``I bought a second-hand smartphone, but I can't install radiko!'' or ``My phone is too old and it doesn't show up on Google Play...'' - these are actually quite a lot of comments.

As of February 2026, radiko recommends Android 8.0 or above and iOS 13.0 or above. In other words, if you have a smartphone running Android 7 or earlier or iOS 12 or earlier, there is a high possibility that you will not be able to install the app itself.

In this article, we will explain everything from how to isolate the reason why radiko cannot be used, 5 alternative apps for listening to radio other than radiko, and even tricks to listen to radio from a browser without an app.

Why can't I install radiko on an old smartphone?

First, let's clarify the cause. There are three main reasons why radiko cannot be installed.

Cause 1: Old OS version

According to radiko official help, the recommended environment as of February 2026 is as follows.

  • iPhone / iPad: iOS 13.0 or higher
  • Android: Android 8.0 or higher, RAM 1GB or higher, resolution 1280×720 or higher

If these requirements are not met, Google Play or App Store will display a message saying "Your device is not supported" and you will not be able to install it.

Roughly speaking, be careful with smartphones released before 2015. For example, the borderline is around Xperia Z3 (Android 6 and above) and iPhone 6 (iOS 12 and above).

Cause 2: Insufficient storage space

Even if the OS is compatible, installation will not be possible if the free space on the main unit is too small. The radiko app requires about 50-80MB. Organize your photos and videos to free up space.

Cause 3: Gradual release of Google Play

The radiko app uses a method called "canary release," and updates are distributed in stages over 1 to 2 weeks. In some cases, the latest version simply hasn't arrived on your device yet. In this case, waiting a few days will resolve the issue.

First, check the OS version

Don't know the OS version of your smartphone? The confirmation method is easy.

For Android

You can check it in "Settings" → "Device information" → "Android version". If the number displayed here is less than 8.0, it is not the recommended environment for radiko.

For iPhone

You can check it in "Settings" → "General" → "Information" → "iOS version". <13.0 is not the recommended environment for radiko.

If you can update your OS, try updating it first. However, in most cases it is not possible to update the OS on older models because the manufacturer has stopped updating them.

5 alternative apps to listen to radio other than radiko

Even if you can't get radiko installed, there are ways to listen to the radio. And many of them are free to use.

1. NHK Radio Razil★Rajiru

This is the official radio app provided by NHK. You can listen to 3 channels: Radio 1, Radio 2, and NHK-FM.

  • Supported OS: Android 5.0 or above / iOS 12.0 or above
  • Fees: Completely free
  • Features: The biggest advantage is that the supported OS is lower than radiko. You can also listen to past programs with the "Missed" function

Radiko requires Android 8.0, but Radiru★Radiru is OK from Android 5.0. In other words, even if you have an old smartphone that does not have radiko installed, there is a high possibility that you will be able to listen to NHK radio.

▶ Download on Google Play｜Download on App Store

2. WIZ RADIO

This is a free app that allows you to listen to programs from the JFN series (TOKYO FM, etc.). This is a successor position to the former Dokodemo FM (service ended in February 2021).

  • Supported stations: 38 JFN affiliated stations FM broadcast
  • Fees: Free
  • Features: Listen to JFN FM stations from all over the country without area restrictions. You can use the functions equivalent to radiko's Area Free (385 yen per month) for free

This is especially recommended for people who want to listen to TOKYO FM, FM OSAKA, FM FUKUOKA, etc. from outside the area.

3. AuDee

This is also a free app from JFN. In addition to live streaming, there are also spin-offs of radio programs and original content.

  • Fees: Free
  • Features: Rich on-demand podcast-like content. You can also enjoy talk shows with popular artists

4. Simple Radio

This is an app that allows you to listen to radio stations from all over the world, and of course also supports AM and FM stations in Japan.

  • Price: Free (with ads. Premium is monthly)
  • Features: Simple UI and easy operation. You can also register your favorite stations with just one tap. Works easily even on older devices

▶ Download on App Store

5. ListenRadio

This is a free app that allows you to listen to community FM broadcast stations from all over the country.

  • Fees: Free
  • Features: Since it specializes in community FM, it is strong in gathering information on local broadcast stations and during disasters. BGM channels are also available

It is suitable for people who want to listen to community-based broadcasts rather than major FM/AM stations.

No app needed! Tricks to listen to radiko in your browser

Actually, radiko has a browser version. Even if you can't install the app, there is a possibility that you can listen to it by accessing radiko.jp from your smartphone's browser.

Steps (for Android Chrome)

  1. Open Chrome and access radiko.jp
  2. Check "PC version site" from the "⋮" menu in the upper right corner
  3. The PC version of radiko will be displayed, so select the program you want to listen to and play

However, there are some caveats. The recommended environment for the browser version of radiko is Android 8.0 or higher, the latest version of Chrome, so if your browser is too old, the audio may not play. However, it's worth trying because it's more likely to work than an app.

For iPhone

To display the PC version of the site in Safari, tap "Aa" on the left side of the address bar → select "Display desktop website". iOS 13 or higher is recommended, but it may also appear on older iOS.

Last resort if all else fails

If you can't listen to the radio after trying all the methods above, you have a few options left.

Buy a pocket radio (physical radio)

It doesn't really cost anything, but you can buy an AM/FM radio receiver for 1,000 to 3,000 yen. If it's battery-powered, you don't have to worry about charging your smartphone, and it's also strong in the event of a disaster. If you search for "pocket radio" on Amazon or electronics stores, you'll find many.

Listen with smart speaker

If you have a smart speaker such as Amazon Echo or Google Nest, just say, "Alexa, play FM Tokyo on radiko." If you enable radiko's skills and actions, you can enjoy radio without a smartphone.

Listen on your computer's browser

If you have a computer, the most reliable way is to access radiko.jp. The recommended environment is Windows 11 or higher / macOS 10.13 or higher, and is compatible with the latest versions of Edge, Chrome, and Firefox.

FAQ

If I uninstall radiko once, can I reinstall it?

Reinstallation is possible if the OS meets the recommended environment (Android 8.0 or higher / iOS 13.0 or higher). However, please note that if it is not in the recommended environment, once you uninstall it, you will not be able to install it again.

Can I listen to commercial radio on Rajiru★Rajiru?

No, Razil★Rajiru is only available on NHK programs (Radio 1, Radio 2, and NHK-FM). If you want to listen to commercial broadcasts, use other apps such as WIZ RADIO or Simple Radio.

If I subscribe to radiko premium (385 yen per month), can I use it with an old smartphone?

No, Premium is an area-free function (you can listen to broadcast stations nationwide), and the requirements for compatible OS do not change. If your OS is old, you will not be able to install either the free version or premium version.

If I buy a used smartphone again, what is the approximate OS version that radiko can be used with?

Android 8.0 or higher, iOS 13.0 or higher is recommended. If you're buying a used device, choose a model with Android 10 or higher and iOS 15 or higher, so you can use it for several years with confidence.

References