How To Improve Cell Phone Reception
Nowadays we are so connected to the world by our cell phones, that it is difficult to imagine our lives without them. We cannot live without communication, and our cell phones are nothing without cell phone reception.
Weak signal and slow data speeds are things that happen from time to time, but it is important to know how we can fix this problem.
We prepared a list of 10 things that you can do to improve your cell phone reception. We have separated them into free solutions and paid solutions. Let’s take a look at all the options we have for you:
Free Solutions To Improve Cell Phone Reception
1. Use WiFi Calling
We know that it does not improve your cell phone reception, however, it is a good solution to be able to make calls and send texts messages if you are under a Wi-Fi connection. However, what is Wi-Fi calling? It gives you the chance of using your phone in places where the telephone signal does not reach, as long as you are connected to a Wi-Fi network. You just need to activate the Wi-Fi calling option in the settings of your device.
2. Did you update your software? If not, you should!
Sometimes we receive some messages saying that there is a new version of the carrier software available. The next time you want to skip that think it twice. It could be the reason why your reception is not working at 100%. You can check if there are available updates in the settings menu of your device.
3. Turn off Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and any other service you are not using.
It is possible that a Wi-Fi connection cause problems trying to receive or send data, especially when the signal is not strong enough to do it. Disabling them could improve your reception problem.
4. Sometimes 3G is better than 4G
Do not think we lost our minds! Let’s explain this. Sometimes the 4G LTE network that we like to use because it technically works better and faster than 3G is overloaded. How can this happen? Sometimes, especially when we are in crowded places, the data consumption increases until a point where it is not better than 3G. The next time you are in a concert or a sporting event, try to switch to a 3G network. It should improve your reception.
5. Turn airplane mode on and off.
Are you in an uncrowded place (maybe at home) and you still experiment with reception problems? Then turn on and off the airplane mode can help you here. When we do that, our cell phone connects again to the cellular network. This time your phone reception may be better than before.
6. Is it only you?
If you are the only person who has a reception problem, and you tried without success all the other solutions that we have mentioned before, you should have your phone checked for damage. However, if you still present problems, maybe your phone is not operating as it should. The stores where we purchase phones usually have technicians in their staff that can help you to check your phone.
7. Move around the place
As big objects can cause interference and block the signal, you can move up a floor. For example, from the basement to the ground floor or first floor. Another option is to move closer to a window, for the main same reason: nothing will block the signal and you should receive a better and stronger reception.
If nothing of this works, then try going outside the building and move to higher ground.
8. Reorganize your space and improve your surroundings
Objects such as furniture, refrigerators, and metal cabinets can interfere between you and the cell phone signal you are looking for. One thing you can do is to rearrange these objects. Some materials can also cause interference, for instance, metal, magnetic, electrical, and thick building materials.
An outside obstruction such as trees, bushes, and a waterfall can also block cell signals. Remember that cell signal is like radio waves, they can cover long distances but they cannot penetrate objects easily. We are not saying that you need to cut down all the trees around you, but you can trim unnecessary branches and see if the signal improves.
Paid Solutions To Improve Cell Phone Reception
9. A certified solution: Get a cell phone signal booster.
Have you ever heard about cell phone signal boosters? They are also known as cell phone repeaters and are devices that you can install at home to amplify and distribute the signal. You can find different types of signal boosters, not only for your home but also for use in your business or vehicle. The difference remains in the amplifier capabilities. If you consider investing in one of these devices, we suggest you do further research to find one that suits your needs.
10. Switch carriers
We understand that you chose your carrier for a reason. However, if you do not have good coverage at home or work, you could consider changing into another that works better in your area. You can ask your partners at work and neighbors to see what they use. Maybe you find a carrier that covers all your needs, including the most important one that is a good cell phone reception.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are cell phone signal boosters?
They are devices used to improve coverage at home, either in the car or in your business.
What should I try first?
We recommend you move around the place, and switch to a 3G network in crowded areas.
There you have 10 useful tips to improve your cell phone reception. We hope that if anytime you find yourself with signal problems, you can use one of these tips to improve it. We recommend you try all of the free options first, and then if none of these work, try to purchase a cell phone signal booster or switch your carrier. However, unless you have a very old phone, we are sure that one of the free options will help you in this matter.
