Classic FM has upgraded to DAB+ across the UK – here’s how to check you can still listen

20 November 2023, 16:57 | Updated: 9 January 2024, 12:16

Classic FM is upgrading to DAB+ on 2 January – check you’re ready ahead of the switch!

Classic FM

By Classic FM

As of 2 January 2024, Classic FM’s DAB radio signal has upgraded to DAB+. Here’s everything you need to know.

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Classic FM has upgraded from DAB to DAB+ across the UK, as of 2 January.

DAB+ provides better sound quality, giving the best possible listening experience. But this means we have switched off our DAB signal.

If you are listening on DAB radio, you will need to make sure it’s DAB+ enabled to ensure you can still listen to Classic FM. But there are also plenty of other ways to listen to Classic FM – including on FM, Global Player, smart speaker, TV and ClassicFM.com.

Many people with DAB radios can also simply switch to FM and continue to listen.

If you have any questions about your DAB signal, you can call us on 0333 200 2000 from 9am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday.

Enter now: Win one of 200 Roberts DAB+ radios!

DAB+ – a modern, digital way of listening to radio
DAB+ – a modern, digital way of listening to radio. Picture: DAB toolkit

How do I check if I can get DAB+?

If your radio has a Digital Radio Tick Mark (see below), this means your radio is DAB+ enabled and will receive the available DAB, DAB+ and FM radio stations.

If you can’t see a Tick Mark, read the product description carefully and check that it specifies DAB+. Most newer devices can receive DAB+ stations.

If you can tune to Capital Dance or Capital XTRA, then your radio is DAB+ enabled!

Read more: 5 trusted DAB+ radios and devices as Classic FM’s radio signal changes

Digital Radio Tick Mark
Digital Radio Tick Mark. Picture: digitalradio

What if I listen to Classic FM in the car?

If you listen via FM in your car, your listening experience will stay the same.

For those listening via DAB in the car, most cars will allow you to switch to FM mode.

Check your DAB radio is DAB+ compatible
Check your DAB radio is DAB+ compatible. Picture: Alamy

What if I listen to Classic FM via FM, TV, Global Player or smart speaker?

Those who listen via FM, TV, Global Player, or smart speaker do not need to do anything. Your listening experience will stay the same.

On Global Player and smart speaker, you can already experience the new High-Definition sound of Classic FM by using the new HD option. This is available on your smartphone, tablet or smart speaker.

Explore all the ways to listen to Classic FM >

If your radio is not DAB+ compatible, you can recycle your old device. Find your nearest donation or recycling point here.

If you have any questions about the switch to DAB+, please contact us at Classic FM here.