Ensuring Signal Type and Frequency Compatibility for Optimal Booster Performance

When choosing and installing a signal booster, it’s important to make sure that both the supported signal type and the frequency are compatible with your local network.

Verifying Compatibility Before Purchase

To ensure you choose the right signal booster for your needs:

• Choose the Signal Type You Want to Amplify
  Decide whether you need a booster for GSM (for calls only), 4G/5G/3G (mobile data), or a combination of both: calls and data.
• Check Your Provider’s Frequencies
  Find out which frequencies your network provider uses in your area. We recommend using specialized apps like CellularZ (for Android) or Field Test Mode (for iPhone) to check the frequency your phone connects to. For a detailed guide on checking frequencies with your phone, please refer to our article.
• Match Your Test Results with the Booster’s Frequency Bands
  Ensure your booster supports the same frequencies as your local network. These details can be found in the product description or specifications section on the website.

Need Help Choosing the Right Model? Contact our pre-sales assistance team for expert advice.

Troubleshooting Signal Issues: Mismatches Between Signal Type and Booster Compatibility

If your signal remains poor despite proper installation, the issue may be due to a mismatch between the signal type or frequency that your phone uses and what your booster supports. Let’s explore why this is important and how to ensure a perfect match.

Checking for Signal Type Mismatch

Signal boosters are designed to amplify specific types of signals, such as GSM (for voice calls), 4G, 5G, or 3G (for mobile data). It's crucial to choose a booster that matches the type of signal you need to amplify.

Example:

• GSM Booster: A single-band GSM booster only amplifies GSM signals, which are used for voice calls. This type of booster will not improve your mobile data signal (4G, or 5G).
• 4G Booster: A single-band 4G booster will only amplify 4G mobile data signals. It will not enhance GSM voice calls.

If you need to improve both voice calls (GSM) and mobile data (4G/5G), you’ll need a dual-band, tri-band, or multi-band booster that amplifies both types of signals.

Fixing Signal Type Mismatch with GSM boosters

If you have a GSM signal booster, but your phone displays 4G or 5G signal, the issue might be that your phone is automatically connecting to a data signal (4G or 5G), rather than the GSM signal required for voice calls. In this case, even though the booster is properly installed, you won’t see an improvement of the GSM network unless your phone is using the right signal type.

What to do:

Manually set the signal type on your phone:

Android: Go to Settings → Mobile Networks → Network Mode and select GSM/3G. This will prioritize the GSM signal, which your booster can amplify.

iPhone: Navigate to Settings → Mobile Service → SIM → Voice & Data and choose 2G/3G or GSM, if available.
(Note: Not all iPhone models support switching network types.)

Disable VoLTE and make a test call

VoLTE (Voice over LTE) allows your phone to use 4G for calls, which bypasses the GSM signal. By disabling VoLTE, you can force the phone to switch to GSM during a call, allowing you to check if the booster is working correctly.

If the booster is amplifying the GSM signal properly, you'll notice improved signal bars during the call.

Android

iPhone

Note: Once you make or receive a call, your phone should automatically switch to the amplified GSM signal, even if the 4G or 5G icon appears while idle. You don’t need to keep the phone locked to GSM/3G permanently—just for testing the booster. Afterward, you can return to the automatic network mode, but be sure to keep VoLTE disabled.

Understanding Frequency Mismatch

Even if your booster supports the right signal type (like GSM, 4G, or 5G), it’s important to ensure it works on the same frequency bands used by your network provider. This is especially crucial for mobile data signals such as 4G and 5G, as the frequencies vary depending on your location and network provider.

If the frequency your booster amplifies doesn’t match the one used by your provider in your area, the signal won’t be improved. For instance, a booster that amplifies 4G on Band 20 (800 MHz) won’t work properly if your 4G network operates on a different frequency like Band 3 (1800 MHz).

How to Fix It:

• Check the frequencies your network uses at the installation site
  Use a frequency-testing app, such as CellularZ for Android or Field Test Mode for iPhone, to see the frequency your phone is connected outdoors. This will give you an idea of what frequencies your network provider uses.
• Compare with your booster’s frequencies
  Make sure your booster supports the same frequencies that your network uses.
• Upgrade if necessary
  If the frequencies don’t match, your signal will not improve, even if the booster is installed correctly. In this case, you may need to switch to a different booster model.

If you notice a frequency mismatch and need help changing your model, feel free to reach out to our support team through your customer account. We're here to guide you in selecting the right booster for replacement.