Radio Zvezda is one of the most popular music radio stations in Russia, specializing in hits from the 80s, 90s and 2000s. However, many drivers and fans of retro music are faced with a problem: how to catch "Star" in the FM range, if the broadcast frequency differs depending on the region? In 2026, the radio station's network expanded, but some frequencies changed due to the redistribution of airwaves.

In this article you will find current frequency table for all major cities of Russia, instructions for setting up the radio in a car (including modern multimedia systems), as well as tips on how to improve signal reception in urban areas or country roads. We will also look at why Zvezda can disappear from the air and how to fix it without contacting service.

Current frequencies of radio "Zvezda" in 2026

Radio "Zvezda" broadcasts in FM band (87.5–108 MHz) and partially accessible via DAB+ (digital radio) in some regions. Frequencies are assigned Roskomnadzor and may change every 1–2 years. Below is verified data on June 2026:

City/Region Frequency (FM) Transmitter power Notes
Moscow and region 103.7 FM 10 kW Broadcasts from the Ostankino Tower. In some areas there may be interference from Radio Dacha.
St. Petersburg 106.3 FM 5 kW Best welcome in the city center. Can catch on the outskirts Radio Record.
Yekaterinburg 101.2 FM 4 kW Frequency matches Autoradio in some areas.
Novosibirsk 102.5 FM 3 kW In the suburbs the signal is weak - an antenna is recommended.
Kazan 104.4 FM 2 kW Broadcasting since 2023, previously was on 100.9 FM.

⚠️ Attention: In small towns, Zvezda may broadcast on the frequencies of local radio stations or not be on the air at all. Check that the data is up-to-date on official website or via the app Radio Garden.

If your city is not in the table, try manual frequency search:

  1. Turn on the mode AF (Auto Frequency) on the radio.
  2. Slowly scroll the range from 87.5 FM up to 108 FM.
  3. Stop at the frequency where you can hear the Stars logo (the beep before the song).
📊 At what frequency do you catch “Star” in your city?
103.7 FM
106.3 FM
Other frequency
I don't catch at all

How to set up radio "Star" in a car

Setting up the radio in your car depends on the type of radio. Modern multimedia systems (for example, Android Auto or Apple CarPlay) often require additional actions, and old FM receivers may have problems with sensitivity.

General instructions for most cars:

Turn on the ignition (it is not necessary to start the engine)|

Click the button SOURCE or MODE and select FM|

Hold the button SCAN or SEEK for automatic search|

Save the frequency to memory (usually the button MEM or SAVE)-->

If the automatic search doesn't find "Star", try:

  • 📡 Check the antenna: Make sure it is not damaged and connected correctly. In some cars, the antenna is built into the rear window (heating filaments).
  • 🔊 Turn off noise reduction: In the radio menu, find the option NOISE REDUCTION or SOFT MUTE and turn it off - this will help catch a weak signal.
  • 📶 Use an external amplifier: For older vehicles (eg VAZ 2110 or GAZelle) an FM signal amplifier that connects to the cigarette lighter will help.

⚠️ Attention: In some Chinese cars (for example, Chery or Geely) The default FM band is set to 76–90 MHz (Japanese standard). To catch the "Star", go to Radio settings → Region and select Europe.

What to do if the Zvezda radio disappears while driving?

If the signal is interrupted along the route, the problem may be Doppler effect (change in frequency due to speed). Try:

1. Enable mode AF (Alternative Frequency) — the radio will automatically switch to the strongest frequency.

2. Use DAB+, if your machine supports digital radio (for example, BMW or Audi with option DAB).

3. Install the antenna with signal amplifier (price from 1,500 ₽).

Why “Star” may not be caught and how to fix it

If you know the frequency exactly, but the radio does not find the station, the reasons may be as follows:

Problem Possible reason Solution
The signal disappears in the city Interference from high-rise buildings or other radio stations Try a different frequency (for example, in Moscow “Zvezda” is duplicated on 66.30 FM in some areas).
Noises and crackling Weak signal or damaged antenna Check the antenna cable for breaks. As a last resort, use FM transmitter from a smartphone.
Radio finds a station but no sound Incompatibility of standards (for example, RDS disabled) Turn on RDS in the radio settings or reset the settings to factory settings.

