Do FM Transmitter Apps Work? How to Transmit Radio From Your Phone

If you have an old FM radio or an old car that doesn't have Bluetooth, you may have wondered whether you can transmit music on your phone over FM. While you can find FM transmitter apps, can they actually stream music to an FM radio?

No, FM Transmitter Apps Don't Work

Unfortunately, you need hardware to transmit any kind of FM signal, which almost all phones don't have. While you might remember that some old feature phones and even modern smartphones have a built-in FM radio, it is not the same as FM transmission.

That's why FM transmitter apps on the Play Store or App Store don't work unless you pair them with an actual FM modulator. That's because a phone needs specific hardware to receive, much less transmit, FM radio signals.

FM Radio Apps vs. FM Transmitter Apps

FM transmitter apps claim to send your phone's audio via FM. On the other hand, FM radio apps receive FM broadcasts—either via online streaming or through your phone's built-in FM radio. Thankfully, you'll mostly get FM radio apps if you search for "FM transmitter" on the Play Store and App Store.

Most other apps that claim they transmit FM signals on your phone without pairing with an FM modulator are no longer available because they don't work.

On the other hand, FM radio apps may work even if your phone doesn't have an FM receiver. That's because many radio stations—both FM and AM—now also broadcast online. So, those radio apps just search for these stations' online broadcast channels and stream them to your phone via the internet.

You can even try using the best iPhone radio apps or these free internet radio apps for Android if you want to listen to the radio on your phone and it doesn't have an FM radio.

Note that you don't need a phone to listen to internet radio. You can also do so via Chrome extensions that let you listen to the radio. Or, if you're not a fan of Chrome, you can also visit these websites to listen to the radio on any browser.

How to Transmit to an FM Radio From Your Phone

So, if FM transmitter apps don't work, how do you transmit audio from your phone to your FM radio? The only way to do that is to use an FM transmitter or FM modulator device. These devices usually plug into your car's auxiliary power outlet or are battery-powered. You can set an FM station on the device's screen and tune your radio into your set station.

Then, connect your phone to the transmitter or modulator via Bluetooth or auxiliary cable. With the phone connected, it will stream all sound from your phone to any FM radio tuned to the station you set. Some transmitters/modulators also come with USB ports, allowing you to charge your phone while driving.

Since anyone can tune in to your set frequency, you must remember that you have limited privacy. So, avoid making phone calls on the Bluetooth transmitter, as the person driving behind you can accidentally tune in to the FM frequency you use and listen to your conversation.

Other Ways to Send Audio From Your Phone to Your Car

You can easily get a car FM transmitter or modulator on Amazon for less than $30, with many brands falling in the $15 to $20 price range. If wireless audio transmission for enjoying your tunes is your only concern, this affordable and easy-to-install solution will suit your needs.

However, if you like the best Android Auto features or want to use Apple CarPlay while driving, consider upgrading your old ride with one of the best Android Auto head units (some of which are also Apple CarPlay-compatible). And for more options, check out our guide on connecting your phone to your car audio system.

Wireless audio is a convenience that many of us would want to have in our cars. Whether you're driving your grandpa's old car or just bought a second-hand car that doesn't have Bluetooth, you can still enjoy wireless audio with little hassle just by investing a few bucks on an FM transmitter device rather than an FM transmitter app.

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