How To Test Your Mobile Signal Strength (And What It Means)

Losing mobile signal is a bother that we all identify with. Understanding how to test your mobile signal strength ensures that you can maintain reliable communication when you need it most. This article will guide you through the steps to test your signal strength and explain what the results mean. We also provide helpful tips for improving connectivity, including investing in a mobile signal booster. This is especially relevant in environments like offices where a strong mobile signal is crucial.

Mobile signal strength refers to the level of your device’s ability to connect to a mobile network tower. The strength of this signal affects the quality of your voice calls, data speeds, and overall mobile experience. Factors such as your location, proximity to network towers, and physical obstructions (like buildings or terrain) all impact signalling strength.

A poor mobile signal can lead to slow data speeds, dropped calls, and poor overall connectivity. For businesses, weak mobile signals can result in missed opportunities and hinder productivity. For travellers, a weak signal can make it difficult to stay in touch with others or access important services on the go. Testing your mobile signal strength can help you identify any issues early and take steps to resolve them before they become significant problems.

To test your mobile signal strength is simple, and there are several ways to do it. Below, we outline the most effective methods for testing signalling strength using built-in phone features or third-party apps.

1. Using your phone’s built-in tools

   Both Android and iPhone devices come with built-in features to test signal strength. Here’s how you can use them:

   • On Android:
     • Open the Settings app.
     • Navigate to About Phone.
     • Tap on Status or Network.
     • Look for Signal Strength or Mobile Signal.
     The signal strength will be displayed in decibels (dBm). A value between -50 dBm and -70 dBm indicates excellent signal strength, while a value below -100 dBm suggests a weak signal.
   • On iPhone:
     • Open the Dialler app and dial **3001#12345# and press Call.
     • This will bring up the Field Test Mode.
     • Look for the RSRP value, which shows your signal strength in dBm.
     A value between -50 dBm and -70 dBm indicates an ideal connection, while anything lower than -100 dBm indicates a weak signal.

2. Using signal strength apps

   Several apps are available that can provide a more detailed analysis of your mobile signal strength. Popular apps like OpenSignal, Network Signal Info, and Signal Strength offer additional features like signal maps, speed tests, and real-time tracking.
   These apps help you monitor your signal over time and give insights into network performance, which can be particularly useful if you regularly experience poor connectivity.

3. Testing data speeds

   A slower data speed can be an indication of poor mobile signalling strength. Tools like Speedtest by Ookla allow you to measure both download and upload speeds. If your speeds are significantly lower than your network’s advertised rates, it could be a sign that your signal is weak. Slower speeds often correlate with weak signal areas or network congestion.

Understanding how to test your mobile signal strength results helps you assess whether you have a good connection or need to troubleshoot. Here’s a breakdown of the different ranges of signal strength and what they indicate:

• Excellent signal: -50 dBm to -70 dBm
  You can expect fast internet speeds, high-quality calls, and minimal connectivity issues.
• Good signal: -70 dBm to -85 dBm
  Your connection will still be reliable, though you may occasionally experience slower speeds or occasional dropped calls, depending on network load.
• Fair signal: -85 dBm to -95 dBm
  Expect slower data speeds and possibly choppy calls. If you’re in a poor coverage area, this is where you may start noticing more frequent issues.
• Poor signal: -95 dBm to -100 dBm
  Calls may drop, and internet speeds will be significantly slower. You’ll likely experience poor connectivity during this range.
• No signal: -100 dBm or worse
  No network connection, which means you cannot make calls, send texts, or access the internet.

If your mobile signal is weak, there are several ways to enhance it, however you have to test your mobile signal strength first. Whether you’re at home, in the office, or on the go, these tips can help improve connectivity.

1. Move to a different location: Signalling strength can fluctuate based on where you are. Try moving closer to a window or stepping outside if you’re indoors. Physical obstructions, like thick walls or large metal structures, can block signals, so changing locations might improve your reception.
2. Use a mobile signal booster: If you’re in an area with consistently poor reception, such as a basement office or remote location, a mobile signal booster can help. These devices capture weak signals from nearby towers and amplify them, improving both call quality and data speeds.
   A signal booster is especially useful in larger buildings or offices where multiple devices require a stable connection. They’re easy to install and can significantly boost your connectivity.
3. Use Wi-Fi calling: If your mobile signal is weak but you have access to a strong Wi-Fi connection, enable Wi-Fi calling. This feature allows you to make calls and send texts over the internet rather than the cellular network, ensuring that you stay connected even in areas with poor mobile signalling.
4. Contact your mobile network provider: If your signal is persistently weak in certain areas, it’s worth contacting your mobile provider to ask if there are any known issues in your area or if they can offer solutions. Many providers are also introducing network upgrades, so they may have additional advice for improving your connection.

A strong mobile signal is essential in any office, where communication plays a key role in ensuring smooth operations. If you’re experiencing weak signal issues in your office, a mobile signal booster for office settings can be a valuable investment.

Signal boosters for the office improve mobile connectivity by amplifying weak signals from nearby towers and redistributing them throughout your office. They are available in a range of sizes and strengths, so businesses can choose a solution that fits their specific needs. Whether you’re in a small office or managing a large team, a signal booster can improve both call quality and data speeds, reducing the likelihood of dropped calls and slow internet access.

• Improved communication: Boosts both call quality and data speeds.
• Reduced downtime: Helps avoid disruptions in calls and slow internet.
• Cost-effective solution: A mobile signal booster can be more affordable than other communication upgrades.
With easy installation and minimal maintenance, signal boosters are a hassle-free way to improve mobile connectivity and increase productivity in your office.

Understanding your mobile signal strength can be useful for optimising connectivity, whether you’re working, travelling, or simply staying in touch. Testing your signal strength is straightforward and can give you valuable insights into the quality of your connection. If your signal is weak, there are several steps you can take, from changing locations to investing in a mobile signal booster.

If you’re looking to strengthen your mobile connectivity further, easyNetworks is here to help. Our team offers expert guidance and tailored solutions to ensure that your communication systems are always reliable. Get in touch with us today to learn how we can future-proof your business’ technology infrastructure.