There is nothing more frustrating than feeling a bad signal on your cell phone. From dropped calls to messages not sending and streaming services that stutter and die, a lack of strong signal on your cell can cause all kinds of inconvenience.
Unfortunately, building towers to have more bars isn't an option - but don't worry. There are many things you can do to prevent poor cell service from interfering with your day-to-day life. Take a closer look at our tips to make sure you're getting the best possible signal, as well as some tips on how to boost your cell signal.
Remove your shell
Your phone case may interfere with your signal strength, especially if it is a sturdy case or if it contains metal. Try removing the case to see if it helps improve reception or call quality.
Keep your battery charged
A low phone battery can affect your phone's ability to receive a strong signal and can affect performance as well. Try to keep your battery above 25% as much as possible. Consider taking a portable charger with you so you can keep your phone charged on the go.
Use Wi-Fi calling
Chances are you've got a Wi-Fi network in your home or office, so why not use it to make and receive calls? Wi-Fi calling is now widely available and it can be as simple as changing a setting on your phone. On an Apple iPhone, go to Settings> Phone> Wi-Fi calling and make sure it is enabled. The setting can be located in different places on different Android phones, so open your Settings and use the search at the top to find Wi-Fi calling. You will also need to register with your carrier to find out their Wi-Fi calling policy. Some carriers may expect you to pay extra money or go through a few obstacles to activate it.
If you are unable to get Wi-Fi calling to work with your regular number and carrier, you can still use an app or service to make and receive Wi-Fi calls. Most of the best messaging apps also let you. make calls over your Wi-Fi connection, although the person you are calling will also need to have the same app.
Check your settings
Make sure your network settings look correct. You'll want to make sure you're connecting to the right carrier and that both voice and data are on. You might want to change your network preferences and test to see if that makes a difference.
On an iPhone, go to Settings> Cellular. On an Android, it will be Settings> Network and Internet or maybe if you have a Samsung it will be Settings> Connections> Mobile networks. If you don't see any issues, it may help to reset to see if that helps. On an iPhone, it's Settings> General> Reset> Reset network settings, but keep in mind that this will also reset your Wi-Fi networks and passwords, so you will have to set them up again. On an Android phone, this will differ from device to device; on a Pixel 4 it is Settings> System> Reset options> Reset Wi-Fi, mobile and Bluetooth but on a Samsung Galaxy S10 it is Settings> General management> Reset> Reset network settings.
Change your operator
Most carriers have a coverage map that shows the areas covered by their network and the type of connection you can expect. Do a little research to find the best carrier for coverage in your area and consider switching to them. We have a guide to help you switch operators with a minimum of fuss. You can also find coverage maps for many major operators around the world on Open Signal.
Move to a better location
If you have poor reception inside your home or office, but it improves dramatically every time you go out, there's a good chance the building is blocking your signal. If you are outdoors and still cannot get good reception, try to get away from tall buildings, trees, and anything that might be causing interference. If you are in a rural area, try moving to a higher elevation. It is also common that crowds such as concerts, music festivals or even city centers with major events in town can put stress on the wireless towers, limiting the signal and data speeds on your smartphone.
Check for coverage issues in your area
Before you go crazy trying all of these steps, you can contact your carrier and ask if there are any coverage issues such as a tower down or under maintenance in your immediate area. You can also try your carrier's Twitter to see if others are having similar issues.
Perform signal refresh
Often times when your phone is searching for a nearby cell tower, all it needs to find a strong connection is signal refresh. It's a simple process - just turn your phone off and on again or put it in airplane mode for a few moments before switching back.
Check your network coverage map
It is a good idea to do this before moving to a new home or changing cellular service providers. All of the major mobile carriers - Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile (which now includes Sprint) - have detailed coverage maps available online, so you can see if your location is spotty before proceeding with further troubleshooting. If you find that the coverage in your area is spotty, we suggest you consider changing your cell phone network. There is a useful website called Cell Mapper that offers crowdsourced locations for cell towers. Make sure to select your operator to find the nearest tower.
Install a repeater
Also called a signal booster, a repeater will capture and re-broadcast incoming signals, making your reception stronger. A repeater can completely resolve weak wireless signals in your home or car, and it works anywhere there is an electrical outlet. Just be sure to choose a location that is suitable for capturing a signal. For example, a basement is probably not the best place to install a repeater because it could block the signal in the first place. A window sill is preferable. Also remember that boosters can be expensive.
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