Sitting at the heart of many homes, Amazon’s Alexa provides a helping hand for numerous tasks. Whether you’re planning your schedule, checking the weather, or controlling your smart home devices, Alexa has you covered. But what about entertainment, specifically local radio? Can Alexa play local radio stations? It can! Alexa can be your digital radio host, tuning into your favorite local stations with a voice command. Here’s how you can get started.
How Does Alexa Stream Local Radio Stations?
The secret lies in Alexa’s ability to connect to online radio streaming platforms, which often provide access to a wide array of local, national, and even international radio stations. With simple voice commands, you can ask Alexa to play your desired local station; voila, you’re connected.
To do this, Alexa makes use of various skills, which are akin to apps on a smartphone. Some prominent skills that allow Alexa to stream local radio stations include iHeartRadio, TuneIn, and myTuner Radio. These skills are free and easy to use, with an extensive collection of local radio stations.
Setting Up Alexa to Play Your Favorite Local Radio Stations
You must first enable the relevant skills to start streaming your favorite local stations on Alexa. Follow these simple steps to add these skills to your Alexa:
- Open the Amazon Alexa app on your smartphone.
- Tap on the “More” menu (three horizontal lines) at the bottom right corner.
- Select “Skills & Games.”
- In the search bar, type in “iHeartRadio,” “TuneIn,” or “myTuner Radio,” then tap on the name when it appears.
- Tap “ENABLE TO USE” to add the skill to your Alexa.
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After enabling these skills, you can ask Alexa to play a specific local radio station by saying something like, “Alexa, play [radio station name] on iHeartRadio.”
Making the Most of Alexa’s Radio Capabilities
Now that you’ve enabled the relevant skills, you can experiment with various voice commands to maximize Alexa’s radio capabilities. Aside from asking to play specific stations, you can request genres, ask for recommendations, or even set your favorite station as your alarm sound in the morning.
Moreover, you can navigate stations using simple commands like “Alexa, next” or “Alexa, previous.” Remember, these skills limit you to local radio and give you access to a world of national and international stations. Get more Radio Commands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Alexa Have a Built-In FM Radio?
No, Alexa doesn’t have a built-in FM radio. However, it can stream radio stations, including local ones, through the internet using skills like iHeartRadio, TuneIn, and myTuner Radio.
Can You Listen to Radio on Alexa Without Prime?
Yes, you can. Listening to local radio stations on Alexa does not require an Amazon Prime subscription. You only need to enable the relevant skills on your Alexa device.
Can Alexa Set a Radio Station as My Alarm?
Yes, you can set a radio station as your alarm on Alexa. You must create a routine in the Alexa app and specify the radio station to which you want to wake up. For example, you could say, “Alexa, wake me up to [radio station name] on TuneIn at 7 am.” Get more Alexa Alarm Commands.
Summary
In a nutshell, Alexa can play your favorite local radio stations, bringing a world of entertainment, news, and music into your living room. All you need is the right set of Skills enabled, and your Alexa device becomes your digital radio host. Now, you can tune into your local radio with a voice command, making Alexa an even more integral part of your daily routine.
For more tips and tricks on making the most of your Alexa device, head to the Alexa Archives.
