring manual or third-party applications that can bypass standard Android system constraints.

And then there's the latency problem, and the A2DP protocol that's used to transmit stereo sometimes delays a few hundred milliseconds. It's not critical for music, but when you listen to news radios or sports commentary, it can be annoying. It's important to understand that the quality of the codec (SBC, AAC, aptX) has a direct impact on the stability of the connection.

⚠️ Note: If your smartphone does not have an antenna built in FM-radio, connecting Bluetooth headphones without first connecting a wired headset or a special plug adapter will lead to complete silence or a message about the absence of a signal.

Why is there a desynchronization of sound?
The delay is caused by the process of encoding and decoding the audio stream. The smartphone encodes the signal, transmits it through the air, and the headphones decode it. At each stage, time is wasted. Using aptX Low Latency codecs can minimize this effect, but not all headphones support them.

Set up a standard application FM-radio MIUI HyperOS

The regular Radio app, which is pre-installed on all Xiaomi Redmi smartphones, has hidden wireless capabilities. In recent versions of the MIUI shell, algorithms have been improved, and the system more often correctly identifies the connected Bluetooth headset as the default output device. However, activating this feature often requires a certain sequence of actions, since automatic switching is not always stable.

First, make sure your headphones are paired and active. Then launch the app. FM-If the sound continues to go through the speaker of the smartphone, don't rush to close the program. Try to pause the playback and start it again, simultaneously pressing the volume button on the headphone case. In some cases, this forcibly switches the audio channel.

Also worth checking is the Bluetooth settings in the smartphone menu itself. In Settings β†’ Bluetooth, find your device in the list of connected devices and click on the gear icon next to it. Make sure the Media Audio slider is activated. If there's a phone speaker sound or similar item on it, try switching it.

β˜‘οΈ Checking the sound settings

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It is important to note that on some global versions of firmware functionality FM-The module may be cut down or completely absent due to regional restrictions, in which case the standard application may not run at all, requiring the installation of the "India" or "Russia" region in the system settings, which is a separate procedure.

Use of third-party applications to receive radio signal

If a standard solution doesn’t meet your requirements or works with wireless devices, third-party developers come to the rescue. Apps from the Google Play store often have more flexible audio output settings and can force streaming to the Bluetooth device. Some of the most popular and time-tested are NextRadio (although support is discontinued, older versions work) and FM Radio Free from various developers.

When installing third-party software, be sure to give the application all the permissions you request, especially access to the microphone and location, as this is often necessary for the operation of communication modules. Some programs require root rights to directly access components, but most modern solutions are bypassed by standard Android rights.

Special attention should be paid to applications that use the Internet for streaming, but emulate the interface of conventional radio. They do not require an antenna and work well over Bluetooth, because they use a standard media player system, Examples of such solutions are TuneIn Radio, RadioPlayer or Simple Radio.

AnnexType of receptionWorking with BluetoothAdvertising
MIUI FM RadioHardware (FM)PartialNo.
NextRadioHardware (FM)Tall.There is.
TuneIn RadioInternet (IP)Complete.Got it (Premium)
Simple RadioInternet (IP)Complete.There is.
πŸ“Š What kind of radio listening do you prefer?
Through the standard Xiaomi app
With the help of third-party FM-applications
Through Internet radio (online)
I don't listen to the radio on my phone.

Internet Radio as an Alternative FM-broadcasting

The transition to digital broadcasting opens up huge opportunities for owners of Xiaomi Redmi Note. FM-And the main advantage of this is that you can listen to thousands of stations from all over the world in high quality, and the main advantage here is that you don't depend on the built-in module and antenna, which makes using Bluetooth headphones completely seamless.

The quality of sound in online radio is often superior to analog FM, especially if the station broadcasts in AAC+ or MP3 128 kbps and higher. However, this is where the traffic consumption factor comes into play. Although the audio stream consumes a little data (about 50-60 MB per hour), when using mobile Internet, this is worth considering if you have unlimited rates.

Online radio needs a stable 4G/LTE or Wi-Fi connection to work smoothly. Buffering and interruptions can occur when switching between networks or when the signal is weak. Many applications allow you to save selected stations and even download content to listen to offline, which is convenient on trips.

⚠️ Note: When using Internet radio over a mobile network, monitor background traffic consumption by other applications so that you do not exhaust the data packet ahead of time. β†’ Annexes.

Solving Sound and Delay Problems

Even with the right setup, users may encounter audio artifacts, cracks, or interruptions. Often the cause is signal interference, especially if you are in a place with a large concentration of Wi-Fi networks or other Bluetooth devices. In such cases, try to move away from the source of interference or switch the router's Wi-Fi frequency to 5 GHz, freeing up the 2.4 GHz band for Bluetooth.

Another common problem is energy saving: MIUI aggressively optimizes background processes, which can lead to a "sleeping" of the radio application or a break in the connection with the headphones. To avoid this, you need to add the application to the exceptions.

To set exceptions, go to Settings β†’ Battery and Performance β†’ Application Activity Control. Find your radio app and select No Limits mode. It’s also helpful to lock the app into memory by pulling down the list of running tasks and pressing the lock.

πŸ’‘

If the sound is interrupted, try turning off the Absolute Volume function in the developer menu. To do this, click on the build number in About Phone 7 times, then in the advanced settings, find the "Offline Absolute Volume" option and activate it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why doesn’t the radio work without wired headphones?
In most Xiaomi smartphones, the antenna is the headset wire. Without exercise, the module cannot receive the signal. Some new models have built-in antennas, but this is rare. FM-radio in such cases often requires a special adapter-stamper or the use of Internet radio.
Can signal reception be improved? FM-radio on Redmi Note?
Yes, the reception quality depends on the position of the phone and the surrounding objects. Metal cases and cases can shield the signal. Try to change the position of the smartphone or bring it closer to the window. Also helps to use high-quality wired headphones as an antenna before switching to Bluetooth.
Does the Android version affect radio performance over Bluetooth?
Yes, the newer versions of Android (11, 12, 13, 14) have improved Bluetooth drivers and better control of audio streams. On older versions, codec conflicts can occur, leading to no sound or severe latency.
Which Bluetooth codec is best for radio?
For broadcasting, where speech and music are important in medium quality, SBC or AAC codecs are enough. Codecs like aptX HD will give you better sound, but can consume more battery, the main thing is the stability of the connection that modern versions of Bluetooth 5.0 and higher provide.

πŸ’‘

Using Internet radio through aggregator applications is the most stable and high-quality way to listen to the air on modern Xiaomi smartphones without being tied to hardware restrictions. FM-module.