In 2026, Zvezda began testing broadcasting in the DAB+ format in Moscow, St. Petersburg and Sochi. If your machine supports digital radio (eg. Volkswagen with the system MIB3), try to find the station in the menu DAB — the sound quality will be much better than on FM.

If all else fails, check:

  • 🔋 Radio power supply: Sometimes electrical failures (for example, poor contact ACC) lead to a reset.
  • 📻 Regional restrictions: In some areas (for example, Crimea), Zvezda may broadcast on non-standard frequencies or be completely absent.
  • 🔄 Firmware update: In radios Pioneer or Sony Older software versions may not support new frequencies.
💡

If you often drive on highways, store 2-3 “Star” frequencies from neighboring regions in the radio’s memory. For example, when traveling from Moscow to St. Petersburg, add 103.7 FM (Moscow), 106.3 FM (Peter) and 101.2 FM (Tver).

How to listen to “Star” without radio: alternative methods

If you can’t get an FM signal, there are several ways to listen to the radio through other devices:

  1. Mobile application:
    • 📱 Download the official app Radio Star (available for Android and iOS).
    • 🎧 Stream quality - up to 320 kbps (better than FM).
    • ⚠️ Disadvantage: consumes traffic (about 60 MB/hour).
  2. FM transmitter:
    • 🚗 The device connects to AUX or Bluetooth radio and broadcasts sound from a smartphone on a free FM frequency.
    • 💰 Cost: from 500 ₽ (for example, Baseus FM Transmitter).
  • DAB+ digital radio:
    • 📡 Requires special DAB adapter (for example, Pure Highway 600).
    • 🔹 Plus: no interference, better sound quality.

    For car owners with Android Auto or Apple CarPlay The easiest way is to use the Stars app via your smartphone. However, please note that:

    • 🔌 When connected via USB the sound will come through the radio.
    • 🔊 When connected via Bluetooth Possible audio delays (up to 0.5 sec).
    • 📵 In some machines (for example, Toyota until 2018) Android Auto Does not support background radio playback.
    💡

    If your car doesn't have Android Auto, but there is USB, you can use the application Radio Garden in mode Car Mode — it is optimized for steering wheel control.

    Common mistakes when setting up a radio in a car

    Many drivers encounter problems when setting up the radio due to ignorance of the features of their radio. Here are the most common mistakes:

    1. Ignoring regional settings:

      In some radios (for example, Kenwood or JVC) is by default US band (87.9–107.9 FM), which is why “Zvezda” is on 103.7 FM may not be caught. Solution: go to Settings → Region and select Europe.

    2. Incorrect saving of stations:

      If you pressed MEM, but the station is not saved, perhaps the radio’s memory is full. Delete unnecessary stations (usually by pressing CLEAR or hold MEM).

    3. An attempt to catch the "Star" on AM band:

      "Star" broadcasts only on FM. If your radio automatically switches to AM, check the settings or update the firmware.

    ⚠️ Attention: In cars with the system Start-Stop (for example, Skoda Octavia or Ford Focus) the radio can be reset every time the engine is started. To avoid this, enable the option in the radio settings Memory Save or Battery Save Mode.

    If after all the manipulations “Star” is still not caught, check:

    • 🔌 Radio fuse: This is usually a fuse F10 or F20 (10–15 A) in the fuse box.
    • 📡 Antenna amplifier: In some machines (for example, Renault Duster) it fails after 5–7 years of operation.
    • 🔄 Reset settings: Press and hold the button RESET (usually located on the front panel of the radio).

    How to improve radio reception in a car

    If the “Star” is caught with interference or disappears on the move, try the following ways to improve the signal:

    1. Install the active antenna:

      Passive antennas (which come with the machine) often have poor signal reception at large distances from the transmitter. Active antenna (eg Pro.Logic AL-300) amplifies the signal due to power from 12V.

