Running into trouble while streaming online radio can be frustrating — especially when all you want is uninterrupted music.
At TalesFM, our goal is simple: smooth, ad-free radio from around the world on every device.
Most of the time, it just works. But if you face silence, buffering, or app crashes, the fix is usually quick.
Here is your complete guide to getting your audio back on track.
Quick Fixes (Try These First)
Before diving into settings, try these universal solutions. They fix 90% of playback issues immediately:
- Refresh: Reload the browser page or restart the app.
- Check Volume: Ensure both your device volume AND the TalesFM player volume are up.
- Network: Switch from Mobile Data to Wi-Fi (or vice versa).
- Browser Tabs: Close unused tabs that might be eating up your RAM.
- Clear Cache: Clear your browser or app cache to remove corrupted data.
1. No Sound (But Player is Running)
If the player shows the song is playing, but you hear nothing, it’s usually a permission or device issue.
The "Auto-Play" Block (Most Common on Web)
Modern browsers (Chrome, Safari, Edge) often block audio from playing automatically to stop annoying ads.
The Fix: Look for a speaker icon with a line through it in your address bar (URL bar). Click it and select "Always allow sound" for https://www.google.com/search?q=TalesFM.com.
Bluetooth Conflict
Sometimes your phone is connected to a Bluetooth speaker in another room.
The Fix: Turn off Bluetooth momentarily to see if sound returns to your phone/computer speakers.
2. Constant Buffering or Choppy Audio
If the music stops and starts repeatedly, it indicates a bottleneck in your data stream.
Check Your Connection
Radio streaming requires a steady connection, not necessarily a fast one.
- Restart Router: Unplug your Wi-Fi router for 10 seconds and plug it back in.
- Disable Data Saver: If you are on mobile, ensure "Data Saver" mode is OFF, as it restricts background streaming.
VPN & Ad-Blockers
Strict Ad-blockers or VPNs can sometimes mistakenly identify a radio stream as an "ad" and block it.
The Fix: Temporarily disable your VPN or pause your Ad-blocker for TalesFM to see if the stream stabilizes.
3. App Crashing or Freezing
If the TalesFM app closes suddenly or becomes unresponsive on Android or iOS.
For Android:
- Go to Settings > Apps > TalesFM.
- Tap Storage > Clear Cache.
- If that fails, tap Force Stop and reopen.
For iOS (iPhone):
- Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to view open apps.
- Swipe the TalesFM app up to force close it.
- Relaunch the app.
Last Resort: Uninstall and reinstall the app. This ensures you have the latest version with all bug fixes.
4. "Stream Not Available" or Station Error
Sometimes, a specific station won't play while others work perfectly.
Source Issue: TalesFM aggregates streams from real radio stations. If the station's own server is down for maintenance, it won't play anywhere.
Geoblocking: Some radio stations restrict listening to specific countries.
The Fix: Try a different station for a few minutes. If the problem is only with one station, it will likely be back online soon.
5. Browser Compatibility (Legacy Issues)
TalesFM is built for modern web standards. If you see prompts about "Codecs" or errors on older devices:
Update Browser: Ensure you are using the latest version of Chrome, Safari, Firefox, or Edge.
Enable JavaScript: TalesFM requires JavaScript to function. Check your browser settings to ensure it isn't blocked.
Still Need Help?
If you’ve tried everything and still can’t listen, our support team is ready to assist. When contacting us, please include:
- Your device name (e.g., iPhone 14, Windows Laptop).
- Browser name (e.g., Chrome, Safari).
- The specific station is giving you trouble.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Why does the radio stop when I lock my phone screen?
A: This is usually a battery optimization setting. Go to your phone settings and ensure the browser (Chrome/Safari) or the TalesFM app is allowed to run in the background.
Q: Does TalesFM use a lot of mobile data?
A: Online radio is quite efficient. Listening for an hour typically consumes between 30MB to 60MB of data, depending on the station's audio quality (bitrate).
Q: Why do I hear an ad at the start of a station?
A: TalesFM is an ad-free platform, but the radio stations themselves sometimes insert a pre-roll greeting or ad locally. We do not control the content broadcasted by the station source.
Q: Can I use a VPN while listening?
A: Yes, but some radio stations block VPN IP addresses to enforce copyright laws. If a station won't play, try disconnecting your VPN.
Q: Why is the audio quality different between stations?
A: TalesFM plays the highest quality stream available from the source. Some stations broadcast in HD (128kbps+), while others may broadcast in lower quality (64kbps) to save bandwidth.