No coverage when your need it the most? You don’t need to change your plan or get a new phone. You can get the best reception from your iPhone or Android with some quick fix in the settings (including the Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel).
From turning on and off the airplane mode to check the carrier settings, this easy steps can help you keep connected at anytime. IPhone has a pretty uniform system but in Androids (Samsung, Google, etc.) the exact settings location can change depending on the brand or the version available. This practical tips will guide to to do it correctly no matter which device you have.
Before starting, there’s a few suggestions than can help the process:
- Concrete walls and metallic objects can be an obstacle. Better to get next to a window or outside.
- Take out the phone case, because if it’s thick can block the antennas.
- Charge the phone completely. Looking for good coverage without battery is not a good mix.
And now, if you’re ready, lets get that signal working like never before.
1) Try the Airplane mode
This is the fastest way to “restart” the Wi-fi, Bluetooth and cellular modem to look for a better tower.
- Android (Samsung/Pixel): Swipe down to get to Quick settings, then click Airplane Mode. Wait 15 seconds and then turn it off again.
- Iphone: Open the Control Center (on iPhone X and newer, swipe down from the superior right corner; from older models, swipe up from the bottom of the screen). Then activate Airplane Mode. Wait 15 seconds, then deactivate it again.
2) Doesn’t work? Restart the phone
As any computer, a restart can clean any stuck network.
- Android: Hold the power button (or power+volume down). Then restart, if it doesn’t exists then just turn off and turn it on again.
- Iphone: Hold the side button + volume and swipe to turn off. Then, turn it on again. Forced version: Hold volume down + volume up + side button until you see the Apple logo.
3) Does your phone uses a SIM card? Get it off and check it out
In devices with a physical SIM, getting it out and back in can fix some registration defects.
- All devices: Eject the SIM card with a clip, have a look at the SIM card to see if its not dirty or broken. Put it back correctly and on again to the phone.
- eSIM: Since there no physical card you can just restart in this case.
4) Update Carrier settings (and your OS)
Carriers send small packages that improves the calls, data and SMS settings.
- Android: (depends on the fabricant) In Google pixel, for example: Go to settings > Network & Internet > Internet. Then gear next to your operator > Carrier settings versions. You can also look for system updates.
- Iphone: Go to settings > General > Information, and wait for the carrier setting update to appear if it’s available
5) Restart the network settings (last “soft” resort)
Clean up you Wi-fi/data/Bluetooth records (you will loose and the Wi-fi codes you’ve saved, and personlized VPN and APN).
- Android: In settings, look for “restart” > Restart saved Wi-Fi, mobile data and Bluetooth (names can change depending on the brand’s device).
- Iphone: Settings > Transfer or Restart Phone > Restart > Restart network settings
6) Call your operator
It could also be some problem in the tower, a malfunctioning fibre or just low coverage in your zone. If you’ve tried all this 5 steps and doesn’t get better, then call he client service to check for any incidents and reception options. Services like Downdetector can help detect general shortages and report issues.
Nothing works? try a signal booster
A signal booster like Wilson Signal Booster helps getting reception from your carrier outdoor and amplifies it indoors. They offer models form €349 (one room) up to $999 to cover the whole house. This is ideal only if there’s good signal outside. It will bring it inside strongly.