The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus is a powerful smartphone with a variety of features, including an FM radio. However, the FM radio is not enabled by default on the US version of the phone. If you want to use the FM radio, you will need to activate it first. Activating the FM radio on the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus is a simple process that only takes a few minutes. Here’s how to do it:
First, open the Settings app on your phone. Then, tap on the “Connections” option. On the Connections page, tap on the “FM Radio” option. If the FM radio is not already turned on, tap on the “Turn on” button. You will then be prompted to grant the FM radio app permission to access your location. Tap on the “Allow” button to grant permission. Once you have granted permission, the FM radio will be activated and you will be able to use it.
To use the FM radio, open the FM Radio app. You can then tune to your favorite stations and listen to the radio. The FM radio can be used with or without headphones. If you are using headphones, you will need to plug them into the headphone jack on the bottom of the phone. The FM radio has a variety of features, including the ability to save your favorite stations, set alarms, and record radio shows. You can also use the FM radio to listen to podcasts and other audio content.
Enabling FM Radio on Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus (US Variant)
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus (US Variant) is equipped with a built-in FM radio receiver. However, it is disabled by default. To enable the FM radio, follow these detailed steps:
1. Ensure that your S21 Plus is connected to a stable internet connection, either Wi-Fi or mobile data. This is essential for downloading the necessary software components.
2. Open the Samsung Galaxy Store app.
3. Search for the “NextRadio” app.
4. Tap the “Install” button and wait for the installation to complete.
5. Once the app is installed, launch it from your app drawer.
6. The NextRadio app will ask for your permission to access your location. This is necessary for the app to determine the available radio stations in your area.
7. Grant the location permission, and the NextRadio app will start scanning for available radio stations.
8. Once the scan is complete, you can start listening to your favorite FM radio stations right on your Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus.
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Connect to internet |
| 2 | Open Galaxy Store |
| 3 | Search for “NextRadio” |
| 4 | Install NextRadio |
| 5 | Launch NextRadio |
| 6 | Grant location permission |
| 7 | Scan for radio stations |
| 8 | Enjoy FM radio |
Checking FM Radio Availability
To determine if your S21 Plus USA version supports FM radio, follow these steps:
1. Check the Specifications
Navigate to the official Samsung website or device specifications page and check if “FM Radio” is listed under Features or Connectivity.
2. Inspect the App Drawer
Open the App Drawer on your phone. If the “Samsung FM Radio” app is present, then FM radio is supported on your device.
3. Use a Third-Party App
Download and install a third-party FM radio app from the Google Play Store. If the app can detect and play FM radio stations, then your phone has the necessary hardware.
4. Contact Samsung Support
If you are unsure or have any further questions, contact Samsung Support through their website, phone line, or email.
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Check Specifications | Review official documentation for FM radio support. |
| Inspect App Drawer | Look for “Samsung FM Radio” app in the app list. |
| Use Third-Party App | Install an FM radio app to test functionality. |
| Contact Samsung Support | Seek assistance from Samsung for confirmation or troubleshooting. |
Downloading and Installing the FM Radio App
Unfortunately, the US version of the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus does not have an in-built FM radio app. However, it is possible to access FM radio stations through third-party apps.
To get started, follow these steps:
- Open the Google Play Store on your phone.
- Search for “FM radio app”.
- Look for Firstory: Podcasts, Radio&Audiobooks in search results and then tap “Install”.
- Once the app is installed, open it and grant it the necessary permissions.
Here is a table summarizing the key steps for downloading and installing the FM radio app:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Open the Google Play Store. |
| 2 | Search for “FM radio app”. |
| 3 | Locate Firstory: Podcasts, Radio&Audiobooks in the search results and tap “Install”. |
| 4 | Open the installed app and grant necessary permissions. |
With these steps completed, you have access to various radio stations through the app.
Launching the FM Radio App
To activate the FM radio on your S21 Plus US version, you will need to download the NextRadio app from the Google Play Store. Once the app is installed, open it and follow the on-screen instructions to activate the FM radio.
Connecting Headphones or External Speakers
To listen to the FM radio, you will need to connect headphones or an external speaker to your phone. The S21 Plus does not have a built-in FM radio antenna, so it is necessary to connect an external antenna in order to receive FM signals.
Using the FM Radio App
The NextRadio app has a simple and user-friendly interface that makes it easy to find and listen to your favorite FM radio stations. The app features a variety of features, including:
The NextRadio app is a great way to listen to FM radio on your S21 Plus US version. The app is free to download and use, and it offers a variety of features that make it easy to find and listen to your favorite radio stations.
