March 15, 2022

These days, many of the apps we run and tools we use on our phones rely primarily on WiFi. However, there are still some key functions that require strong network connection to enable you to fully operate your iPhone. These include phone calls, SMS text messaging and obviously running cellular data (3G/4G/5G). Because of this, poor reception wherever you are can cause problems with sending and receiving calls, texts and information via internet connection that is not WiFi.

Whether you are at home or away at your favourite holiday destination, there are some key things you can do to try and boost your signal strength. Follow the tips below to find out what they are! 

 

1. Perform signal refresh

Similarly to WiFi, you iPhone will likely be continuously searching for signal in the background. This process is usually reliable and produces consistent results in providing the best signal for your iPhone usage. However, sometimes your iPhone can get caught in a loop and this process will no longer take place in the background. 

As with many issues like this, a simple refresh can sometimes be a quick resolution. To do this simply follow the steps below:

  1. Turn on Airplane Mode through your control centre or settings
  2. Leave this on for 5-10 seconds before switching it back out of Airplane mode. Your iPhone will now search and connect to the nearest cell tower
  3. Powering your phone on and off can also help to ensure this process is completed fully

 

2. Update carrier settings

iOS updates are not the only updates that you will need to look out for on your iPhone. Your phone carrier will also release updates in you carrier settings that will need to be downloaded and installed to ensure that you have access to the best signal strength, always. 

To update your carrier settings, follow the steps below (this process is slightly different to you usual iOS update):

  1. Ensure you are connected to internet (WiFi or cellular are both fine)
  2. Go to Settings > General > About
  3. If there is an available update, a pop-up will appear on your screen here prompting you to update your carrier settings. Follow these prompts to complete any update
  4. If no pop-up appears then your iPhone is up to date

 

3. Remove your iPhone case

Ensuring your iPhone is protected by a case is extremely important in order to preserve the cosmetic condition of your phone's body. It can also provide protection during any potential drops from internal damage. However, depending on the material and thickness of your iPhone's case, it could quite possibly be interfering with your signal. 

It is also important to note that cases that contain metal often causes serious problems with signal and can restrict your iPhone's ability to receive even strong network signals. 

Because of this, we highly suggest removing your phone case for a day or two to see if your signal improves and also trying to use phone cases that are made of metal-free substances.

 

 

4. Check your SIM card

Often once we insert our SIM card into our phone when receiving it we do not remove in until we move to our next phone or change carrier. This is for good reasoning, as it is very rare to have issues with you SIM card due to their durability. 

However, that is not to say that they do not have any issues ever! When you are struggling to get good signal on your iPhone, your SIM card could be the issue. It could just be that there is some small build up of debris or residue on the SIM interfering with its ability to send and receive messages and calls and connect with the nearest cell tower. 

 

 

5. Update & reset iPhone

If you have tried all of the above solutions to boosting your signal strength of your iPhone and you have noticed no change, you may want to look at updating and resetting it. Sometimes iOS updates have been known to cause signal issues, so an update may solve any issues you are having. However, before you do this, check with a few other people in your area what level of signal they receive to ensure that it isn't just a factor determined by your location not being near a cell tower. 

If you do wish to go ahead with updating and resetting your iPhone, follow these simple steps below:

  1. Go to Settings > General > Software Update and see if there are any updates pending. If there are, follow the prompts and install the update
  2. Go to Settings > General > Reset and tap on Reset Network Settings
  3. Follow the prompts to complete this reset (this is not a hard reset, only a reset of your network settings which will be linked to your signal strength)

 

 

If you are having difficulties with your iPhone's signal strength, don't hesitate to get in touch with one of the DeXTech support team and we would be more than happy to see what we can do to assist you! 

 

Here at DeXTech, we are here to help you with your technology requirements. We stock a wide range of Apple products, from the iPhone 4s all the way through to the iPhone XS, plus the iPad range. Along with this, we carry a huge range of Android smartphones and tablets, including Samsung, Pixel and LG. With these devices on hand we are able to offer technical support every step of the way from assisting to get your device setup to dealing with issues such as network issues or software troubleshooting. We have a helpful team who can lend a hand via our tech support email address: support@dextech.co.nz. Do not hesitate to reach out! 

 



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