Nothing can be worse than discovering that your mobile network is down when you’re on a road trip. No music, no GPS, and no way to call for help in case of an emergency. The good news is that there are a few easy solutions that could get you back online quickly, even though a weak signal can cause other kinds of issues.
These easy tips can help improve reception and keep you connected when you need it most, whether you’re using an Android or iPhone. There are several ways to improve your iPhone or Android phone’s reception, irrespective of the kind of plan you’re on, whether you’re performing regular phone maintenance or you’re in an emergency.
Here’s how to stop dropped calls and get a strong signal on your phone.
Try turning Airplane Mode on and off
A quick way to fix a weak signal is by switching ‘Airplane Mode’ on and off. This refreshes your phone’s connection to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and the mobile network so it can find a better signal.
On Android: Swipe down from the top of the screen to open Quick Settings. Tap the Airplane Mode icon. Wait about 15 seconds until it’s fully off, then tap it again to turn it off.
On iPhone: If you own an iPhone, swipe down from the top-right corner and tap the Airplane Mode icon (it turns orange when it’s on). Wait 15 seconds, then tap the icon again to turn it off.
Reset your phone’s network settings
If your phone’s signal is still weak, resetting the network settings can help fix it. This gives your phone a fresh start with Wi-Fi, mobile data, and Bluetooth. But keep in mind, it will also delete saved Wi-Fi passwords, VPNs, and special settings from your mobile carrier.
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On Android: Open the Settings app and search for ‘Reset network settings’. On some phones like Google’s Pixel, it may be called ‘Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth’. After the reset, you’ll need to reconnect to Wi-Fi networks again.
On iPhone: Go to Settings, then head to Transfer or Reset iPhone, click on Reset, and click Reset Network Settings. You’ll see a message warning that your Wi-Fi, mobile, and Bluetooth settings will be reset. Tap Reset Network Settings, and your phone will restart.
Check for Carrier Settings and Software Updates
Your phone company sometimes sends updates to improve your signal for calls, data, and texts. These updates are called carrier settings. iPhones get them automatically, but not all Android phones do.
On iPhone: If there’s a carrier update, a message will pop up on your screen. You can also check manually by going to Settings and heading to About section under General tab. If an update is available, your phone will tell you.
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On Android: Not all Android phones have this option. Open Settings and search for ‘Carrier Settings’ to see if you have it. On Pixel phones, go to Settings > Network & internet > Internet, tap the gear next to your carrier, then tap ‘Carrier Settings’ to check for updates.
If Airplane Mode doesn’t help, try restarting your phone
Phones are like small computers, and sometimes a simple restart can fix network problems.
On Android: Press and hold the power button (or power + volume down, depending on your phone) until a menu appears. Tap Restart. If you don’t see that option, tap Power Off, wait for your phone to shut down, then turn it back on by holding the power button.
On iPhone: Press and hold the side button and either volume button until a power slider appears. Swipe to turn it off. Once it’s fully off, press and hold the side button again to turn it back on.
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Using an older phone? Try removing the SIM
If you’re still having signal issues, take out your SIM card and put it back in. This can help fix connection problems. If the SIM card looks dirty, gently clean it. If it looks damaged, you might need to get a new one.
All Phones: Take out the SIM card, check for damage, make sure it’s sitting properly in the tray, then put it back into your phone.
Staying connected is crucial, especially during travel or emergencies. By following these simple tips like switching to Airplane Mode, resetting network settings, checking for updates, and removing the SIM card, one can quickly boost your phone’s signal.
(This article has been curated by Disha Gupta, who is an intern with The Indian Express)