Unlock the immersive world of FM radio on your Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus USA version, a feature previously unavailable in the land of stars and stripes. This guide will meticulously walk you through the activation process, empowering you to tune into a symphony of voices, music, and news at your fingertips. Embark on a journey to rediscover the charm of traditional radio, seamlessly integrated into your cutting-edge smartphone.
To initiate the activation process, you’ll need a third-party app. Enter NextRadio, a beacon of hope for FM radio enthusiasts. Download and install the app from the Google Play Store, granting it necessary permissions to access your device’s location and audio settings. Once the app is up and running, a simple toggle awaits your command. Flip the switch labeled “Enable FM Radio” and witness the magic unfold. Your S21 Plus will automatically scan for available radio stations, compiling a comprehensive list for your listening pleasure.
Now, all that remains is to plug in a pair of headphones. They serve as the antenna, completing the circuit between your device and the ethereal waves of radio broadcasting. Immerse yourself in a world of limitless entertainment, where music flows effortlessly, news updates keep you informed, and talk shows spark lively conversations. The FM radio feature on your S21 Plus USA version is a gateway to a realm of auditory delights, ready to enrich your mobile experience.
Enabling FM Radio through Carrier Activation
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus USA version comes equipped with an FM radio chip, but it is usually disabled by default. To activate the FM radio, you need to contact your carrier and request activation. The activation process may vary depending on your carrier, but here is a general guideline:
1. Contact your carrier
- AT&T: Dial *3282# and press “Send.” The radio will be activated automatically.
- T-Mobile: Download the “FM Radio Enabler” app from the Google Play Store. Open the app and select “Activate FM Radio.” The radio will be activated automatically.
- Verizon: You can only use the FM radio if your plan includes it. Check your plan details or contact Verizon customer service to confirm if you have access to the FM radio.
- Other carriers: The activation process may vary. Contact your carrier’s customer service for instructions.
2. Install the FM Radio app
Once your carrier has activated the FM radio, you need to install the FM Radio app. The app is available for free from the Google Play Store.
3. Start listening to FM radio
Open the FM Radio app and connect your headphones. You can use the app to tune into your favorite FM stations, adjust the volume, and save your favorite stations.
| Carrier | Activation Method | FM Radio App |
|---|---|---|
| AT&T | Dial *3282# | Built-in |
| T-Mobile | FM Radio Enabler app | Built-in |
| Verizon | Contact customer service | Built-in |
| Other | Contact carrier’s customer service | Google Play Store |
Checking for FM Radio Support
To ascertain whether your S21 Plus USA version supports FM radio functionality, follow these steps:
1. Access the “Settings” menu
Locate and select the “Settings” icon on your smartphone’s home screen.
2. Navigate to “Connections,” then “More Connection Settings”
Within the “Settings” menu, scroll down and select “Connections.” Subsequently, tap on “More Connection Settings.”
3. Check for “FM Radio”
If your S21 Plus USA version supports FM radio, you will find an option labeled “FM Radio” under “More Connection Settings.” However, if this option is absent, your device may not possess FM radio capabilities.
4. Verify FM Radio Support via Phone Information
Alternatively, you can check your phone’s information to confirm FM radio support. To do this:
- Open the “Phone” app.
- Dial *#0*# to access the hidden diagnostic menu.
- Scroll down and select “Hardware Test.”
- Look for “Radio” to verify FM radio support.
5. Considerations
It’s important to note that the availability of FM radio functionality on the S21 Plus USA version may vary depending on specific carrier and model configurations. If you encounter any difficulties or do not find the FM Radio option after following these steps, it is recommended to contact your carrier or Samsung for further assistance.
Troubleshooting FM Radio Activation Issues
If you are unable to activate FM radio on your Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus USA version, follow these troubleshooting steps to resolve the issue:
1. Check if FM radio is available in your region
FM radio may not be available in all countries or regions. Check with your local carrier or Samsung support to confirm if it is supported in your area.
2. Make sure FM radio is enabled on your phone
Open the Settings app on your phone, tap on “Connections,” and then select “FM Radio.” Ensure that the toggle switch next to “FM Radio” is turned on.
3. Install the FM Radio app from the Galaxy Store
Some models of the S21 Plus may not have the FM Radio app pre-installed. To install it from the Galaxy Store:
- Launch the Galaxy Store app on your phone.
- Search for “Samsung FM Radio.”
- Tap on the “Install” button next to the app.
Once the installation is complete, open the FM Radio app and follow the on-screen instructions to activate the service. If the app is not available in your local Galaxy Store, you may download and install it from a trusted third-party source.