Scanning for Available Radio Stations
Follow these steps to scan for available radio stations on your Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus (USA Version):
- Connect a wired headset or earphones to your device. This is required to act as the antenna for the FM radio.
- Open the “Samsung Daily” app on your phone.
- Tap on the “Listen” tab at the bottom of the screen.
- Select the “FM Radio” option.
- The FM radio will automatically start scanning for available stations. This may take a few minutes, depending on the number of stations in your area.
Once the scan is complete, the available radio stations will be displayed in a list. You can scroll through the list and select the station you want to listen to.
| Frequency (MHz) | Station Name |
|---|---|
| 88.1 | NPR News |
| 89.9 | Classical Music Station |
| 90.7 | Top 40 Hits Station |
Tuning into Desired Radio Station
To listen to FM radio on your S21 Plus USA version, you need a pair of wired headphones that act as an antenna. Once you have your headphones plugged in, open the Samsung Music app.
Step 1: Open the Samsung Music App
The Samsung Music app is preloaded on your Galaxy S21 Plus. To find it, swipe up from the bottom of the screen to access your apps. When you see the app icon, tap it to launch the app.
Step 2: Find the Radio Tab
Once the Samsung Music app is open, you’ll see several tabs at the bottom of the screen. Tap the “Radio” tab to switch to the FM radio interface. You should now see a list of available radio stations.
Step 3: Tune into a Station
To tune into a specific station, scroll through the list of available stations and tap on the one you want to listen to. The app will start playing the station’s audio, and the station’s name and frequency will be displayed at the top of the screen.
Step 4: Adjust the Volume
To adjust the volume, use the volume rocker buttons on the side of your phone.
Step 5: Record a Radio Program
The Samsung Music app allows you to record live radio programs. To do this, tap the “Record” button at the bottom of the screen. The app will start recording the audio, and you’ll see a timer at the bottom of the screen indicating how long you’ve been recording.
Step 6: Additional Features
In addition to the basic radio functions, the Samsung Music app also offers a few additional features, such as:
| Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Auto-scan | Automatically scans for available radio stations. |
| Favorite Stations | Allows you to add your favorite stations to a list for easy access. |
| RDS (Radio Data System) | Displays additional information about the station you’re listening to, such as the artist and song title. |
Activating FM Radio on S21 Plus (USA Version)
1. Install the NextRadio app from the Google Play Store.
2. Connect headphones with a 3.5mm jack to your phone. They will serve as the antenna.
3. Open the NextRadio app.
4. Allow location permissions for the app to activate the FM radio.
5. Select a radio station and start listening.
6. Adjust the volume using your phone’s side volume keys.
Adjusting Radio Volume and Sound Settings
1. Adjust the volume using your phone’s side volume keys or the in-app volume slider.
2. Tap the “Equalizer” icon in the app to adjust bass and treble levels.
3. Enable “Loudness Enhancement” to boost the volume of weaker signals.
4. Choose between “Mono” and “Stereo” modes. Mono offers improved reception in weak signal areas.
5. Adjust the “Sleep Timer” to have the radio turn off automatically after a specified time.
6. Enable “Background Playback” to continue listening while using other apps.
7. Customize the app’s appearance by choosing from a variety of themes and skins.
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| Equalizer | Adjust bass and treble levels. |
| Loudness Enhancement | Boosts the volume of weaker signals. |
| Mono/Stereo | Switch between mono and stereo modes (mono improves reception). |
| Sleep Timer | Sets the radio to turn off automatically after a specified time. |
| Background Playback | Continues playing the radio while using other apps. |
| Themes/Skins | Customizes the app’s appearance. |
Using the Antenna for Optimal Signal Reception
Maximize Signal Strength
For the best radio listening experience, consider the following tips:
- Position the phone: Hold the phone vertically with the antenna extended. Avoid covering the antenna with your hand or other objects.
- Use headphones or earphones: Wired headphones or earphones act as an extended antenna, improving signal reception.
- Go outdoors or near a window: Open areas and proximity to windows provide better signal quality.
- Avoid interference: Keep the phone away from strong electronic devices or metal objects that can interfere with the signal.
- Adjust antenna length: Most FM antennas on the S21 Plus are extendable. Experiment with different lengths to find the optimal position for your location.
