How to Search for Radio on Alexa

How to Search for Radio on Alexa

Alexa can function as a full-fledged radio receiver with access to thousands of stations via voice commands. The key is knowing how to search effectively.

1) Where Alexa Finds Radio Stations

Alexa plays radio through integrated directories and skills such as TuneIn and myTuner Radio (and sometimes Amazon Music if a station has a stream there). Alexa doesn’t open websites directly; it looks up stations in these catalogs.

2) Say the Station Name Clearly

Use a simple play command:

  • “Alexa, play BBC Radio 1.”
  • “Alexa, play RadioABC from TuneIn.”

If a name is long or uncommon, add the source: “on TuneIn” or “from myTuner.”

3) Search by Genre, City, or Country

You don’t need the exact station name. Try descriptive queries:

  • “Alexa, play jazz radio.”
  • “Alexa, play news radio from London.”
  • “Alexa, play gospel radio from the USA.”
  • “Alexa, play Spanish rock radio.”

4) Use the Alexa App for Browsing

In the Alexa app (iOS/Android), go to More → Music & Podcasts and connect TuneIn or myTuner. Browse stations, then tap to play on your speaker. Add favorites so you can launch them by name later.

5) Make It Easy to Re-Play

  • Add to Favorites: In the Alexa app, open the station card and tap Favorite. Then say “Alexa, play my favorites on TuneIn.”
  • Shortcuts with Routines: Create a routine that runs on a phrase like “Alexa, start morning radio.” and add the station as an action.
  • Alarms with Radio: “Alexa, set an alarm for 7 a.m. with BBC Radio 2.”
  • Multi-room Audio: Group speakers in the app and say “Alexa, play Radio X on Everywhere.”

6) When Alexa Picks the Wrong Station

  • Add the source: “Alexa, play Smooth Radio on TuneIn.”
  • Specify the city/country: “Alexa, play Kiss FM from London.”
  • Spell the name: “Alexa, play L-B-C on TuneIn.”
  • Try an alternate name: Some stations have multiple brand variants; test another official name.

7) Troubleshooting Checklist

  • Region: Ensure your Amazon account and device region match the station’s availability in TuneIn/myTuner.
  • Skill status: In the Alexa app, confirm the TuneIn or myTuner Radio skill is enabled and linked.
  • Exact naming: Check the station’s listing spelling in the directory you use.
  • Network: Restart the speaker and your router if streams buffer or fail.
  • Content rights: Some stations geo-restrict streams; pick a local mirror in the same directory.

8) Sample Voice Commands (Copy & Use)

  • “Alexa, play classical radio on TuneIn.”
  • “Alexa, play BBC Radio 6 Music.”
  • “Alexa, play Black Gospel Radio on myTuner.”
  • “Alexa, set an alarm for 8 a.m. with NPR.”
  • “Alexa, add this station to my favorites.”
  • “Alexa, play Power FM from TuneIn.”

9) If You Still Can’t Find a Station

Open the station’s official website or a global directory to confirm the exact name used in streaming catalogs.