ETS2 Radio Guide: Add Custom Stations and Fix Streams

To add radio in ETS2, edit the live_streams.sii file while the game is closed, use a direct audio stream URL, keep the station format intact, and test one station before replacing your full list.

This ETS2 radio guide links naturally with Best ETS2 Settings, Beginner's Guide to ETS2 Controls, and What Is the Latest ETS2 Version? because radio, controls, and version changes all shape long-haul sessions. If radio files or UI mods behave strangely after a patch, use the ETS2 Update Checklist.

File Location

On Windows, open:

Documents\Euro Truck Simulator 2\live_streams.sii

For American Truck Simulator, the equivalent file is:

Documents\American Truck Simulator\live_streams.sii

If the file does not exist, open the in-game radio once or create a station list through the game's radio interface.

Backup First

Before replacing or editing the file, make a backup copy. Name it something obvious, such as:

live_streams.backup.sii

This lets you return to your previous stations if a stream pack fails or includes stations you do not want.

Also keep one clean copy after major ETS2 updates. Radio files are simple compared with map mods, but broken stream packs can still waste time if you replace a working list without a backup.

Add a Station

A station entry normally includes a stream URL, station name, genre, language, bitrate, and favorite flag. Keep the format consistent with the existing file and edit while the game is closed.

Example shape:

stream_data[]: "https://example.com/radio.mp3|Station Name|Genre|Language|128|0"

The exact stream URL must point to a playable audio stream, not just a radio station's normal website. If a URL opens a web player with buttons and ads, it may not work in the game.

Stream Pack Advice

Large station packs can be convenient, but they also age quickly. Servers close, formats change, and some stations block listeners from other countries.

Before replacing your full list:

1. Check when the pack was last updated.
2. Test a few stations outside the game.
3. Remove stations you will never use.
4. Keep the original European stations if you enjoy regional immersion.
5. Avoid packs that bundle unrelated files or installers.

In Game

After saving live_streams.sii, start ETS2 and open the radio player from the route advisor or pause menu. Look for your station name in the internet radio list, mark it as a favorite if you want it near the top, then test it before starting a long delivery.

If the station does not appear, the most common cause is a broken quote, missing separator, or a stream URL that points to a website instead of an audio file. Restore your backup and retry with one station at a time.

1. Start ETS2.
2. Press R to open the radio player.
3. Choose Internet radio.
4. Select your station.
5. Wait a few seconds for the stream to buffer.

Some streams take 10 to 20 seconds to start, especially if the server is far away or busy.

FAQ

Why does my ETS2 radio station not play?

Usually the URL is not a direct playable stream, the station blocks your region, or the stream format is not supported by the game. Test the URL in a normal media player before adding it to ETS2.

Can I use radio packs in ETS2?

Yes, but treat them like mods. Keep a backup, check when the pack was updated, and avoid packs that include installers or unrelated files.

Is this different from ATS radio setup?

The file format is similar, but this page is focused on Euro Truck Simulator 2. Use the ETS2 folder under Documents when editing your station list.

Troubleshooting

Problem	Fix
Station does not appear	Check the file path and syntax
Station appears but will not play	Test the stream URL in a browser or media player
Buffering is slow	Try a lower bitrate stream or another server
File resets	Close the game before editing the file
Station plays outside the game only	Look for the direct MP3, AAC, OGG, or playlist stream URL
Some countries cannot connect	Choose a station with international streaming access

Custom radio is a small feature, but it changes the mood of long drives more than almost any graphics setting.