In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, strong cell phone reception is a necessity. Whether you’re trying to make important business calls, browse the internet, or stream videos, reliable cell phone signal strength is essential for seamless connectivity. However, many people experience poor signal reception, especially in areas where cell towers are far away or in buildings with thick walls.
To improve your cell phone signal, the first step is to understand how signal strength is measured and how it impacts your phone’s performance. This article explains what cell signal strength means, how to measure it accurately, and what you can do to improve it.
What is Signal Strength?
Cell phone signal strength refers to the quality of the radio waves your phone receives from the nearest cell tower. It is typically measured in decibel-milliwatts (dBm), which is a unit of power that expresses the strength of the signal. Unlike the “bars” shown on your phone screen, which can vary between devices and are not standardized, dBm provides an objective measurement of signal strength.
Signal strength is measured on a scale from -50 dBm to -120 dBm:
- -50 dBm is considered excellent signal strength. It means you are very close to the tower or have a clear line of sight to it.
- -60 to -80 dBm is considered good to fair signal strength. Your phone will function normally for calls and data, though data speeds may fluctuate.
- -90 dBm or below is weak signal strength, and you may experience dropped calls, poor call quality, or slow data speeds.
- -120 dBm or below indicates no signal at all, meaning your phone cannot connect to a network.
By understanding your current signal strength in dBm, you can make informed decisions about how to improve it.
How to Measure Signal Strength
Measuring signal strength in dBm is more accurate than relying on the bars displayed on your phone. Here’s how you can check your signal strength on different devices:
For Android Phones:
- Go to Settings.
- Tap on About Phone (or “About Device” depending on the model).
- Select Status or Network.
- Find Signal Strength under the Network section.
In most cases, the signal strength will be displayed in dBm. Android phones usually allow you to monitor signal strength easily, providing more detailed information than just signal bars.
For iPhones:
- Dial 3001#12345# and press call. This opens the “Field Test Mode.”
- Once in Field Test Mode, look for the RSRP (Reference Signal Received Power) number, which represents signal strength in dBm.
- Some iPhone models may no longer display dBm in Field Test Mode. If that’s the case, you may need to use a third-party app or check on an Android device.
Using Signal Measurement with Apps:
Several mobile apps can help measure your signal strength more accurately. These apps provide detailed insights into the signal’s strength and quality. Apps such as Signal Strength for Android or Opensignal for both iPhone and Android can help you determine your dBm readings easily.
Factors Affecting Signal Strength
Several factors can impact your signal strength, causing variations in your cell phone reception. Understanding these factors can help you troubleshoot weak signals and find effective ways to improve them.
1. Distance from the Cell Tower:
The further you are from the nearest cell tower, the weaker your signal will be. Cell signals are radio waves, and like any other radio wave, they lose power the further they travel. If you live in a rural or remote area far from a tower, you are more likely to experience weak signals.
2. Physical Obstructions:
Buildings, trees, hills, and other physical barriers can block cell signals from reaching your phone. This is why you often experience weaker signals indoors, especially in buildings made of thick materials like concrete, steel, or low-emissivity glass. Even inside your home, walls, floors, and furniture can obstruct the signal.
3. Network Congestion:
When too many people are using the same cell tower simultaneously, the network can become congested, leading to slower data speeds and weaker signal strength. This is common during large events or in densely populated areas during peak hours.
4. Weather Conditions:
Extreme weather such as heavy rain, snow, or thunderstorms can affect radio waves and weaken cell signals. While weather doesn’t cause complete signal loss, it can reduce the quality and strength of the signal reaching your phone.
5. Signal Interference:
Other electronic devices or signals, such as Wi-Fi routers, cordless phones, and even microwave ovens, can cause interference and disrupt your cell phone signal. This interference often results in signal noise, leading to poor call quality or data disruptions.
How to Improve Cell Phone Signal Strength
If you are experiencing weak cell signal strength, there are several methods you can use to improve reception and boost signal quality.
1. Move Closer to a Window or Higher Location
Since physical obstructions can block signals, moving closer to a window, going upstairs, or positioning yourself in an open area can improve signal strength. Higher locations, such as rooftops or higher floors, are generally better for receiving stronger signals as they reduce the number of obstacles between your phone and the cell tower.
2. Minimize Interference
Try turning off or moving away from other electronic devices that may be causing interference, such as Wi-Fi routers, Bluetooth devices, or cordless phones. Additionally, if you live in a densely populated area where multiple Wi-Fi networks are active, try switching your phone to aeroplane mode for a few seconds before turning it back on to reset the connection.
3. Use Wi-Fi Calling
If your carrier supports Wi-Fi calling, it can be an excellent solution for poor cellular reception. Wi-Fi calling allows you to make voice calls and send texts over your Wi-Fi network instead of relying on a cellular signal. This can be particularly helpful in buildings with thick walls or in areas where cell signal strength is weak.
4. Install a Cell Phone Signal Booster
A cell phone signal booster is an excellent option for improving reception in homes, offices, or vehicles. These devices capture the weak signal from the outside, amplify it, and then rebroadcast it inside the building or car. As a result, you get a stronger, more reliable signal for calls, texts, and data.
Signal boosters are particularly useful in areas with weak outside signals, such as rural locations or buildings with obstructive materials. By placing the booster’s external antenna in the area with the strongest outdoor signal, you can ensure that the booster has enough signal to amplify and distribute inside.
5. Upgrade Your Phone
Older phones may not be equipped with the latest antennas or technology to handle newer frequencies, especially 4G LTE or 5G signals. Upgrading to a newer phone model can significantly improve signal strength and performance as modern devices are designed to work better with newer cellular infrastructure.
Understanding Signal Quality: It’s Not Just About Strength
While signal strength (measured in dBm) is crucial, signal quality is just as important for maintaining a good connection. Signal quality is measured using Signal to Noise Ratio (SINR), which determines how much of the signal your phone receives without interference from other signals or noise.
- A higher SINR (above 10 dB) means you have a clean, high-quality signal, and your phone can communicate with the tower efficiently.
- A lower SINR (below 5 dB) indicates poor signal quality, even if the signal strength is relatively strong.
When troubleshooting weak connections, it’s essential to consider both signal strength (dBm) and signal quality (SINR). A signal booster can often improve both, as it amplifies the incoming signal and reduces interference.
Conclusion: Measure and Improve Your Signal Strength
Understanding and measuring your cell phone signal strength is the first step toward improving your overall reception. By using dBm as an objective measure of signal strength and identifying factors that influence your reception, you can take practical steps to boost your signal. Whether it’s moving to a higher location, using Wi-Fi calling, or installing a signal booster, there are multiple ways to enhance your phone’s performance and stay connected wherever you are.
If you often find yourself struggling with poor reception, following the steps outlined in this guide can help you better understand and improve your cell phone signal, leading to clearer calls, faster data speeds, and more reliable connectivity.
