Stay Connected on Road Trips with These Cell Reception Hacks

Improve Your Cell Reception on the Go

Summer road trips are about adventure and exploration, but poor cell reception can turn those exciting journeys into frustrating experiences. Imagine your GPS freezing while navigating mountain passes or being unable to call for help in remote areas. Fortunately, you can enhance your signal without drastic tech upgrades or new devices. With a few simple tweaks, you can keep your phone connected wherever the road leads.

Simple Techniques for Better Signal

Before diving into your phone’s settings, there are straightforward approaches to boost your cell reception.

• Relocate Yourself: Ensure no obstacles between your phone and nearby cell towers. Move away from metal objects or concrete structures. Whenever possible, position yourself near a window or step outside.
• Take Off Your Case: A bulky phone case can hinder signal reception. Consider removing it to allow the antenna to function unhindered.
• Check Your Battery: Low phone battery can hinder your search for the best signal. Keeping your device charged ensures it can connect effectively.

Toggle Airplane Mode

Activating and deactivating Airplane mode is an effective first step to address reception issues. This resets your phone’s connections, prompting it to search for a stronger signal in the area.

For Android users: Swipe down from the top of your screen to access the Quick Settings panel and tap the Airplane mode icon. Wait until your phone disconnects completely—about 15 seconds—before re-enabling it.

For iPhone users: Access the Control Center by swiping down from the top right (iPhone X and later) or swiping up from the bottom (older models). Tap the Airplane mode icon and wait for about 15 seconds before turning it back off.

If That Doesn’t Work, Restart Your Phone

Sometimes, your phone just needs a fresh start. Restarting can resolve current connectivity issues.

Android: Press and hold the power button until the menu appears, then select Restart. If Restart isn’t available, choose Power Off and turn it back on.

iPhone: For models with a home button, hold the sleep/wake button until the power slider appears, then drag it to turn off. Wait briefly before turning it back on. For iPhone X and later, press the side button and one volume button, then drag the slider to shut down.

Check Your SIM Card

If your phone has a SIM card, removing and reinserting it could improve connectivity. If the SIM card appears dirty, clean it gently.

You’ll need a SIM card tool, often found in the phone’s box, or use a pin to eject the SIM tray. Ensure the SIM is properly seated before reinserting.

For eSIM users: Since there’s no physical SIM to replace, a restart is the best option.

Update Carrier Settings

Carrier settings updates can enhance connectivity for calls, data, and messages. While iPhones usually prompt for these updates, Android options can vary.

iPhone: To check manually, navigate to Settings > General > About. If an update is available, a prompt will appear.

Android: Access Settings and search for “carrier settings” for potential updates.

Reset Network Settings

If you’re still facing issues, refreshing your network settings can help. Be cautious, as this will erase saved Wi-Fi passwords and VPN settings.

Android: Go to Settings, search for “reset” and choose Reset network settings. For Pixel users, look for Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth.

iPhone: Navigate to Settings > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network settings.

Contact Your Carrier

If persistent issues arise, your wireless carrier could be at fault. There might be a tower outage or limited coverage in your area. Additionally, your device or SIM card could be defective. Reach out to your carrier to initiate troubleshooting.

Consider a Signal Booster

If all else fails, a signal booster could provide the enhancement you need. Boosters amplify existing signals to improve coverage in your home or car.

However, be prepared for the investment—prices range from $349 for a single room to $999 for full-home coverage. While not specifically tested, brands like Wilson offer a 30-day money-back guarantee along with a two-year warranty.