You don't have any bars on your phone? Is your mobile data slow? Here are several tried-and-true methods for restoring your cell signal.
It's aggravating when your phone doesn't function, especially when you're within range of a signal. I've spent almost 15 years researching mobile phones, with a particular emphasis on networks and radio signals. So I put prepared a few quick ideas for what to do if you find yourself in a dead zone.
(If you're more concerned with the quality of your phone conversations than with data or signal in general, see How To Make Your Cell Phone Calls Sound Better.)
Switch to Airplane Mode or Restart Your Phone
Phones can become confused at times. Do we not all? Your phone is not always looking for the greatest signal. That would destroy your battery. So, especially if you're relocating, it may be clinging to an outdated notion of network availability.
The simplest approach to resolve this is to activate airplane mode, wait approximately 10 seconds, and then deactivate it. This causes your phone to check again for available networks. Airplane mode is often found in the iPhone Control Center and the Android Quick Settings panel, which can be reached by sliding down from the top of your screen.
In certain circumstances, you may even need to restart your phone. This is required while crossing international borders or entering or exiting roaming carrier zones.
You're holding it incorrectly
Remember the term "antennagate?" The antenna bands of the iPhone 4 were criticized for being readily obstructed by your hand. That still happens on occasion. You might be blocking the antenna on your phone that is currently in use, or the one that is nearest to or most correctly pointing towards the cell tower.
The final test is to just hold your phone up with two fingers, obstructing as little of the cover as possible. Phone cases, by the way, are not intended to interfere with cellular signal reception, although taking the case off your phone can't harm you.
Purchase a New SIM Card (or Clean Yours)
If you've been with your carrier for a long time, your SIM card may lack the necessary data to connect to the most recent network technologies. Its contacts might potentially be filthy or worn out, resulting in occasional failures. Begin by removing your SIM card and wiping the metal surface with a disinfectant wipe or a cotton swab and a little rubbing alcohol.
You may also request a new, most recent-model SIM card from your carrier's customer support representatives. Instead of going to a store, use the carrier's website online chat. Assume you're experiencing network issues and want to try a fresh SIM card. They should send you one free of charge.
Change Your G (Preferred network type)
3G, 4G, and 5G all have unique features and can originate from separate towers. I've seen networks demand that a phone try to pick up a weaker, farther-away signal merely to get a "5" in the status bar. This isn't just marketing; the newer the network your phone is on, the more effectively it uses carrier resources, therefore it's in the carriers' best interests to have as many devices as possible on the newest networks.
Unfortunately, this occasionally results in individual devices being trapped with extremely weak connections. It's recommended to switch between accessible network modes in case your carrier's logic favors newer systems over more usable ones. This is particularly important for Verizon consumers. Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Voice & Data on the iPhone, and you should be able to select between 5G and LTE (4G). You may also be able to go down to 3G depending on your network.
Samsung phones may use a third-party software called Samsung Band Selection to aid with this. When you tap Launch Band Selection, you will be presented with a number of alternatives. Automatic often includes 5G, whereas LTE All reduces you to 4G. WCDMA ALL reduces your speed to 3G.
On many Android phones, you may go to Settings and look for a section named Connections or Wi-Fi and Internet. Select Mobile Network, SIM & Network, or something like that. There should be a "network mode" option that allows you to choose from 5G (or "global"), 4G, 3G, or even 2G.
Use Wi-Fi
Are you making the most of your phone's Wi-Fi capabilities? Your home network may be the finest network for your phone. That includes calling; virtually all phones now offer Wi-Fi calling, which you can normally enable in your phone's cellular or calling settings. Improving your home Wi-Fi using a mesh system may be less difficult than attempting to get a cellular connection where you reside.
Our list of The Best Wi-Fi Mesh Network Systems might assist you in making a selection. We can even assist you in configuring your new Wi-Fi setup.
Examine Your Bands (and Get a New Phone)
Every few years, carriers add additional frequencies to their networks. Even on 4G, if your phone is quite old, it may not connect to the newest ones. This is mostly a concern for T-Mobile, which has expanded coverage by using newly bought frequencies.
Here's how to figure out the bands you'll need in your location. Go to CellMapper.net, choose your carrier and location, then search for nearby towers. By clicking on them, you should be able to see the frequency bands you're in. Then go to FrequencyCheck.com to discover which bands are supported by your phone model. If those numbers don't match, your phone won't be able to hear what the tower is transmitting; it's time to get a new one.
Buy a Network Booster
This is the most costly, but also the most effective method. Network signal boosters employ big antennas to absorb weak signals and then rebroadcast them within your home or automobile. They range from around $200 for a single-device, portable unit to $1,200 or more for whole-home systems. They do, however, make a significant impact, frequently transforming a single bar of shaky signal into a full-strength, fast connection.
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