We’ve all been there. You’re traveling through an unknown stretch of road when your iPhone drops off the stereo because you’ve lost your phone signal. There’s nothing that ruins a road trip faster.
Dropped calls and a frozen map can be frustrating, but losing signal in a remote area poses a serious safety concern, especially on those beautiful backroads where cell towers are few and far between.
But you don’t have to put up with bad reception or invest in a pricey new phone plan. More often than not, you can boost your signal on your Android or iPhone with a few simple tricks. Just toggling your Airplane mode or knowing the best place to keep your phone in the car can make all the difference. Before your next adventure, check out these easy ways to enhance your cell signal and stay connected.
Note: Software across different iPhone models is relatively similar, while Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, and other Android devices may have different software versions. Settings and their locations may vary based on your device.
Boosting Your Cell Signal: Essential Steps
Several settings on your phone can help you improve cell service, but there are simple tricks that can enhance your reception without adjusting your phone’s software.
- Relocate for Better Reception: Move to an area where obstructions between your phone and cell towers are minimal. This could mean stepping away from metal objects or concrete walls and finding a window or going outside.
- Take Off the Case: Removing a thick phone case may help unblock the antenna, allowing for better signal reception.
- Ensure Your Phone is Charged: Signal searching drains power, so a low battery might hinder your ability to get a good signal.
Use Airplane Mode to Refresh Connections
One of the fastest ways to tackle connectivity issues is by toggling your phone’s Airplane mode. This will reset the Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular network modems, making your device search for the best signal available.
For Android: Swipe down from the top of your screen to access the Quick Settings panel and tap the Airplane mode icon. Wait for about 15 seconds before toggling it off again.
For iPhone: Access Airplane mode from the Control Center. For iPhone X and later, swipe down from the top-right corner; for older models, swipe up from the bottom. Tap the Airplane mode icon and wait for 15 seconds before disabling it.
Restart Your Device if Airplane Mode Fails
Sometimes, the simplest solution is to restart your phone. This often resolves network connection issues.
For Android: Hold down the power button or the power and volume down keys until an on-screen menu appears. Select Restart, or if that’s not available, turn it off and back on manually.
For iPhone: On iPhone X and newer models, hold down the sleep/wake button and a volume button until the power slider appears. Drag it to power off, then turn it back on. You can also force reset by pressing the volume up button, volume down button, and then holding the side button until you see the Apple logo.
Remove and Reinsert Your SIM Card
If you’re using an older phone, removing the SIM card and reinserting it may help. Ensure that it isn’t dirty or damaged.
For All Phones: Take out the SIM card, inspect it for any issues, and ensure it’s correctly positioned in the tray before reinserting it.
If using an eSIM: Users of embedded electronic SIMs will need to restart their phones for any updates.
Check Your Carrier Settings and Software Updates
Mobile carriers frequently issue updates to improve connectivity. While this function is available on all iPhone models, not all Android phones support it.
For iPhone: Updates should appear automatically, but you can check manually by navigating to Settings > General > About.
For Android: Search for “carrier settings” in the Settings app. On some Pixels, check under Network & internet.
Reset Network Settings for a Fresh Start
Sometimes, a clean slate is all you need to fix connectivity issues. However, be aware that doing this will reset saved Wi-Fi passwords, VPN connections, and custom settings.
For Android: In the Settings app, look for “reset network settings.” On Pixels, it’s under Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth.
For iPhone: Go to Settings > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
Contact Your Carrier for Assistance
If you continue to experience issues, your wireless carrier might be experiencing outages or poor coverage in your area. Contacting them may provide clarity and solutions.
Consider a Signal Booster as a Last Resort
If you’ve exhausted all troubleshooting steps and still struggle with reception, a signal booster might be the solution. These devices amplify your carrier’s signal, extending coverage in your home or office.
While effective, signal boosters can be pricey, ranging from $349 for single room coverage to $999 for whole-house solutions. It’s worth checking if they fit your needs and budget.