How to listen to the radio with wireless headphones on the smartphone Xiaomi Redmi Note: the complete guide

Wireless headphones have long been an integral part of everyday life, but many users of Xiaomi Redmi Note face a problem: how to listen to radio through Bluetooth headphones, if the standard FM-Does the app refuse to work without a wired connection? In this article, we will examine all the nuances, from checking hardware support to alternative ways to listen to air stations.

It is important to understand that technology FM-Radio in smartphones has its limitations. Unlike streaming services, traditional radio requires an antenna, which is mostly a headphone wire, but there are workarounds that allow you to enjoy your favorite stations even with AirDots or other devices. TWS-We tested all the methods on the current Redmi Note models. 12/13 and willing to share working solutions.

Verification of support FM-radio on your Redmi Note

Before you try to set up a radio, make sure your Xiaomi smartphone supports this feature at all. Despite the chip in most Redmi Note models, the manufacturer does not always activate it software.

  • πŸ” Go to Settings. β†’ The phone. β†’ Complete specification and find the item "FM-radio"
  • πŸ“± Install RadioInfo from Google Play, it will show you the presence of the app. FM-chip
  • πŸ“‹ Check the specifications of your model on the official Mi.com website

An important caveat: even if the chip is present, the radio may require wired headphones to act as an antenna. Redmi Note 10 Pro and later often lack this capability because of the lack of a 3.5 mm jack, and in such cases, all that remains is to use alternative methods, which will be discussed later.

πŸ“Š What Redmi Note model do you use?
Redmi Note 12/13
Redmi Note 11
Redmi Note 10
Old model (before Note 9)
other

Standard. FM-Application: settings and restrictions

If your Redmi Note supports your FM-Radio, try the standard radio app FM (usually pre-installed in firmware MIUI). Algorithm of action:

  1. Connect wired headphones (required!) – they act as an antenna
  2. Launch the FM Radio app from the menu
  3. Wait for automatic scanning stations
  4. Choose the frequency you like and set your favorite stations.

Unfortunately, the standard MIUI application does not support audio output to Bluetooth headphones β€” this is a hardware limitation, but there is a workaround: use the "Sound Transfer" feature in Bluetooth settings, but this does not work on all models and can cause delays.

πŸ’‘

If you are weak in your area FM-signal, try using headphones with a longer cable - this will improve reception.

Alternative ways to listen to radio without wires

When standard methods don’t work, third-party solutions come to the rescue. Consider three proven options for listening to radio through wireless headphones on the Xiaomi Redmi Note:

1. Streaming radio applications

The most reliable way is to use services like TuneIn Radio, Radio Garden, or Radio Dialogue, which broadcast stations over the Internet, so:

  • 🎧 Sound goes directly to Bluetooth headphones without restrictions
  • 🌍 Stations are available from all over the world, not just local stations. FM-frequency
  • πŸ“± It works even on models without FM-chips (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro)+)

2. applications with Bluetooth FM support

Some third-party FM-Players can redirect sound to wireless devices:

  • NextRadio (requires registration, does not work on all models)
  • Spirit FM (you need root rights to work properly)
  • FM Radio Without Headset (imitates headphone connection)

3.Adapter FM-receiver

For models without a 3.5 mm connector (Redmi Note) 11T Pro, Note 12 Pro+) can be used externally USB-C FM-tuner, for example:

  • πŸ”Œ Tronsmart Apollo Bold (with Bluetooth)
  • πŸ“» Sangean WR-22 (portable AUX-exit)

β˜‘οΈ Preparation for radio setup

Done: 0 / 5

Step-by-step instructions for NextRadio (with Bluetooth)

NextRadio is one of the few apps that can work with FM-I'll use a chip to redirect the sound to the wireless headphones:

  1. Download NextRadio from Google Play
  2. When you first start, allow access to microphone and location
  3. Connect wired headphones (even if you plan to listen via Bluetooth)
  4. Run station scans
  5. After detecting the stations, turn off the wired headphones and connect Bluetooth
  6. In the application settings, enable the option Audio Output β†’ Bluetooth

Important! On some Redmi Note models (especially with the Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 processor), this feature may not work due to manufacturer limitations, in which case you only need to use streaming services.

