Despite having a landline, most people still use their cell phones at home. Cellphones are arguably more convenient, and there’s usually no difference in call quality. The exception to this is when the cellphone signal is not strong enough.
A cellphone signal can be interfered with for many different reasons. Fortunately, many of them can be fixed in a matter of minutes. So why do cellphones have signal problems, and what can you do about it?
What Affects Your Cell Signal?
The quality of a phone’s cell signal depends mainly on your location. This depends on both the distance to the nearest cell tower and any obstacles the signal may be crossing. Some areas have no cell towers nearby, and this causes poor signal regardless of what you do. But many obstacles can be avoided by going around a bit.
When you’re indoors, the biggest obstacle is usually the building itself. How much of an obstacle depends on what the building is made of. But you should also consider any large buildings, hills or trees in the surrounding area. Your phone can also play a role as it might not be picking up the right network.
If you’re not sure what’s causing your phone to drop signal, you may need to try several solutions and see what works.
8 ways to boost your cell signal indoors
The easiest way to get a stronger signal is to move to a different location. But if you want to boost your signal inside a particular building, here are eight ways to do so.
1. Try a Different Room
Cellphone signal strength often varies widely inside a building. If your signal is weak, it’s worth trying a different room. The best room in your house depends on the direction of the cell tower you’re connecting to and the materials your house is made of.
Ideally, you’re looking for a room where the signal has to pass through the fewest walls. It’s not always convenient, but sometimes stepping outside can provide an immediate boost, even if you’re directly outside your door.
2. Change Your Environment
Sometimes it is possible to improve cellphone signal in a specific room by changing a few things. The coating on the glass has the potential to interfere with the signal. So you should try to open windows.
If there are any large pieces of furniture that the signal is passing through, try moving them to the other side of the room. You should move anything that emits a signal of its own, including anything electrical or magnetic. If there are any hedges or trees just outside the room, you can also try trimming them back.
3. Remove Your Phone Case
Some cellphone cases are poorly designed and can interfere with the signal by blocking access to the antenna. If your phone has a case, it’s worth checking to see if it provides an instant boost. It is also possible to block the antenna by placing your hand over it. Try holding your phone differently or leave it on the table.
4. Toggle Airplane Mode On and Off
When you toggle Airplane Mode on and off, your phone is forced to search for networks. This is useful because sometimes the phone doesn’t automatically select the network with the best signal. If you’ve recently moved, this may force the phone to search for other networks that are now optimal.
5. Check Your SIM Card
If you have used the same SIM card for a long time, it is possible that it is not working properly now. You should remove the SIM card from your phone and check for any dust or dirt. If this doesn’t help and the SIM card looks bad, you may want to consider ordering a replacement. Most providers will send you a replacement free of charge and you won’t need to change your number.
6. Get a Signal Booster
A signal booster is a device that increases cell signal strength indoors. They are designed for homes where the signal is strong outside, but the construction materials reduce the strength inside the home. They consist of an outdoor antenna that picks up the signal and a booster and antenna that broadcasts it around the house. They allow you to pick up a strong signal anywhere in the house instead of being confined to specific rooms. It’s worth noting that signal boosters are only effective if the signal is optimal outside your home.
7. Use Wi-Fi Calling
Wi-Fi calling provides the option of using your cell signal to make phone calls. Instead of using your carrier’s network, it uses a broadband connection. Wi-Fi Calling works with any Wi-Fi hotspot, allowing it to be used both in public places and in your home. It’s free to use, and it doesn’t require you to change your number. However, it’s important to note that some phones don’t support Wi-Fi calling. Calls using this method may also drop out if you’re out of range of a Wi-Fi signal.
