You don't have to sail out to the open sea in search of new lands to conquer to encounter problems with receiving a mobile network signal. Such complications occur in much more mundane circumstances. You might be shocked when you realize how trivial reasons can lead to a loss of connection. Learn how to improve phone coverage if your caller goes silent or responds like a robot when you desperately exclaim, “Hello? Can you hear me?” 🫠.
Why might your phone lose signal?
A mobile network operates thanks to radio waves generated by transmitters. The infrastructure and technology itself are subject to continuous modernization, but they still have a number of weak points. Signal problems can result from the following reasons:
- too great a distance from the transmitter,
- being in crowded places where the network is overloaded by many people using limited resources,
- interference generated by other devices, e.g., microwave ovens or computers,
- damage to phone components responsible for receiving the signal,
- unfavorable weather conditions,
- building structure blocking the free flow of radio waves,
- software malfunctions in the phone,
- telecommunications infrastructure failure.
How to improve phone coverage?
You can deal with many challenges yourself to improve signal quality. Unfortunately, there are also a few potential problems over which you have absolutely no control. Examples include weather conditions or damage to a nearby transmitter. Let's focus, however, on what you *can* do 🫵. We'll tell you how to increase mobile phone coverage at home and beyond.
- Update your operating system
Software updates include not only new features, graphic design refreshes, and other changes you see at first glance. Each subsequent version of the operating system improves many issues related to security, connectivity, and a whole host of other areas. It may turn out that an old version of the software had a bug contributing to signal interference. In such a situation, the manufacturer should react quickly by preparing a patch to solve the problem. It is therefore worth regularly downloading and installing the latest versions of the operating system.
- Replace your SIM card
Changes in SIM card form perfectly illustrate technological development. Over time, this piece of plastic with a chip gradually miniaturized. The latest stage of evolution is the complete abandonment of the physical SIM card. It has been replaced by the eSIM standard, an electronic variant that you activate in your phone settings using data received from your operator. Each subsequent format is more perfect than the last. If you are still using an older solution, it's worth finally moving with the times and upgrading to a newer model. There's a chance that this will solve your problem. There's also a possibility that your SIM card has been damaged, for example, as a result of water damage to your phone.
- Switch to automatic network settings
You can manually connect to a selected mobile network or allow your phone to calibrate without your intervention. Modern smartphones excel at finding the best solution in all circumstances. Therefore, make sure you are using automatic configuration. You can check this in the "Mobile network" section of your device settings.
- Find a spot in your home with the best signal quality
Even if you live in a small cave by a fjord, there may still be a difference in coverage between the nooks and crannies of your cozy abode. Make a test call and walk around your "square." You might find a spot where conditions are significantly better.
- Go higher
If there's a hill nearby, try climbing it. It could even be the mast of your longboat. From there, you'll have a chance to catch a stronger signal.
- Go outside the building
It's no coincidence that elevators and tunnels are often dead spots for mobile network access. Sometimes the materials used in a building's construction prevent the free flow of radio waves. So, if you happen to be fortified in some Nordic stronghold, step outside for a moment and try to make a call from there.
- Move away from other electronic equipment
Various devices, such as microwaves and computers, can contribute to interfering with your mobile network signal. Step a few paces away from such equipment. Also, be wary of stone circles and ancient runes. Mobile phones don't respond well to Nordic magic 😉.
- Move away from the crowd
A concert, a sporting event, or even a weekend evening in the heart of the city – these are situations involving an above-average number of people in a small area. In such conditions, the network can become overloaded. This problem can especially affect those relying on LTE or even older standards. This technology is characterized by throughput that already falls short of modern standards. 5G coverage performs significantly better in such conditions.
- Take your phone to a service center
When the device breaks down, there's nothing left to do but repair it. If you have a valid warranty, try your luck at the manufacturer's service center. However, it may turn out that a certain type of fault is not covered by the warranty. If you don't get support there, contact an unofficial post-warranty service center.
- Try Wi-Fi Calling
Not everyone knows that modern smartphones allow calls to be made over Wi-Fi. Also, check out the list of models that have this feature. Thanks to this solution, you can call exactly as you would using the mobile network. While not a permanent solution to the problem, it can rescue you from a bind in urgent situations. Once you've handled the urgent matter, simply return to looking for the source of the complications.
What NOT to do to improve phone coverage?
Mobile network coverage is a resource that must be sufficient for all users in a given area. If you start using unfair tactics, you can cause the signal reaching other people to weaken. An example of such a solution is specialized equipment, such as GSM and LTE boosters. Using such devices constitutes a violation of the law. Consequently, you can face a financial penalty, and in extreme cases, even imprisonment. It's worth remembering this. Meanwhile, we're in touch 🤙.
