How to turn on the radio on the phone Xiaomi without headphones: all working ways

Xiaomi smartphone owners often face a problem: the built-in FM-radio refuses to work without wired headphones. This is not a coincidence, but a technical feature of most modern smartphones - the antenna for receiving the signal is precisely the headphone cord. However, there are workarounds that allow you to listen to the radio even without them.

In this article, we will go into detail about all possible ways to activate radio on Xiaomi devices (including the Redmi, POCO and flagship series), explain why the manufacturer limits functionality, and offer alternative solutions - from third-party applications to hardware modifications. It is important to understand that the effectiveness of methods depends on the phone model, the version of MIUI and the hardware platform.

Before you get to the instructions, check to see if your smartphone supports FM-radio in principle. For example, flagship models on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8xx often lack the FM-chip, while budget Redmis on MediaTek Helio usually have it.

Why Xiaomi is blocking radio without headphones?

The main reason is the physical need for the antenna. The FM- signal is captured by a long conductor, which is the headphone cable in smartphones, without which the receiver either does not catch the station or works with severe interference.

• 📱 Energy savings: The FM- chip consumes minimal power, but the manufacturer can turn it off software to optimize the battery.
• 🎧 License Restrictions: In some regions, FM- radio broadcasting requires certification of the device as a radio receiver.
• 🔄 Competition with streaming services: Xiaomi is promoting its own Mi Radio app that runs over the internet.
• 🛠️ Hardware limitations: Some chipsets (e.g., Snapdragon 8 Gen 2) simply don’t have a FM- module.

Interestingly, on older models (before MIUI 10), radio sometimes worked without headphones, but after the upgrades, this feature was removed, due to the tightening of requirements for certification of radio devices in the EU and the US. However, you can circumvent the restriction - more on this.

Method 1: Use of an adapter for an antenna

The most reliable method is to connect an external antenna through a 3.5 mm connector, which requires a special adapter that mimics headphones, but instead of speakers, connects an antenna cable, such adapters are sold on AliExpress or in radio stores (search query: "FM antenna adapter for phone").

How it works:

1. Connect the adapter to a 3.5mm connector.
2. Attach an antenna cable (you can even use a conventional copper wire with a length of 50-100 cm).
3. Run a standard FM Radio app or a third-party app (like NextRadio).
4. Set up an automatic station search.

⚠️ Warning: Cheap adapters can damage the audio jack if they don't meet the impedance standard. Check the reviews before buying about compatibility with your Xiaomi model.

Does the connector have 3.5 mm (not Type-C) |

Does your Xiaomi model support (check in description)|

Is there a sensitivity adjustment |?

Is the antenna cable complete?

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Method 2: Software Enablement through Engineering Menu

On some Xiaomi models (especially MediaTek), you can force the FM- chip to be activated without headphones through an engineering menu, a method that requires caution, as incorrect settings can lead to malfunctions.

Instructions:

1. Open the Phone app and enter the code: ##36446337## This will open the MediaTek engineering menu (for Snapdragon, the code is different: ##4636###).
2. Go to the Hardware Testing section → FM Radio.
3. Enable Force FM On option (if any).
4. Go back to the standard radio app and check the work.

If there is no engineering menu, or FM-The partition is not available, so your chipset doesn't support this feature. ADB-teams:

adb shell am start -n com.android.fmradio/.FmMainActivity

⚠️ Warning: Changes to the engineering menu may cause the Bluetooth module or GPS to run unstable. Before experimenting, back up your data via Settings → System → Backup.

Method 3: Third-party applications with FM support

If the standard FM Radio app refuses to work without headphones, try alternative programs. They often have advanced sensitivity settings and can bypass the limitations of MIUI.

• 📻 NextRadio – supports most Qualcomm and MediaTek chipsets, there is manual antenna tuning.
• 🎵 Spirit FM – works on rooted devices, allows the use of an internal antenna (if any).
• 🔍 FM Radio Unlocker – attempts to activate the hidden functions of the FM-chip (requires ADB rights).

Example of NextRadio setup:

1. Download the app from Google Play.
2. At first start, allow access to audio and location.
3. In the settings, select Use Headset as Antenna → No (if available).
4. Connect an external antenna (even a piece of wire) to a 3.5mm connector.
5. Run the station search manually.

💡

If the app doesn’t see the FM- chip, try turning off the power saving for it in the battery settings (Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization).

Method 4: Hardware modification (for advanced)

If software methods don't work, you can try connecting the antenna directly to the motherboard, which is only suitable for users with experience in soldering and disassembling phones. On some Xiaomi models (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro), the contacts of the FM- chip are located next to the audio jack and can be engaged through a soldered conductor.

Procedure:

1. Disassemble the phone by removing the back cover (use plastic shoulder blades to avoid damaging the plumes).
2. Find the FM- chip on the board (usually labeled as FM6xxx or Si47xx).
3. Seal a thin wire (diameter 0.1-0.3 mm) to the contact of the antenna chip.
4. Output the wire out through a hole in the case (for example, next to the USB-C connector).
5. Get your phone and check your reception.

⚠️ Warning: Incorrect soldering can disable an audio track or communication module. If you're unsure of your skills, contact a service center. Also remember that the modification will void the warranty.

💡

Hardware modification is an extreme method. Before it, be sure to check all software methods and specify the location of the FM- chip on your model (see the schemas on the 4PDA or XDA Developers forums).

Alternatives to FM-radio on Xiaomi

If none of these methods worked, consider alternative radio listening options:

• 🌍 Internet radio: Apps like TuneIn Radio or Radio Garden offer thousands of stations without the need for an antenna.
• 📡 DAB- Radio: In some countries (e.g. Europe) digital radio is available, but it requires a special receiver.
• 🎧 Bluetooth antenna: Devices like the Sangean WFR-28 can broadcast FM- signal to a phone over Bluetooth.
• 📱 Ether recording: Some stations (e.g. Europe Plus or Radio Lighthouse) maintain broadcast archives.

The advantage of Internet radio is that it doesn't have to be attached to an antenna and can listen to stations from other countries, but keep in mind that streaming consumes traffic (about 60-120 MB/hour with average bitrate).

To save mobile internet:

• Download station podcasts in advance (e.g. via Podcast Addict).
• Use Wi-Fi instead of a mobile network.
• Choose low bitrate stations (e.g. 64 kbps instead of 320 kbps).

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even if you manage to turn on the radio without headphones, it can be difficult.

If the radio was working before but stopped after the MIUI update, try rolling back to the previous firmware version.

1. Download the archive with the desired version from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website.
2. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
3. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Select the firmware file.
4. Install the downloaded archive and restart the phone.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions