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How to Check Mobile Signal Strength (Android & iOS)

By Admin on September 22, 2024

Ever had a call drop right in the middle of a conversation or experienced frustratingly slow internet speeds? This could be due to weak mobile signal strength. 

Checking your mobile signal strength helps you better understand the quality of your connection, and knowing how to measure it can assist in diagnosing issues, improving your experience, and maintaining a reliable connection. 

In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of checking mobile signal strength and offer insights on improving it.

Understanding Mobile Signal Strength

Before diving into how to check your signal, let’s understand what mobile signal strength is. It refers to the quality of the signal that your device is receiving from the nearest cell tower.

A stronger signal means better call quality and faster internet speeds, while a weak signal results in dropped calls, slow downloads, and buffering videos.

Different Units of Measuring Signal Strength

Mobile signal strength is typically measured in decibel-milliwatts (dBm) or Arbitrary Strength Unit (ASU). However, most phones show signal bars as a visual representation. 

While convenient, signal bars don’t always accurately reflect the true signal strength. To get a precise measure, you’ll need to look at dBm.

  • dBm: A measure of the power level received by your phone from the cell tower. The closer the value is to 0, the better the signal. Values usually range from -50 dBm (excellent) to -120 dBm (no signal).
  • ASU: Another way to measure signal strength, but less commonly used compared to dBm.

Why You Need to Check Mobile Signal Strength

There are several reasons why knowing your mobile signal strength is essential:

  • Call Drops and Poor Quality: Weak signal strength often leads to dropped calls or poor voice quality.
  • Slow Internet Speeds: Low signal strength can severely affect your data connection, leading to slow loading times, buffering, and lagging apps.
  • Battery Drain: Did you know that your phone works harder and consumes more battery to maintain a connection when the signal is weak? Checking your signal strength helps avoid this.

Methods to Check Mobile Signal Strength

There are a few methods to measure mobile signal strength accurately. Depending on your device or preference, you can either use your phone’s built-in settings or install a third-party app for more detailed analysis.

Checking Mobile Signal Strength on Android Devices

If you’re using an Android device, checking your signal strength is simple. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

  1. Go to Settings on your phone.
  2. Select About Phone or Status (this might vary depending on your phone).
  3. Look for Signal Strength or Network.

You’ll see the signal strength in dBm or ASU. Typically, anything above -80 dBm is considered good, while -110 dBm or lower indicates a poor signal.

Checking Mobile Signal Strength on iPhones

For iPhone users, the method involves using Field Test Mode:

  1. Open the Phone app and dial *3001#12345#*.
  2. Hit Call to enter Field Test Mode.
  3. You’ll see the signal strength in dBm at the top corner.

Exit the Field Test Mode by pressing the Home button. Now you can better interpret the numbers that represent your signal strength.

Interpreting Signal Strength Numbers (dBm)

Understanding dBm is critical when checking signal strength. Here’s a breakdown of what those numbers mean:

  • -50 to -79 dBm: Excellent signal
  • -80 to -89 dBm: Good signal
  • -90 to -99 dBm: Fair signal
  • -100 to -120 dBm: Weak or poor signal

Knowing this range helps you determine if your signal is strong enough for smooth calls and fast browsing.

Factors Affecting Mobile Signal Strength

A variety of factors can influence your mobile signal strength. These include:

  • Distance from Cell Tower: The further you are, the weaker the signal.
  • Obstructions: Buildings, walls, and even trees can block your signal.
  • Weather: Heavy rain or thick clouds can interfere with signal transmission.

Understanding these factors can help you mitigate the issue or take steps to improve the signal.

How to Improve Weak Signal Strength

If your mobile signal strength is weak, here are a few tips to boost it:

  • Move to an Open Area: Step outside or move closer to a window.
  • Restart Your Phone: Sometimes, simply rebooting your device can fix signal issues.
  • Use a Signal Booster: Signal boosters can help amplify weak signals, especially in areas with poor reception.

A mobile signal booster can be an excellent solution for those consistently dealing with poor reception. These devices work by capturing weak signals, amplifying them, and rebroadcasting the stronger signal to your phone. Choosing the right booster depends on your location and the size of the area you need to cover.

Checking Mobile Signal Strength in Rural vs Urban Areas

Checking mobile signal strength in rural areas can be more challenging due to the distance between cell towers. In contrast, urban areas may experience interference from buildings or network congestion. It’s important to keep this in mind when interpreting your signal strength.

Monitoring Signal Strength While Traveling

For those who travel frequently, monitoring mobile signal strength can be useful. There are several apps available that track signal strength as you move, helping you identify areas with weak reception and avoid dropped calls.

Tips for Maintaining Consistent Signal Strength

Maintaining good signal strength isn’t just about checking it once—it’s an ongoing process. Here are a few tips to keep your connection stable:

  • Avoid physical obstructions like thick walls.
  • Keep your phone updated with the latest software for optimal performance.
  • Choose the right network provider: Some providers may have better coverage in your area.

Conclusion

Checking mobile signal strength is crucial for ensuring reliable connections, whether for calls or internet use. Knowing how to measure and interpret signal strength helps you understand potential issues and improve performance. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can take control of your mobile signal and enhance your overall experience.

FAQ:

How do I know if my signal strength is good or bad?

Signal strength above -80 dBm is considered good, while anything below -110 dBm is poor.

Does signal strength affect mobile data speed?

Yes, weaker signals result in slower data speeds, causing longer loading times and buffering.

Can a mobile case or cover weaken my signal?

Some bulky cases, especially metal ones, can interfere with your phone’s antenna and weaken the signal.

Is there a difference between signal bars and dBm?

Yes, dBm gives a more accurate measurement of signal strength, while bars are just a visual approximation.

How often should I check my mobile signal strength?

It’s a good idea to check your signal whenever you experience poor call quality, slow data, or are in a new location.
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