Smartphones today can be connected to the internet almost everywhere. That is, except when dropped calls or a weak mobile connection take over. If your phone keeps losing signal, you are not alone; in fact, it is quite a common problem. The following guide provides information on everything you should know about why your phone signal keeps dropping, as well as how to fix it. So whether you are wondering, “why does my phone lose signal randomly?” or searching the web for “mobile phone signal issues” solutions, you are in the right place. From basic troubleshooting steps to advanced solutions, all this is covered.
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Understanding the Culprits: Why is My Phone Losing Signal?
Here’s a deeper dive into the factors that can cause your phone losing signal.
- Distance from the Cell Tower
This is a fundamental issue. Signal strength is dependent on the distance from the tower. Signal strength is measured in dBm (decibel milliwatts), where smaller numbers near 0dBm mean a stronger signal and larger numbers near -120dBm or more mean an extremely bad signal. - Barriers
Physical barriers can significantly weaken or block mobile signals.- Natural Obstacles: Hills, mountains, dense forests, and even dense rain or fog will obstruct signal transmission.
- Man-Made Obstacles: Construction materials like steel, concrete, and metal are notorious for blocking signals. Urban buildings, especially tall ones, also create "cellular dead zones."
- Vehicles
Cars, trains, and other vehicles are Faraday cages that block signals because they consist of metal and glass. Tinted-window vehicles are especially good at it. - Internal Phone Issues
- SIM Card Problems: A damaged, improperly inserted, or outdated SIM card can cause significant signal loss
- Software glitches: Temporary software issues can interfere with your phone’s ability to connect to the network.
- Outdated Software: Keeping your phone’s operating system and carrier settings updated is essential. Updates often include improvements to network connectivity and bug fixes.
- Hardware Damage: A physical destruction of the antenna or other internal electronics can impair reception of the signals.
- Network Congestion
During rush hours, cell towers tend to get crowded, resulting in slower speeds and lost connections.
What can you do if your iPhone or Android keeps losing signal?
If your phone keeps losing service, here are some immediate steps you can take:
- Check Your SIM Card
- Remove and reinsert your SIM card to ensure it’s properly seated.
- Clean the SIM card’s metal contacts with a soft, dry cloth.
- If your SIM card is an older model (above a few years old), contact your mobile provider to replace it.
- Restart Your Phone
A simple restart can fix temporary software glitches. - Close Unused Apps
Close any apps running in the background so that they don't use up your phone's resources and interfere with things. - Check Your Phone’s Settings
- Enable “Caller ID” (on iPhones).
- Set your date and time to “Automatic.”
- Select the appropriate network provider in your settings. You can try manually selecting your provider and then switching back to “Automatic.”
- Make sure you are selecting the appropriate network type (e.g., 4G, 5G) for your area.
- Check for Software Updates
- Go to your phone’s settings and check for any available software updates.
- Install any updates that are available.
Advanced Troubleshooting: Why Does My Phone Lose Signal Randomly?
In case the basic steps you tried did not resolve the problem, it is time to try some advanced possible solutions:
Network Reset
Go to settings on your phone and search for network settings reset. It will remove the Wi-Fi passwords, cellular settings, and VPN configurations, but it often fixes connectivity problems.
Airplane Mode Toggle
Put on Airplane Mode for some thirty seconds, then switch it off. This forces the phone to reconnect to the network.
Check Your Mobile Data Settings
- Make sure mobile data is enabled.
- If you have a limited data plan, ensure you haven’t exceeded your data allowance.
Contact Your Mobile Provider
- They can check for any network outages in your area.
- They can also verify that your account is in good standing and that there are no issues with your SIM card or service plan.
Consider a Factory Reset
- As a last resort, you can try a factory reset, which will erase all data on your phone and restore it to its original factory settings.
- Make sure to back up your data before performing a factory reset.
Simple Tips for Better Reception: Phone Keeps Dropping Signal?
Here are some quick and easy tips to try:
- Remove Your Phone Case
Some cases, especially those made of metal or thick materials, can interfere with signal reception. - Charge Your Battery
A low battery can sometimes lead to decreased signal strength. - Go Outdoors
Move outside, away from buildings and other obstructions. - Find the Nearest Cell Tower
Use a cell tower locator app or website to identify the direction of the nearest tower. - Use Wi-Fi Calling
If available, use Wi-Fi calling to make calls over your Wi-Fi network. - Experiment with Phone Placement
- Place your phone near a window, especially one facing the direction of the cell tower.
- Try placing your phone on a metal object, like a cookie sheet.
- Optimize Phone Usage
- Delete unused apps.
- Close all background processes.
- Restart your phone regularly.
The Long-Term Solution: Mobile Phone Signal Boosters
In cases of signal malfunctions that persist in the office or at home, the cellular phone signal repeater is the most practical and effective solution.
How They Work: Signal boosters are used to make weak signals stronger making them to provide better voice quality and data to stream faster.
Types of Boosters:
- Single-Band Boosters: A single frequency band booster is used to broadcast one area (mostly for voice calls).
- Dual-Band Boosters: Typically, the dual-band models help to increase both the voice section and the 3G/4G data channels at the same time.
- Multi-Band Boosters: Multiband boosters amplify 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G together so that there are no holes on any of them to talk or surf.
A standard booster kit includes:
- One outdoor antenna
- One indoor antenna
- One booster box
- Cables and mountings
- One user’s manual
Key Considerations:
- Coverage Area: Choose a booster with an ideal coverage area that matches the square footage of your home or office.
- Carrier Compatibility: To see that the booster you pick is compatible with your carrier, check its frequency bands with those of the carrier.
- Gain: In terms of the booster's gain (given in Decibels), the higher the value, the greater the increase in signal strength.
- Look for boosters that are certified by Ofcom (the UK’s communications regulator) to ensure they meet safety standards.
Installation:
- Most boosters come with detailed installation instructions.
- Professional installation is recommended for optimal performance, but even if you have no profound technical knowledge, you’ll manage to set up the device on your own.
Advantages of Using a Signal Booster
- Enhanced Call Quality: Receive clear, uninterrupted calls.
- Faster Data Speeds: Get an improved mobile internet experience.
- Longer Battery Life: With a stronger signal, less effort is required for your phone to connect.
- Enhanced Productivity: Stay productive and connected from anywhere.
Looking Forward: The Future of Mobile Signal
The world of mobile is constantly evolving. Some trends include:
- 5G Rollout: A new network technology 5G is currently launched in the UK which would have greater speeds and lower delay. Notwithstanding, the 5G transmitters are easily dodged by foreign transmitters as to the preceding technology, making signal boosters necessary.
- Wi-Fi 6E: Speed and less crowded channels are what make Wi-Fi 6E the most preferred Wi-Fi technology compared to its counterparts. 6E Wi-Fi, the solution to your connectivity issue is the one you need once your gadgets and routers are updated.
- Satellite Internet: The local internet suppliers are getting there by using satellite broadband like Starlink, it is feasible for remote rural parts of the UK as an alternative connection.
- Open RAN: Open RAN is a new innovative method that can be used by mobile operators to mix and match several pieces of equipment from different suppliers to make less expensive and more adaptable network installations.
Final Thoughts
If you have bad mobile signals, do not fret at all. With a knowledge of why your signal dropped and with the actions applied hereinafter, you will improve upon your mobile connectivity and have a better and much more stable experience. It could be to reboot the phone, replace the SIM card, or buy a signal booster; solutions are always there. You can have a look at all the available options in our online catalogue. But if you have any questions about our cell phone signal boosters, do not hesitate to contact us! Our team will be always happy to help you!
