- Toggle the Airplane mode or restart your iPhone to refresh the network connection.
- Use a cell phone signal booster to improve signal strength.
- Navigate to Settings > Mobile Service > Mobile Data Options > Voice & Data > switch to LTE from 5G Auto.
How to Check Signal Strength on Your iPhone
A weak reception can lead to no internet, call dropping, and even a faster battery drain on your iPhone. So, to know if your iPhone is receiving enough signal, it has a hidden app called Field Test, which shows the exact signal strength your iPhone receives in numbers. Here are the steps to follow:
Note : The RSRP values range from -44dBm to -140dBm for a good 4G network and -80dBm to -100dBm for a good 5G network.
Step 1 : Swipe down from the top right corner to access the Control Center .
Step 2 : Tap and disconnect any connected Wi-Fi .
Step 3 : Now, launch the Phone app .
Step 4 : Dial 3001#12345# and press the Call button.
Step 5 : The Field Test app will now open. Tap RsrpRsrqSinr .
Now, look at the numerical value for rsrp . This shows how strong a signal you are getting on your iPhone.
If the value doesn’t fall within the recommended range, proceed to the next section to boost the iPhone signal and get better service.
5 Ways to Fix Weak Signal on Your iPhone
Now that you’ve checked your signal strength, let’s explore how to improve it.
Basic Fixes
- Toggle Airplane mode: Turn on Airplane mode for a few seconds, then turn it off. This can refresh your phone’s network connection.
- Force restart your iPhone: A simple restart can solve many connectivity issues. Push the volume up button and release it, then press the volume down button quickly and release it. Hold the side button until the Apple logo reappears on the screen.
- Remove and reinsert SIM card: Sometimes, a faulty SIM card can cause poor signals. Remove the SIM card, clean it with a soft cloth, then reinsert it.
- Try a different location or position: Physical barriers like walls and buildings can weaken your signal. Try moving to a different location or changing your position.
- Switch to eSIM: If your iPhone supports eSIM, try switching to it. This can improve signal strength.
Fix 1: Switch Between 5G and LTE
5G waves tend to travel shorter distances than 4G; hence, using 5G on your iPhone can also cause fewer bars on your iPhone. Turning off 5G and switching to LTE can act as a signal boost for your iPhone.
Step 1 : Open Settings on your iPhone > tap on Mobile Service > Mobile Data Options .
Step 2 : Tap on Voice & Data > LTE .
Fix 2: Use a Cellphone Signal Booster
If you live in an area with poor signal coverage, you may need a cellphone signal booster. This device can amplify your signal and provide better coverage in your home or office.
Fix 3: Update Your iPhone
iOS updates can improve the overall network connection and stability on your iPhone. So if you’ve not updated your iPhone, try updating it to the latest stable version.
Step 1 : Open Settings > General > Software Update .
Step 2 : If there’s an update available, tap Download and Install .
Fix 4: Check for Carrier Updates
You can also try updating the carrier settings on your iPhone if the issue is from the carrier itself. Here’s how:
Step 1 : Go to Settings > General > About .
Step 2 : If a carrier update is pending, you should see a pop-up on the About page. Tap Update .
Note : If there’s no pop-up, this means your SIM is already running on the latest update.
Fix 5: Reset Network Settings
If you still face issues after trying the fixes mentioned above, try resetting the network settings on your iPhone . Here’s how to do it:
Step 1 : Open Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone .
Step 2: Tap Reset > Reset Network Settings
Step 3: Enter your device passcode to confirm the reset.
Also Read : How to fix iPhone keeps switching from Wi-Fi to mobile data
