Bars Before Calls: The Easiest Way to Check Signal Strength
Building a strong, reliable mobile signal begins with the basics. You probably already know that clear communications rely on strong reception, but not everyone knows the best techniques to achieve that. You may have asked yourself at least once, “How do I check my cell phone signal strength?”. Well, knowing this could be the first step in optimizing your connection and ensuring that your phone works at peak performance wherever you are.
Understanding that will put you in a position to choose the best network provider or look into ways to strengthen your signal, making sure you’re always connected when it counts most.
This article will show you the various ways and tools for checking how strong your mobile signal is. This will help select the right network provider and find possible ways to enhance the signals.
How to Check Cell Phone Signal Strength?
To learn the current signal strength of your cell phone, try to look at the number of signal bars that are shown on your cell phone screen. The more signal bars indicate the greater strength of the signal. If you want to get a much more accurate reading, you can go to your phone settings.
On most smartphones, this may be located on the menu under settings ->About Phone ->Network-> Signal strength. Some devices let you check specific details like dBm, which, in turn, may give you an idea of how well you’re connected. Additionally, there are several other methods to check cell phone signal strength, including the points mentioned below:
Phone Coverage Map NZ
Most mobile network carriers, such as Spark, One NZ, and 2degrees, provide online coverage maps that display the estimated signal strength and coverage in different areas. You can find a comprehensive phone coverage map NZ on the carrier’s websites, which allows you to check the signal strength for specific locations. Simply enter your address or location details to view the coverage information provided by the carrier. Keep in mind that coverage maps are only estimations and might not accurately depict the signal intensity that is felt on the ground.
Mobile Apps
Several mobile apps can help you measure and check cell phone signal strength in your area. These apps use your smartphone’s built-in signal measurement capabilities and provide real-time data on signal strength, network type (e.g. 3G, 4G, 5G), and signal quality. Some popular signal measurement apps include OpenSignal, Network Cell Info Lite, and RootMetrics. Install one of these apps on your smartphone, allow the necessary permissions, and perform signal measurements at different locations within your area to get an accurate assessment of the signal strength.
Signal Strength Indicators
Your mobile device itself provides a basic signal strength indicator, usually represented by bars or dots. These indicators give a general idea of the signal strength in your current location. More bars or dots indicate a stronger signal, while fewer bars or dots suggest a weaker signal. Walk around your house or area and observe any variations in the signal strength displayed on your device. Note areas with consistently weak or strong signals to identify signal improvement requirements.
Signal Survey
To get a more detailed understanding of the signal strength within your house or property, you can conduct a signal survey. This involves using a mobile signal strength app or device to measure the signal at various points. Whether inside or outside your property. Walk around each room, including basement or attic areas. After that, note the signal strength readings. Pay attention to areas with particularly weak or strong signals. By conducting a thorough signal survey, you can identify the areas where signal boosters or alternative solutions may be necessary.
Consultation with Neighbors
Talking to neighbours who use different mobile networks can provide valuable insights into the signal strength in your area. Discuss their experiences with signal strength, call quality, and internet connectivity. By gathering information from multiple sources, you can gain a broader perspective on the overall mobile signal conditions in your vicinity.
Field Tests
For a more hands-on approach, you can perform field tests using specialised signal testing equipment. These devices, such as spectrum analyzers or signal meters, offer precise measurements of signal strength, signal-to-noise ratio, and other relevant parameters. Field tests are more advanced and require technical expertise, making them suitable for professional use or in-depth analysis of signal issues.
Field Test Mode is a hidden feature available on many mobile devices that provides detailed information about signal strength and network performance. It allows users to access precise measurements of signal strength, signal quality, and other network parameters in real-time. While the process to access Field Test Mode may vary slightly depending on the device and operating system, the following general steps can help you access it:
- Open the Phone or Dialer app on your mobile device.
- Enter a specific code or combination of numbers and symbols. Common codes include 3001#12345# for iOS devices or ##4636## for Android devices.
- Press the Call or Dial button.
- This action will launch the Field Test Mode interface, which replaces your regular signal bars with a numeric value in decibels (dBm) or signal-to-noise ratio (SNR).
What Can You Measure and Analyze?
Once in Field Test Mode, you can access various screens and menus that provide detailed information about your mobile signal. These may include:
- Signal Strength: The Field Test Mode displays the actual signal strength measurement in dBm, where higher values indicate stronger signals.
- Serving Cell Information: This screen provides details about the current cell tower you are connected to, such as its ID, signal quality, and other network parameters.
- Neighbour Cell Information: This section shows information about nearby cell towers and their signal strengths. Thus, it helps you identify potential stronger signal sources.
- Band Information: This screen displays the specific frequency band you are connected to. Which can be useful for troubleshooting or optimizing your signal reception.
Field Test Mode allows you to gather accurate information about your mobile signal. Hence, helping you make informed decisions on signal optimisation. However, it’s essential to note that modifying any settings within Field Test Mode without proper knowledge can have unintended consequences. It is recommended to use Field Test Mode for information-gathering purposes. Additionally, consult with a professional or your network provider for any signal-related issues or improvements.
Physical Factors Affecting Signal Strength
It’s essential to consider physical factors that can impact mobile signal strength. Structures like buildings, hills, trees, or even weather conditions such as heavy rain or storms can obstruct or weaken signals. When conducting signal checks, take note of any physical barriers or environmental conditions that may affect signal reception in your area.
Repeat Signal Strength Checks
Mobile signal strength can vary throughout the day due to network congestion, weather conditions, or other factors. To obtain a more accurate representation of signal strength, repeat signal checks at different times of the day. Including peak usage hours and off-peak times. This will help you understand if signal issues are consistent or intermittent.
Network Provider Customer Support
Additionally, if you have concerns about signal strength in your area, you can try contacting your provider’s customer support. They can provide insights into network upgrades, maintenance activities, or any ongoing issues affecting signal strength. Customer support can also offer guidance on potential solutions or alternative options available to enhance signal quality.
Buying and Using a Mobile Signal Booster
Last but not least, buying and using a mobile signal booster will certainly help you solve your mobile signal reception issues. Check our website and buy one today that fits your needs. And if you have any questions regarding any of our products, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Shipping and Returns
We offer a 30-day money-back guarantee on all our products if you are not happy with their performance. Also, we provide free and fast shipping on all our products across New Zealand.
Safety and Legality
Our mobile signal boosters are CE and RoHS certified and also they conform with the local telecom regulatory authority’s guidelines. Hence, our signal boosters are completely safe and legal to use in New Zealand. You can use them for both personal and commercial purposes.
Conclusion
Checking mobile signal strength in your area is a crucial step in selecting the right network provider and addressing signal issues. By utilizing network coverage maps, mobile apps, signal strength indicators, signal surveys, consultations with neighbours, and even field tests, you can check mobile signal strength in your area and gain valuable insights into the signal conditions in your specific location.
Armed with this information, you can make informed decisions about your mobile network provider, and signal improvement solutions, and ultimately enjoy a strong and reliable mobile signal experience.