Note: The FM Radio app may require data or Wi-Fi to activate, even if the radio service itself does not.
4. Use a compatible headset
To listen to FM radio, you need to use a compatible wired headset. Bluetooth headsets or wireless earbuds will not work with FM radio.
5. Check for updates
Make sure your phone’s software is up to date. Software updates may include fixes for FM radio activation issues.
Using FM Radio without Internet or Data
Unlock the hidden FM radio feature on your Galaxy S21 Plus USA version and enjoy your favorite stations without relying on data or internet connectivity.
Step 1: Check for Updates
Ensure that your S21 Plus is running the latest software update by going to **Settings > Software Update** .
Step 2: Install NextRadio App
Visit the Google Play Store and download the **NextRadio app**. This is a third-party app that enables FM radio functionality on compatible devices.
Step 3: Connect Headphones
Connect wired headphones to your S21 Plus to act as an antenna for the radio signal. Bluetooth headphones do not support FM radio.
Step 4: Scan for Stations
Open the NextRadio app and tap **”Scan”**. The app will automatically scan for available FM stations in your area and populate the list. You can also manually tune to specific frequencies using the slider.
| Frequency Range | Additional Information |
|---|---|
| 87.5 – 108 MHz | Standard FM band in the United States |
| 520 – 1710 kHz | AM band (limited availability and quality) |
To listen to a station, simply tap on its frequency or name in the list. You can adjust the volume, view station information, and add stations to your favorites for easy access.
Listening to FM Radio with Headphones or Bluetooth Speakers
To listen to FM radio using headphones or Bluetooth speakers, you will need to follow these additional steps:
Wired Headphones
Plug your wired headphones into the headphone jack of your S21 Plus.
Bluetooth Headphones/Speakers
- Pair your Bluetooth headphones or speakers with your S21 Plus by going to Settings > Connections > Bluetooth.
- Once paired, make sure your Bluetooth device is turned on and within range.
- Open the FM Radio app on your S21 Plus and start listening.
Note: FM radio does not work with wired USB-C headphones.
Customizing FM Radio Settings
Once you have successfully activated the FM radio on your S21 Plus USA version, you can further customize its settings to enhance your listening experience.
Scan and Save Stations
To automatically scan and save available radio stations, follow these steps:
- Open the FM Radio app.
- Tap on the “Scan” button located at the top-right corner of the app.
- The app will automatically scan and populate the list of available stations.
- Tap on the “Star” icon next to the station name to save it as a favorite.
Manual Tuning
If you prefer to manually tune into a specific frequency, you can use the following steps:
- Open the FM Radio app.
- Tap on the “Tuning” button located at the top-right corner of the app.
- Use the slider to adjust the frequency or enter the desired frequency into the field provided.
- Tap on the “OK” button to set the station.
Selecting Presets
To quickly switch between saved stations, you can create and use presets. Here’s how:
- Open the FM Radio app.
- Tap on the “Presets” button located at the bottom-right corner of the app.
- Select an empty preset slot and tap on the “Add” button to assign a saved station.
- Repeat the process for additional presets.
- To quickly switch between presets, simply tap on the corresponding number at the bottom of the app screen.
RDS and Radio Text
The FM radio on the S21 Plus supports RDS (Radio Data System) and Radio Text information. This allows you to view the station name, artist, song title, and other details on the screen while listening.
Background Listening
You can continue listening to the FM radio even while using other apps or when the screen is turned off. To enable background listening, follow these steps:
- Open the FM Radio app.
- Start playing a station.
- Tap on the “Home” button to minimize the app.
- You can now access the playback controls for the FM radio from the notification panel or the lock screen.
Checking FM Radio Compatibility
Not all Galaxy S21 Plus models support FM radio functionality. To verify compatibility, check the Technical Specifications section for your device on the Samsung website or contact your mobile carrier.
Enabling FM Radio
Ensure your device has an active internet connection and is running the latest software update. Open the Galaxy Store app and search for “NextRadio.” Download and install the NextRadio app.
Launching FM Radio
Once installed, launch the NextRadio app. If prompted, grant necessary permissions. The app will automatically scan for available FM radio stations.
Scanning for Stations
To manually scan for stations, tap the “Scan” button in the app. The scan may take a few minutes, depending on the number of stations available.
Saving and Tuning to Favorite Radio Stations
To save a station as a favorite, tap the star icon next to the station name. To tune to a saved station, tap the “Favorites” tab at the bottom of the app. Then, select the desired station from the list.
