Introduction
It’s a frustration that almost everyone has experienced – trying to use your phone at home and running into poor cell signal strength. Whether it’s dropped calls, slow data speeds, or no signal at all, poor cell signal can be a common problem, particularly in more rural or remote areas. Fortunately, there are a number of steps you can take to boost your cell signal at home without having to spend any money.
Rearrange the Furniture
One of the simplest things you can do to improve cell signal strength is to rearrange your furniture. Certain types of furniture, such as metal or concrete pieces, can interfere with signals, while others, particularly those made of wood or fabric, can help improve signal strength. To rearrange your furniture for optimal signal strength:
- Place your router in an open, central location in your home
- Move any metal furniture away from the router
- Place your phone or device near a window to better reach your carrier’s cell tower
- Consider using a Wi-Fi signal booster to extend the range of your router’s signal
Utilize Wi-Fi Calling
Wi-Fi calling is a feature that allows you to make and receive calls over your Wi-Fi network rather than relying solely on your cellular network. This can be a good solution for poor signal strength because it allows you to use your Wi-Fi network to help boost the signal. To use Wi-Fi calling:
- Check that your carrier and phone support Wi-Fi calling
- Turn on Wi-Fi calling in your phone’s settings
- Connect to a Wi-Fi network when prompted, or add your home network to your phone’s preferred network list
Keep in mind that some carriers may charge extra for Wi-Fi calling, and not all phones and carriers support this feature.
Use a Femtocell
A femtocell is a small cellular base station that connects to your internet and acts as a miniature cell tower. This can be a good solution for poor cell signal at home, particularly if you live in a rural or remote area with limited tower coverage. To set up a femtocell:
- Check with your carrier to see if they offer femtocells and if you are eligible
- Purchase or rent a femtocell and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to set it up
- Connect your phone to the femtocell network
Femtocells can be a more expensive option than some of the other solutions on this list, but they can be highly effective in boosting signal strength.
Install a Signal Booster
A signal booster is a device that can amplify your cell signal, making it stronger and more reliable. It works by capturing the existing signal from your carrier’s tower, amplifying it, and then rebroadcasting it at a higher power to your phone or device. There are a variety of different signal boosters available, each with its own set of pros and cons. Some tips for choosing and installing a signal booster include:
- Consider the size and layout of your home when selecting a booster
- Make sure your booster is compatible with your carrier’s network and frequency band
- Install your booster in a central location for optimal coverage
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to ensure proper installation and setup
Update Your Phone Software
Updating your phone’s software can be another effective way to boost signal strength. Software updates can include improvements to your phone’s cellular radio, bug fixes that may have been causing signal issues, and new features that allow your phone to better handle weak signals. To update your phone’s software:
- Check for available updates in your phone’s settings
- Download and install any available updates
- Restart your phone to ensure all changes take effect
Keep in mind that updating your phone’s software can sometimes cause other issues or unintended consequences, so make sure to read up on any potential risks before proceeding.
Remove Any Obstructions
Obstructions such as buildings, trees, and furniture can all interfere with cell signal strength. If you’re experiencing poor signal strength, try to identify and remove any obstructions that may be causing the problem. Some tips for identifying and removing obstructions include:
- Stand outside your home to get a clear view of the surrounding area and identify any potential obstructions
- Trim back any trees or bushes that may be blocking your view of a cell tower
- Move any furniture or equipment that may be blocking signal, such as a large bookshelf or metal file cabinet
Conclusion
Poor cell signal strength can be a frustrating problem, but there are a number of steps you can take to improve your signal without having to spend any money. Whether it’s rearranging your furniture, using Wi-Fi calling, or installing a signal booster, there are a variety of solutions available for boosting your cell signal at home. By trying out these different tips and methods, you can find the one that works best for you and ensure that you always have reliable, strong signal when you need it most.
