How to measure your iPhone signal strength?

Did you know that your iPhone's signal strength plays an essential role in how well your device functions, from streaming favourite videos to making clear calls? But, how do you measure your iPhone's signals accurately? This guide walks you through how to gauge iPhone signals effectively. We’ll also explore why they matter, provide actionable tips to improve poor signal strength, and discuss tools that can make the process easier.

Why does signal strength matter?

The strength of your iPhone signals isn't just about how many bars you can see on your gadget screen. In fact, it directly affects your experience with:

  • Calls: A weak signal often leads to dropped or distorted calls.
  • Internet speed: Streaming videos, loading pages, and uploading files typically take longer with poor connectivity.
  • Battery life: Your device works harder to maintain a connection with low signal strength, draining your battery faster.

Understanding how to measure your iPhone signal can help you identify areas of poor coverage and take steps to resolve the issue appropriately.

How to gauge your iPhone signal strength?

Check your signal bars

The easiest method to gauge your signal is by checking the bars in the top-left corner of your iPhone screen. They mean the following:

Signal Bars   Signal Strength Description
0 No signal No connectivity
1 -113 dBm to -100 dBm Weak signal
2 -99 dBm to -85 dBm Fair signal
3 -84 dBm to -70 dBm Good signal
4 -69 dBm to -50 dBm Excellent signal

Tip: While quick and easy, signal bars only provide a rough estimate—they don’t always reflect precise signal strength.

Use ‘Field Test Mode’

To accurately look at your signal, access your iPhone’s ‘Field Test Mode’. This smart feature shows your signal strength in decibels (dBm). How to use it is described next:

  • Open the Phone app.
  • Dial `3001#12345#` and press Call.
  • You’ll enter Field Test Mode.
  • Look for the Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) value, which measures your signal in decibels:
  • A value of -50 dBm shows an excellent signal.
  • A value of -120 dBm means a weak signal.
  • Note: The lower the number is, the weaker the signal is.

Try third-party apps

For a comprehensive analysis, download third-party apps like OpenSignal or Network Signal Info. These solutions provide:

  • Detailed signal strength readings.
  • Speed test results.
  • Coverage maps to identify poor reception areas.

As a rule, third-party apps are especially helpful for spotting dead zones or comparing networks.

Tips to improve your iPhone signal

If you find your signal strength is consistently low, here’s how to boost it:

  • Change your location
    Move closer to a window or higher floor to reduce interference.
  • Activate Wi-Fi calling
    If your service carrier offers Wi-Fi calling, activate it to make calls over Internet connections rather than network.
  • Use a mobile signal booster
    For persistent issues with iPhone signals, get a signal booster, aka amplifier/repeater. This device amplifies low signals and provides better coverage in any desired area: at home, in the office, in a car, etc.

Stay connected anywhere

Measuring your iPhone signals is the first necessary step to improving your connectivity and ensuring a hassle-free experience. Whether you rely on signal bars, Field Test Mode, or third-party apps, gauging existing mobile signals can help you stay in control over your mobile services. And if you're facing ongoing signal issues, consider solutions like Wi-Fi calling or a reliable signal booster.