The Southern Ontario/WNY Radio-TV Forum / Dear smartphone makers: please bring back the humble FM radio tuner ht

**Posted by arc23** January 21, 2025 4:27 pm

Dear smartphone makers: please bring back the humble FM radio tuner https://www.pocket-lint.com/fm-radio-should-be-enabled-on-smartphones/

**Posted by Skywave** January 21, 2025 6:32 pm

Some time ago I managed to access the FM tuner chip on a Samsung S9 by using the Nextradio app. Unfortunately, the functionality of the radio was dependent on having a headphone plugged in, as the radio used the headphone cable as the antenna. The app is no longer available, and new phones don't have a headphone jack. The assumption seems to be that everyone has an "all you can eat" data plan, and will use a streaming app for accessing OTA stations.

**Posted by The Weed** January 21, 2025 7:50 pm

Skywave wrote:
Some time ago I managed to access the FM tuner chip on a Samsung S9 by using the Nextradio app. Unfortunately, the functionality of the radio was dependent on having a headphone plugged in, as the radio used the headphone cable as the antenna. The app is no longer available, and new phones don't have a headphone jack. The assumption seems to be that everyone has an "all you can eat" data plan, and will use a streaming app for accessing OTA stations.

AFAIK, you need wired ear buds or headphones with a USB-C connection or a 3.5 mm jack to USB-C adapter.

**Posted by RadioAaron** January 21, 2025 8:21 pm

Supply, meet demand.

**Posted by MJ Vancouver** January 21, 2025 10:42 pm

Skywave wrote:
Some time ago I managed to access the FM tuner chip on a Samsung S9 by using the Nextradio app. Unfortunately, the functionality of the radio was dependent on having a headphone plugged in, as the radio used the headphone cable as the antenna. The app is no longer available, and new phones don't have a headphone jack. The assumption seems to be that everyone has an "all you can eat" data plan, and will use a streaming app for accessing OTA stations.

I would love to have FM available on my phone. I’ve gone camping in some areas that have absolutely no cellular signal, but does get, at minimum, CBC Radio.

Of course, I could buy an actual radio, but the phone is preferable for portability.

**Posted by lhc** January 22, 2025 6:20 am

Of course, after the next election, there won't be a CBC radio.

**Posted by Paul Jeffries** January 22, 2025 11:01 am

Skywave wrote:
Some time ago I managed to access the FM tuner chip on a Samsung S9 by using the Nextradio app. Unfortunately, the functionality of the radio was dependent on having a headphone plugged in, as the radio used the headphone cable as the antenna. The app is no longer available, and new phones don't have a headphone jack.

Some smartphone users created their own headphone jack.

But don't try this at home. (Or anywhere else, for that matter!)

PJ

**Posted by SpinningWheel** January 22, 2025 1:44 pm

It was a feature I looked for on my last, soon to be replaced, phone. I use it exclusively at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (Mosport) to listen in on the race commentary that is also available on speakers in some locations of the 1,000 acre property. The commentary isn't streamed. It's a tough feature to find because even if it's available the specs may not mention it. I can use Bluetooth headphones with the FM feature if I also plug in the wired 3.5mm headphone jack for the antenna, so I wrap the wire around the phone in my pocket. I'm hoping to find it again on my next phone but I'm not holding my breath. I'll just keep the old phone or use an 18 year-old MP3 player with FM that I still have to meet the requirement. I think the feature is a good idea because it can be used in emergency power outages as well if the cell/data network is down. I thought the FCC planned to mandate the feature but I guess not.

Last edited by SpinningWheel (January 22, 2025 1:45 pm)