Why NextRadio asks for access to the microphone?
This requirement is related to the use of FM-It's a chip that technically belongs to the audio subsystem of the device, and it doesn't record your conversations, it just accesses the hardware of the radio.

Solving common problems

When setting up the radio on Xiaomi Redmi Note, users often encounter typical errors.

Problem.Possible causeDecision
The app doesn't find the station.Weak signal or no antennaConnect your headphones and try elsewhere.
The sound only goes through the speaker.MIUI Limitation for BluetoothUse NextRadio or streaming services
The app crashes out when scanningIncompatibility with the MIUI versionUpdate your firmware or use an old version of the app
No sound in the headphones.Incorrect Bluetooth settingsReconnect the headphones and select the Media Audio profile

⚠️ On Redmi Note models with MediaTek Helio processor G96 (Like the Note. 11S) There may be a conflict between FM-It's a Bluetooth chip and a Bluetooth module, and in this case, it's just resetting the network settings to Settings. β†’ System system β†’ Resetting settings.

Optimizing audio for radio via Bluetooth

Even if you've managed to set up the radio output to wireless headphones, the sound quality may be poor.

  • πŸŽ›οΈ Turn on the audio effects. MIUI sound-tuning
  • πŸ”Š Use a uniform equalizer (presetting "Radio" or "Speech")
  • πŸ“Ά Turn off audio codec compression in Bluetooth settings (select) SBC instead AAC)
  • πŸ”‹ Charge headphones to 100% - with a low charge, the quality of communication deteriorates

For supported models LDAC or aptX (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) It makes sense to use headphones that support these codecs. FM-Radio is broadcast in mono mode, so the benefits of Hi-Res audio will be invisible.

πŸ’‘

For a better reception. FM-Keep the smartphone vertically – so the built-in antenna (if any) works more efficiently.

Comparison of methods: what to choose?

To make the choice easier, we have compiled a comparative table of all the considered ways to listen to the radio on Xiaomi Redmi Note with wireless headphones:

MethodInternet is requiredIt works without headphones.Sound qualityDifficulty setting up
Standard. FM-attachment❌ No.❌ No (need wired)⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
NextRadio❌ No.⚠️ Partially (needed for scanning)⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Streaming servicesβœ… Yes.βœ… Yes.⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Outside FM-tuner❌ No.βœ… Yes.⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

As you can see from the table, streaming services are the most versatile solution, especially for owners of new models of Redmi Note without the help of the new model. FM-But if you're really interested in listening to the radio without the Internet, you'll either have to use a wired headphone or you'll have to buy an external receiver.

⚠️ On the Redmi Note 13 Pro models with Snapdragon processor 7s Gen 2 has been experiencing problems with work FM-Radio because of changes in audio drivers, and in this case, the only way to work is streaming apps.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the radio on Xiaomi Redmi Note

Can you listen to the radio on Redmi Note without headphones at all?
Technically yes, but with reservations: On models with built-in antenna (rare) - through the speaker FM-Tuner with its own speaker Using streaming services (without restrictions) Standard FM-attachment MIUI Requires headphones to work the antenna.
Why does radio only work with wired headphones?
This is a hardware limitation: in most Xiaomi smartphones, the headphone cable acts as a passive antenna for receiving. FM-Without it, the signal is too weak to decode, except for models with a separate built-in antenna (for example, some versions of Redmi). 9A).
How to improve radio reception on Redmi Note in the car?
There are several tricks that can be used in the car: Connect your smartphone to the tape recorder via Bluetooth and use its antenna Place your phone closer to the windshield (better receive the signal) Use an external antenna amplifier for a 3.5 mm connector Switch to streaming services if you drive outside the city with unstable FM-signal
Which headphones are best for listening to the radio on Xiaomi?
For FM-Radio via standard application: Any wired headphones with a 3.5 mm connector (even the cheapest) Models with an elongated cable (1.2 mm)+) For streaming services: Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro (good noise insulation for the city) SoundPEATS Air3 (Budget version with support for aptX Sony WH-CH720N (long-listen)
Can I record the radio on Redmi Note?
Yes, but with limitations: In the standard MIUI application there is no such feature, NextRadio application allows you to record air (premium subscription is required) For streaming services, you can use screen recording with sound turned on On Redmi Note with root rights you can use the AudioRecord API to record FM Note that recording air broadcasts may violate copyright in your country.