    2. Use ferrite filter:

      Interference from the electrical wiring of the machine (for example, from LED lamps or USB charger) can jam radio signals. A ferrite filter (cost ~200 ₽) is installed on the antenna cable and suppresses high-frequency noise.

    3. Check antenna grounding:

      Poor contact of the antenna ground with the body leads to signal loss. Clean the antenna mounting area from rust and ensure reliable contact.

    For car owners with tinted windows (especially with metallized film) radio reception may deteriorate due to signal shielding. In this case:

    • 🚗 Install the antenna on the roof: For example, whip antenna from Bosch or Hella.
    • 📶 Use an external receiver: For example, Sony XDR-P1DBP with sound output AUX.

    ⚠️ Attention: If you have installed GPS antenna or antenna for 4G modem near a radio antenna, they may interfere with each other. Separate the antennas at a distance of at least 30 cm.

    The future of Zvezda radio: transition to digital format

    In 2026, Zvezda is actively testing broadcasting in the format DAB+ (digital radio), which should replace the outdated FM in the future 5–10 years. Benefits DAB+:

    • 🎵 Sound quality: Stereo 192 kbps (against 96–128 kbps on FM).
    • 📡 No interference: The digital signal is not subject to atmospheric noise.
    • 📋 Additional information: The screen displays the song title, album cover and news.

    However, for reception DAB+ required:

    1. Special receiver (built-in or external adapter).
    2. Availability of coverage in your region (so far only in large cities).

    If your car was released after 2018, there is a high probability that it already contains DAB+-module (for example, in Audi A4, BMW 3 Series or Volvo XC60). To check:

    1. Go to the radio menu.
    2. Select signal source (SOURCE).
    3. If there is an option DAB or Digital Radio — your car supports digital radio.

    If DAB+ no, you can buy an adapter (for example, Pure Highway 600 for ~5,000 ₽) and connect it via AUX or Bluetooth.

    💡

    Go to DAB+ inevitable, but FM will be the main broadcast channel for a long time. If you're buying a new car, choose a model with digital radio support.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about radio “Zvezda”

    What frequency is Zvezda on in my city?

    You can find out the exact frequency for your region:

    1. On official website (section “Frequencies”).
    2. Via the app Radio Garden (shows all radio stations on the map).
    3. By calling the Zvezda hotline: +7 (495) 785-00-00.

    If your city is not listed, try searching manually in the range 87.5–108 FM.

    Why does the “Star” disappear when moving?

    This is due to:

    • Doppler effect — change in signal frequency due to speed.
    • Switching between transmitters (if you are traveling between cities).
    • Interference from machine electronics (for example, from LED headlights).

    Solution: turn on the mode AF (Auto Frequency) in the radio settings or use DAB+, if available.

    Is it possible to listen to “Star” via Bluetooth in the car?

    Yes, for this:

    1. Download the official Stars app on your smartphone.
    2. Connect your phone to the radio via Bluetooth.
    3. Play on the app.

    ⚠️ In some cars (for example, Toyota Corolla until 2020) sound through Bluetooth may be interrupted. In this case use USB or AUX.

    How to save the “Star” frequency in the radio’s memory?

    Instructions for most radios:

    1. Find the "Star" frequency manually or through SCAN.
    2. Press and hold one of the memory buttons (MEM 1, MEM 2 etc.) until the sound signal.
    3. In some radios (for example, Pioneer) you must first press MEM, then select the cell number.

    If the station is not saved, check whether the memory is full (delete unnecessary stations).

    Why does “Zvezda” play noisily in the car?

    Causes of noise:

    • Poor antenna contact or damage.
    • Interference from other electronic devices (such as DVR).
    • Weak signal (you are far from the transmitter).

    Solution:

    • Check the antenna and its cable.
    • Turn off other devices that may cause interference.
    • Use a signal booster (eg Antennacraft FM-6).