- Use external FM antennas (optional): For significantly improved reception, consider using an external FM antenna specifically designed for the S21 Plus.
- Check local radio stations: Some areas may have weaker FM signals. Check the availability of local FM stations to ensure they are within range.
Antenna Location
Extendable Antenna
The S21 Plus USA version has an extendable antenna located on the top of the phone. When the antenna is not in use, it is retracted. To extend the antenna, gently pull it out until it reaches its full length.
Built-In Antenna
In addition to the extendable antenna, the S21 Plus also has a built-in antenna. The built-in antenna is located inside the phone, and it does not require any external extension. The built-in antenna is not as powerful as the extendable antenna, but it can provide decent signal reception in areas with strong FM signals.
Saving Favorite Radio Stations
Once you’ve found a station you like, you can save it as a favorite for easy access later. Here’s how:
- While listening to a station, tap the star icon in the top-right corner of the screen.
- The station will be added to your favorites list.
- To access your favorites, tap the menu icon in the top-left corner of the screen and select “Favorites”.
FM Radio Frequencies in the US
| Frequency | Call Sign |
|---|---|
| 88.1 | WNYC |
| 89.9 | WFMU |
| 90.7 | WNYC |
Activating FM Radio on S21 Plus USA Version:
1. Open the Settings app on your phone.
2. Scroll down and tap “Connections”.
3. Tap “FM radio”.
4. Tap the switch next to “FM radio” to turn it on.
5. Plug in headphones to act as an antenna.
6. Press the “Scan” button to scan for available FM radio stations.
7. Tap on the name of a station to start listening.
Troubleshooting Common FM Radio Issues:
1. No sound is coming out of the FM radio.
Ensure that headphones are plugged in and make sure that the volume is turned up. Additionally, check if the selected station is broadcasting. If the issue persists, try restarting the FM radio app or your phone.
2. The FM radio is not scanning for stations.
Ensure that you are in a location with good FM reception. Additionally, make sure that the headphones are properly plugged in. If the issue persists, try restarting the FM radio app or your phone.
3. The FM radio is only picking up a few stations.
This can be due to poor FM reception in your area. Try moving to a different location with better reception. You can also try using an external FM antenna to improve reception.
4. The FM radio is experiencing static or interference.
This can be caused by electrical interference from nearby devices. Try moving away from any potential sources of interference, such as power lines or other electronic devices. You can also try using an external FM antenna to improve reception.
5. The FM radio is not working after a software update.
If the FM radio is not working after a software update, try restarting your phone. If the issue persists, try resetting the FM radio app to its default settings.
6. The FM radio is not working after rooting my phone.
Rooting your phone can cause issues with the FM radio. Try unrooting your phone and see if that resolves the issue.
7. The FM radio is not working after installing a custom ROM.
Installing a custom ROM can also cause issues with the FM radio. Try flashing back to the stock ROM and see if that resolves the issue.
8. The FM radio is not working after using a third-party FM radio app.
Using a third-party FM radio app can cause issues with the stock FM radio app. Try uninstalling the third-party FM radio app and see if that resolves the issue.
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| No sound | Check headphones, volume, and station |
| No scanning | Check location, headphones, and restart |
| Few stations | Move to better reception area or use antenna |
| Static or interference | Reduce electrical interference or use antenna |
| Not working after software update | Restart phone or reset FM app |
| Not working after rooting | Unroot phone |
| Not working after custom ROM | Flash back to stock ROM |
| Not working after third-party app | Uninstall third-party app |
How to Activate FM Radio on S21 Plus USA Version
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus has an FM radio receiver, but it is not activated by default in the USA version. Here are the steps on how to activate it:
- Open the Phone app.
- Dial *#22837825570273498#.
- Select “Enable FM Radio” on the menu that appears.
- The FM radio will now be activated and you can access it from the Apps menu.
People Also Ask
Can I listen to FM radio without headphones?
No, you need to connect headphones or a speaker to the S21 Plus to listen to the FM radio. This is because the headphones or speaker act as the antenna for the radio.
What if I don’t have any headphones or speakers?
You can purchase an FM radio adapter that connects to the S21 Plus’s USB-C port. This will allow you to listen to the radio without headphones or speakers.
What if I can’t get the FM radio to work?
If you are having trouble getting the FM radio to work, try the following:
- Make sure that your headphones or speakers are properly connected.
- Try restarting your phone.
- Contact Samsung support.
