How to Listen to the Radio Without the Internet on Your Android
Listening to the radio on your Android device without an internet connection is easier than you might think. There are several methods to enjoy your favorite radio stations, from using built-in apps to downloading third-party FM radio apps. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to do it.
FM Radio App
Many Android phones come with a built-in FM radio app. If your device has an FM tuner, you can access it by searching for “FM Radio” in your app drawer. However, it's important to note that you typically need to plug in a pair of wired headphones as they act as the antenna for the FM radio functionality. Wired headphones are essential for reception, and the phone’s loudspeaker might work, but wired headphones provide better signal quality.
Third-Party FM Radio Apps
If your phone does not have a built-in FM radio app, you can download third-party apps from the Google Play Store. These apps can utilize the FM tuner if your device supports it. Here’s how to find and use a third-party FM radio app on your Android device:
Find the app on your smartphone. It might not be obvious where the app is stored. On my Samsung device, the FM radio app is found in a folder called Samsung and is named Radio. The Samsung app wasn't on the phone’s main screen, so you had to scroll to the list of apps available to install onto the main screen. Plug in headphones. Wired headphones are essential for reception. The headphone wires serve as the FM antenna for the phone's radio hardware, and a broadcast FM aerial is too long to realistically be shrunk to the circuit board size. You can still listen to the FM radio with the phone's loudspeaker or a Bluetooth speaker, but the quality will be much better with wired headphones. Launch the app and auto-tune. The app will usually ask you to auto-tune the first time you run it. This process helps the app find the available FM stations in your area.Note that some people have reported that the very latest generation of smartphones might not come with the hardware to listen to FM radio. However, my mid-range Samsung phone, which is now a 2-year-old model, had an accessible FM radio feature. It wasn't an advertised feature but was available on the device.
It's also worth noting that almost all third-party apps will typically stream radio via the phone’s internet connection rather than use the built-in FM radio receiver. Streaming requires specialized drivers to access the specific radio circuitry in the phone, making the built-in FM radio more practical for direct reception.
Alternative: RTL SDR USB Stick
If neither the built-in FM radio app nor third-party apps work for you, another option is to use an RTL SDR USB stick. This small device can connect to your phone via a USB OTG adapter and can be used with some SDR software to tune into FM stations. Here’s how to set it up:
Buy an RTL SDR USB stick compatible with your Android device. Install a suitable SDR software app from the Google Play Store. Connect the USB stick to your phone via a USB OTG adapter. Launch the SDR software app and follow the instructions to tune into your desired FM stations.While the RTL SDR method offers a more technical approach and may not be as user-friendly, it can be a great solution for serious radio enthusiasts or those who want to explore new frontiers in radio reception.
Conclusion
Listening to the radio without an internet connection on your Android device is feasible through a variety of methods. Whether you use the built-in FM radio app, download third-party FM radio apps, or use an RTL SDR USB stick, you can enjoy your favorite stations without relying on an internet connection. The key is having the right hardware and knowing how to use it effectively.