Adjusting Audio Settings
To adjust audio settings, tap the “Settings” icon in the bottom-right corner of the app. Here, you can adjust the volume, enable or disable RDS (Radio Data System) information display, and set other preferences.
Troubleshooting
If you encounter any issues, try the following:
- Restart your device.
- Ensure your headphones are properly connected.
- Update the NextRadio app to the latest version.
- Contact your mobile carrier for support.
Accessing FM Radio Features and Controls
Navigating the FM radio interface on your Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus (USA) is straightforward and user-friendly. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started.
1. Open the “Samsung FM Radio” app from your home screen or app drawer.
2. The app will automatically scan for available radio stations in your area.
3. Once the scan is complete, a list of stations will appear on the screen. You can scroll through the list to find your desired station.
4. To tune into a station, simply tap on its name.
5. The station will start playing, and you can adjust the volume using the volume buttons on the side of your phone.
6. To change stations, tap on the “Channel” button at the bottom of the screen.
7. A list of preset stations will appear. You can tap on a preset to tune into that station.
8. To add a station to your presets, tap on the “Star” icon next to its name. The station will now appear in the list of presets.
Enabling FM Radio
1. Open the Settings app on your S21 Plus.
2. Tap on “Connections”.
3. Tap on “More connection settings”.
4. Tap on “NFC and contactless payments”.
5. Tap on “Enable NFC”.
6. Tap on the “Secure element” tab.
7. Tap on “FM Radio”.
8. Tap on the “Enable FM Radio” switch.
9. The FM Radio app will now be installed on your phone. You can open it from the app drawer.
Deactivating FM Radio when Not in Use
1. Open the Settings app on your S21 Plus.
2. Tap on “Connections”.
3. Tap on “More connection settings”.
4. Tap on “NFC and contactless payments”.
5. Tap on “Enable NFC”.
6. Tap on the “Secure element” tab.
7. Tap on “FM Radio”.
8. Tap on the “Disable FM Radio” switch.
9. The FM Radio app will now be deactivated on your phone.
How to Activate FM Radio on S21 Plus USA Version
To activate FM Radio on your Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus USA version, follow these steps:
- Open the FM Radio app.
- If this is your first time using the app, you will be prompted to grant it access to your location. Tap “Allow”.
- The app will scan for available FM radio stations.
- Once the scan is complete, a list of stations will be displayed. Tap on a station to start listening.
- You can also use the search bar to find a specific station.
- To adjust the volume, use the volume buttons on the side of your phone.
- To change the station, tap on the “Back” button and then tap on a different station from the list.
- To turn off the FM radio, tap on the “Stop” button.
- You can also use the FM radio app to record live radio broadcasts.
- To do this, tap on the “Record” button while listening to a station.
Additional Tips for Optimizing FM Radio Reception
Here are some additional tips for optimizing FM radio reception on your Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus USA version:
- Make sure you are in an area with good FM radio signal.
- Use a pair of headphones or an external antenna to improve reception.
- Avoid using the FM radio in areas with a lot of interference, such as near power lines or large buildings.
- Try adjusting the position of your phone to find a better signal.
- If you are having trouble getting good reception, try updating the FM radio app.
- You can also try restarting your phone.
- If you are still having problems, contact your carrier or Samsung customer support.
- Make sure that your phone software is up-to-date.
- Factory reset your phone.
- Contact an Authorized Samsung Service Center.
| Troubleshooting Tips | Possible Solutions |
|---|---|
| No sound | Connect an external audio device, check the phone’s speaker settings |
| Weak or distorted sound | Improve the signal strength, adjust the equalization settings |
| FM radio app keeps crashing | Clear app cache and data, update or reinstall the app |
How to Activate FM Radio on S21 Plus USA Version
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus USA version does not have an FM radio receiver. This is because the USA version of the S21 Plus is designed to work with the American telecommunications infrastructure, which does not include FM radio broadcasting. However, there are a number of apps available in the Google Play Store that can be used to listen to FM radio stations on the S21 Plus. These apps use the internet to stream FM radio stations, so you will need to have an active data connection to use them.
People Also Ask
Does the S21 Plus have an FM radio?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus USA version does not have an FM radio receiver.
How can I listen to FM radio on my S21 Plus?
You can use an app from the Google Play Store to listen to FM radio stations on your S21 Plus. These apps use the internet to stream FM radio stations, so you will need to have an active data connection to use them.
What are some good FM radio apps for the S21 Plus?
Here are some of the best FM radio apps for the S21 Plus:
- NextRadio
- TuneIn Radio
- Radio FM
- Simple Radio
- FM Radio App
