Did you know that at least 72% of Americans experience dropped calls, slow internet speeds, or poor cellular reception at least occasionally on their phones?¹
Weak signals can be incredibly frustrating, but luckily, you can use several simple tricks to boost your iPhone’s reception. Whether you’re struggling with spotty coverage at home, at work, or on the go, these 15 tips will help you improve signal strength and stay connected.
1. Toggle Airplane Mode On & Off
One of the quickest and easiest ways to refresh your iPhone’s cellular connection is to toggle Airplane Mode on and off. This simple trick forces your phone to disconnect from the network and then reconnect, which can often resolve temporary signal issues.
Toggling Airplane Mode can improve signal strength in areas with weak coverage. Simply swipe up from the bottom of your screen to access the Control Center, tap the airplane icon, wait 5-10 seconds, and then tap it again to reconnect.
2. Update Your iPhone’s iOS & Carrier Settings
Keeping your iPhone’s software up to date is crucial for optimal performance, including cellular connectivity. Apple regularly releases updates that include bug fixes, security patches, and improvements to network compatibility.
To check for updates, go to Settings > General > Software Update. If an update is available, tap “Download and Install.” You should also ensure that your carrier settings are up to date by going to Settings > General > About. If an update is available, you’ll see a prompt to install it.
3. Remove Your iPhone Case
While protective cases are great for shielding your iPhone from drops and scratches, some cases can actually interfere with your phone’s cellular reception. This is especially true for cases made of metal or other materials that can block radio waves.
If you’re experiencing signal issues, try removing your case temporarily to see if it makes a difference. If you notice a significant improvement, consider switching to a case made of plastic, silicone, or other non-metallic materials.
4. Use Wi-Fi Calling
If you’re in an area with poor cellular coverage but have access to a strong Wi-Fi network, you can use Wi-Fi Calling to make and receive calls and texts over the internet instead of the cellular network. This feature is supported by most major carriers and can be a lifesaver in situations where cellular signal is weak or non-existent.
To enable Wi-Fi Calling, go to Settings > Phone > Wi-Fi Calling and toggle it on. Remember that you’ll need to be connected to a Wi-Fi network for this feature to work, and some carriers may require you to enable it on their end as well.
5. Avoid Signal-Blocking Obstacles
Certain materials and obstacles can significantly weaken or block cellular signals, making it difficult for your iPhone to maintain a strong connection. Common signal blockers include:
- Metal surfaces and structures
- Concrete and brick walls
- Low-E glass windows
- Densely wooded areas
- Underground or basement locations
When possible, try to avoid these obstacles or position yourself near a window or open space to improve reception.
6. Reset Your iPhone’s Network Settings
If you’re experiencing persistent signal issues, resetting your iPhone’s network settings can sometimes resolve the problem. This will erase all saved Wi-Fi networks, VPN settings, and cellular settings, allowing your phone to start fresh with default network configurations.
To reset your network settings, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings. Keep in mind that you’ll need to re-enter any saved Wi-Fi passwords after the reset.
7. Check for Carrier Outages
Sometimes, weak or non-existent cellular signals may be due to a carrier outage in your area. Before troubleshooting your iPhone, check your carrier’s website or social media accounts for any reported outages or maintenance in your location.
You can also use third-party websites like Downdetector to see if other users are reporting issues with your carrier in real-time. If there is an outage, unfortunately, there’s not much you can do except wait for your carrier to resolve the issue.
8. Use a Cell Signal Booster
If you consistently experience weak cellular signals in your home, office, or vehicle, investing in a cell signal booster can significantly improve your iPhone’s reception. These devices work by amplifying the existing cellular signal and rebroadcasting it in the area where you need it most.
There are various types of boosters available, including home, office, and vehicle models, so be sure to choose one that fits your specific needs.
9. Enable 5G (if Available)
If you have a newer iPhone model that supports 5G and lives in an area with 5G coverage, enabling this feature can significantly improve your cellular speeds and reliability. 5G networks offer faster data speeds, lower latency, and better capacity than 4G LTE, making it easier to stay connected even in crowded areas.
To enable 5G, go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Voice & Data and select “5G Auto.” Keep in mind that 5G coverage is still rolling out and may not be available in all areas.
10. Update Your Carrier’s Roaming Settings
If you’re traveling internationally or outside of your carrier’s primary coverage area, updating your roaming settings can help improve your iPhone’s signal strength and connectivity. Roaming lets your phone connect to partner networks when your primary carrier’s signal is weak or unavailable.
To update your roaming settings, go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Roaming and toggle on “Voice Roaming” and “Data Roaming.” Be aware that roaming charges may apply, so check with your carrier for details on international plans and fees.
11. Perform a Soft Reset
If you’re experiencing sudden signal drops or connectivity issues, performing a soft reset (also known as a force restart) can sometimes resolve the problem. This process doesn’t erase any data but can help clear out minor software glitches that may be affecting your iPhone’s performance.
To perform a soft reset on an iPhone 8 or later, quickly press and release the volume up button, then the volume down button, and then press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears. For iPhone 7, press and hold the volume down and power buttons simultaneously until the Apple logo appears.
12. Disable 5G (if Problematic)
While 5G can offer faster speeds and better connectivity in some areas, it can also be less reliable than 4G LTE in certain situations. If you’re experiencing frequent signal drops or poor performance on 5G, try disabling it temporarily to see if it improves your iPhone’s reception.
To disable 5G, go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Voice & Data and select “LTE.” This will force your iPhone to connect to 4G LTE networks only, which may be more stable in your area.
13. Check for Physical Damage
If you’ve recently dropped your iPhone or exposed it to water damage, there’s a chance that the physical components responsible for cellular connectivity may have been damaged. This can include the antenna, SIM card tray, or other internal components.
If you suspect physical damage, take your iPhone to an authorized Apple repair center or a trusted third-party repair shop for a diagnostic test. They can determine if any hardware issues are affecting your signal strength and recommend appropriate repairs.
14. Use Field Test Mode to Find the Best Signal
Your iPhone has a hidden Field Test Mode that allows you to see detailed information about your cellular connection, including signal strength in decibels (dBm). You can use this information to find the best location for optimal reception.
To access Field Test Mode, dial *3001#12345#* and press the call button. This will open a new screen with various cellular metrics. Look for the “RSRP” value, which represents your signal strength in dBm. A higher number (closer to 0) indicates a stronger signal.
15. Contact Your Carrier for Assistance
If you’ve tried all of the above tips and are still experiencing persistent signal issues, it may be time to contact your carrier for further assistance. They can check for any network issues in your area, verify that your account is in good standing, and offer additional troubleshooting steps specific to your situation.
Some carriers also offer network extenders or femtocells that can help boost your cellular signal at home or in the office. These devices connect to your broadband internet and create a mini cellular tower in your location. Contact your carrier to see if they offer these solutions and if you qualify for any discounts or promotions.
By following these 15 proven tips, you can significantly improve your iPhone’s signal strength and stay connected no matter where you are. Whether you’re dealing with weak reception at home, in the office, or on the go, these strategies can help you boost your cellular performance and enjoy better call quality, faster data speeds, and more reliable connectivity in 2024 and beyond.
Source:
Read Next:
Martha A. Lavallie
Martha is a journalist with close to a decade of experience in uncovering and reporting on the most compelling stories of our time. Passionate about staying ahead of the curve, she specializes in shedding light on trending topics and captivating global narratives. Her insightful articles have garnered acclaim, making her a trusted voice in today's dynamic media landscape.
