Why is Redmi 9 not having a radio icon and where to look for it?
You bought a Xiaomi Redmi 9, you are trying to find it. FM-It's OK. Unlike the old button phones, where radio was a separate function, it's hidden deeper in smartphones. The reason is simple: manufacturers save space in the interface, and many users prefer online services like Spotify or Yandex Music. FM-Redmi 9 is physically available β you just need to activate it correctly.
Another thing is that the radio on Xiaomi only works with connected headphones. They act as an antenna! Without them, you will see the message "No signal" or "Plug the headphones." This is not a bug, but a feature of the design - this saves space inside the case. Next, we will discuss how to turn on the radio on Redmi 9 in 3 minutes, even if you have never done this.
Check: Is there any FM-The radio in your Redmi 9 model?
Not all versions of Xiaomi Redmi 9 support FM-For example, models for the Chinese market (Redmi 9 China) often lack this module due to local regulatory requirements?
Method 1: Look for the specifications on the box or in the documentation. Look for the line "FM-radio" or "Radio." Method 2: Use the AIDA64 app (free on Google Play). Open the Radio section - if there is an "FM" item, then the module is present. If not, you can't turn on the radio (but you can use online alternatives, we'll talk about them below).
β οΈ WARNING: If you bought Redmi 9 on AliExpress or in an unofficial store, there is a good chance you will get a version without it. FM-Check the module before you buy it!
- π Redmi 9 (Global) β radio is available 99% of the time.
- π« Redmi 9 (China) β Radio is usually missing.
- β οΈ Redmi 9A/9C β radio is available, but may require a separate application.
- π± Redmi 9 Pro/9T β FM-The module is present, but sometimes hidden in the firmware.
How to turn on the radio on Redmi 9
If the inspection showed that FM-You have the module, follow this instruction. It'll take no more than 5 minutes to complete the process.
- Connect headphones (necessarily wired!) Wireless Bluetooth headsets won't do - they can't work like an antenna.
- Open the standard Radio app. It's hidden in the Tools folder or the second menu screen. If you don't find it, use a phone search (swipe down on the home screen and type "radio").
- When you first run it, it'll ask permissions to access the microphone and the location, and let me tell you, that's what you need to do to fine-tune the frequencies.
- Press the Scan button (usually in the upper right corner) and the phone will automatically find all available stations in your area.
- Select your favorite station from the list or manually enter the frequency (e.g. 103.5 FM for Europe Plus).
Are wired headphones (not Bluetooth) connected?
Is there a radio app on the phone menu?
Is location access allowed for the application?
Are you in the area of coverage? FM-stationery?-->
If you canβt find the stations after scanning, try:
- π Move closer to the window (in cities, the signal is better caught on the upper floors).
- π Restart the radio application.
- π§ Try other headphones (sometimes contacts are oxidized).
- πΆ Manually enter the frequency of a popular station (the list for your city is easy to find online).
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If the radio is constantly interrupted, try to turn off the mobile Internet and Wi-Fi. FM-signal.
What to do if the radio is not working: 5 ways to solve the problem
Even if you did everything according to the instructions, the radio on Redmi 9 might not turn on.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Radio app is not on the menu | Hidden by firmware or removed | Install NextRadio or Spirit FM from Google Play |
| No sound when the radio is on. | Headphones or connector malfunctioning | Check the headphones on another device, clean the 3.5mm connector |
| Stations are not in the scanning phase. | A weak signal or an incorrect region | Enter the frequency manually or move to another location |
| The radio is turned on but shut down quickly. | Conflict with other applications | Close background programs, disable Bluetooth |
| The app gives an error "FM is not supported" | There is no hardware module | Use online radio (such as Radio Garden) |
Critical information: If the MIUI radio stopped working after the update, try rolling back to the previous firmware version or resetting the Radio app settings in the Settings menu β Applications β Application Management β Radio β Warehouse β Clear data.
β οΈ Note: Some firmware from third-party developers (such as LineageOS) may disable FM-Before installing custom software, check the list of supported features!
Alternatives FM-How to listen without an antenna
If your Redmi 9 doesnβt support FM, or if you want to listen to radio without headphones, there are a few alternatives:
- π Online radio: Apps like Radio Garden, TuneIn Radio or Yandex Music (section "Radio.
- π» DAB-Radio: Digital radio is of the highest quality, but requires a special receiver (e.g. Xiaomi Mi Radio).
- π΅ Offline Playlists: Download podcasts or radio shows in advance (for example, via Spotify offline).
- π Bluetooth Transmitter: Connect your phone to FM-a transmitter in a machine (e.g., Baseus) FM Transmitter).
The most versatile version is Radio Garden, which shows radio stations on an interactive map of the world, allowing you to listen to local stations from other countries, the only caveat is that you need good Internet (better Wi-Fi) to work consistently.
How to listen to the radio in the background?
How to improve radio reception on Redmi 9: 7 working ways
A weak signal is the most common problem when listening to FM. Here's how to solve it:
- Use long-wire headphones. The longer the cable, the better it works as an antenna. The optimal is 1 meter or more.
- Place your phone by the window. The glass lets you through. FM-The signal is better than the walls, and the reception will be more stable on the balcony or the windowsill.
- Turn it off. LTE/4G. Go to Settings. β SIM-maps and mobile networks β Preferred type of network and select 3G. It'll reduce interference.
- Use an external antenna. You can buy an adapter. FM-smartphone antenna (worth it) ~300 rubles) and connect it to the headphone jack.
- Update the radio app. Go to Google Play, search for Radio, and click Update.
- Reset network settings. Sometimes resetting to Settings β System β Additional β Network reset helps.
- Try another app. Spirit FM, for example, often catches stations better than the standard one.
If none of these things worked, there might be a hardware problem, and that's all you have to do is use online alternatives or go to Xiaomi's service center.
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The best radio reception is in motion (for example, in a car or bus), and the stationary position of the phone can degrade the signal due to interference from other devices.
Radio Apps Comparison on Redmi 9: Which One to Choose?
Xiaomi's standard "Radio" app isn't always convenient. Consider the top-5 Alternatives with their pros and cons:
| Annex | Pluses | Cons | Rankings on Google Play |
|---|---|---|---|
| NextRadio | It works without the Internet, supports RDS (song title display) | Free version of the advert, not all stations are available | 4.3 β |
| Spirit FM | Minimalist interface, good equalizer | Paid (~200 rubles), no Russian-language support | 4.5 β |
| TuneIn Radio | 100,000+ stations from around the world, there are podcasts | Requires the Internet, in the free version of the restriction | 4.4 β |
| Radio Garden | Unique interface with globe, stations from any country | He puts a lot of battery down, lays on weak phones. | 4.2 β |
| Yandex Music | Free for Yandex users, there is an offline mode | Limited choice of stations, lots of advertising | 4.6 β |
For offline listening, the best choice is NextRadio or Spirit FM. If you need stations from other countries, Radio Garden. TuneIn Radio is suitable for fans of podcasts and thematic channels.