How to listen to the radio on the phone Xiaomi Redmi without headphones: a step-by-step guide

You want to listen to the radio on your Xiaomi Redmi, but there are no headphones on hand and the phone requires them to be connected to activate. FM-This problem is familiar to many owners of Xiaomi smartphones, where the manufacturer artificially restricts the operation of the radio without a headset. In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to circumvent this limitation - from hidden functions. MIUI Alternative applications with Internet radio support.

It is important to understand that not all Redmi models are equipped with hardware. FM-For example, in the Redmi Note 10 Pro or Redmi. 9T The receiver is there, and Redmi. K50 We'll tell you how to check for a chip and what to do if it's not physically in the device, and you'll also learn why Xiaomi blocks radio without headphones and how this relates to the antenna, which in modern smartphones is often integrated into the cord of the headset.

If you're looking for a way to listen to radio without the Internet, we have a solution for that, and if you're willing to use mobile traffic, consider the best streaming apps with minimal megabyte consumption. All of these methods have been tested on current versions of MIUI 14 and Android 13, but they'll work for older firmware as well.

Verification of availability FM-chips in your Xiaomi Redmi

Before you try to turn on the radio, make sure your smartphone is physically supportive. FM-In recent models, Xiaomi often saves on this component, replacing it with software solutions:

• 🔍 Go to Settings. → The phone. → Full specifications (or All parameters) Look for mention FM-radio FM.
• 📱 Use the app. FM Radio Test (free on Google Play) will show if the device has a Qualcomm chip FM or Broadcom FM.
• 🛠️ Check the specifications of your model on the GSMArena website. FM radio (if not, there is no chip).

If the tests show no chip, go straight to the Internet radio method. If you have a chip, but the radio doesn't turn on without headphones, read on.

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro)+) FM-There's a chip, but Xiaomi has disabled it in the firmware, and in this case, only flashing it to the custom version will help. MIUI.

Inclusion FM-Radio via Engineering Mode (for technical models)

This method works on smartphones with chips Mediatek or Qualcomm, where FM-The receiver is locked at the software level. Engineering Mode (engineering menu) allows you to unlock hidden functions, including radio without headphones.

Instructions:

1. Open the Phone app and enter the code: ##36446337### On some models, ##4636## may work.
2. Choose Hardware Testing → FM Radio.
3. Enable Speaker Output (or Force Speaker)
4. Return to the standard FM Radio app – now the sound has to go through the speaker.

On models with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 6xx/7xx chip (such as the Redmi Note 10S), this method works 80% of the time, but may need to be rebooted after activation.

⚠️ Warning: Not all engineering menu codes are safe. Avoid sections RF Test or Factory Reset – This can cause a reset or damage to the communication module.

3. Use of third-party FM-speaker-enabled applications

If the standard application FM Xiaomi Radio refuses to work without headphones, try alternative programs. They often bypass the manufacturer's restrictions, using direct calls to the headphones. FM-chip.

The best applications for Xiaomi Redmi:

• 📻 NextRadio — supports Qualcomm and Broadcom, there is a hands-free mode. Minus: requires registration in the United States (use) VPN).
• 🎧 FM Radio Test is a test software, but it can work as a full-fledged player.
• 🔊 Simple FM Radio is a minimalist interface that supports broadcast recording. 8/9 headphoneless.

How to set up NextRadio to work without a headset:

Install the application via VPN (USA region)

Start and allow access to microphone and location

In the settings, select Output → Phone Speaker

Turn off the VPN after activation

Reboot your phone if the radio is not catching the station-->

If the app does not see FM-chip, check if it's turned off in the power saving settings. → Battery → Power saving mode and add radio app to exceptions.

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If the radio is hissing or interrupted, try connecting the charger – this sometimes stabilizes the work. FM-chip.

4. circumvention of restrictions through modified firmware

On some Xiaomi Redmi models (such as the Redmi Note 7/8), the headphone restriction is sewn into system files, and the only way to remove it is to install custom firmware or a patch.

Options:

• 🔧 Xiaomi.EU – unofficial firmware MIUI limitlessly. FM-The radio is running through the default speaker.
• 📦 Magisk module "FM Radio Unlock - patches the system files that block it.
• 🛠️ LineageOS – pure Android with open source FM-It supports most Redmi models.

Instructions for installing Xiaomi.EU:

1. Unlock the bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool (requires a Xiaomi account and wait 7 days).
2. Download the firmware for your model from the website xiaomi.eu.
3. Install it through TWRP (Castom Recovery).
4. After restarting, check the radio in the standard app.

⚠️ Note: Installing custom firmware will void the warranty and may cause the device to break. TWRP or Mi PC Suite.

5.Alternative: Internet radio without headphones

If your Xiaomi Redmi is not supported FM-Broadcasting or all the above methods did not work, there is still the option of streaming radio over the Internet:

• 🌍 Access to thousands of stations from around the world.
• 🎵 The ability to listen to the speaker without restrictions.
• 📱 It works even without it. FM-chip.

The best Internet radio apps on Android:

To reduce traffic consumption:

• 📶 Use Wi-Fi instead of mobile internet.
• 🔊 In the application settings, select the bitrate of 64 kbps instead of 128+ kbps.
• 📴 Turn off background playback in battery settings (Settings) → Annexes → Battery management).

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Internet radio is the only universal way to listen to the radio on Xiaomi Redmi without any need for a radio. FM-The main disadvantage is the dependence on the connection speed.

6. Hardware solutions: antenna for FM-radio

If you really need analog radio without the Internet, but your smartphone refuses to work without headphones, you can use an external antenna. FM-chip, but without speaker support.

Options:

• 📡 Passive antenna - connects to a 3.5 mm connector (if any). ~300 rubles, amplifies the signal.
• 🔌 Active antenna with amplifier - requires power from USB (through OTG). Suitable for weak signal areas.
• 📶 adapter FM-It's a receiver that connects to Bluetooth and broadcasts the radio to the phone. ICF-BTR, Sangean WR-22.

How to connect a passive antenna:

1. Buy an antenna with a 3.5mm connector (e.g., Neoteck NTK-3.5).
2. Connect it to the smartphone audio jack.
3. Run the standard FM Radio app – the sound will go through the headphone output, but the antenna will amplify the signal.
4. To redirect the sound to the speaker, use Engineering Mode.

⚠️ Note: On models without 3.5 mm connector (e.g. Redmi) K50) The antenna can be connected through USB-C → 3.5mm adapter, but it only works if you have a phone FM-chip.

7. Frequent problems and their solutions

When trying to listen to the radio on Xiaomi Redmi without headphones, users encounter typical errors.

If after all the manipulations, the radio never worked:

• 🔄 Try resetting your network settings: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings.
• 📱 Check if it's off. FM-chipset → Annexes → Application management → FM Radio → Permits.
• 🔧 Update the firmware to the latest version MIUI — Sometimes bugs are fixed in new builds.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions