BBC Help

My DAB digital radio signal is breaking up or cutting out - can you help?

This is usually caused by a weak signal. Most DAB radios can show the signal strength on their display screen, so you can check this. Try the following to strengthen the signal your radio is receiving.

• Make sure the radio's aerial is fully extended, whether it is the telescopic type or a thin wire.
• Move the radio to a different location in the room or building. Signal strength can be reduced in very built-up areas, in basements and inside buildings with walls of materials such as thick stone or reinforced concrete. Placing the radio near a window can help, and reception may be better upstairs than downstairs.

If you still can't get good reception, you may need an external aerial. First check that your radio can take an external aerial. You could use an indoor aerial, available from electronics suppliers, or you might need an outdoor aerial. An aerial installer will be able to advise on outdoor aerials. You can go to the CAI (Confederation of Aerial Industries) or Registered Digital Installers sites to find a registered installer in your area.

If you think the problem may be caused by something else, you can use our reception problems tool to diagnose the problem and get advice on what to do.

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