For many, a reliable phone signal is a given.
But despite technological advances, there are still many areas, especially rural and even some urban areas, where coverage from the best mobile networks is spotty or even non-existent.
If you’re running around your house or yard just to make a call, whether you have the best Android phone or the best iPhone, there are several strategies you can try to improve your signal.
Hold your phone in different positions
Before investing in signal boosters, make sure your phone case or grip does not affect the signal. Modern phones have internal antennas that can be blocked by some cases, especially metal ones.
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Try removing your case and using speaker mode to avoid touching the phone directly. If this doesn’t resolve the issue, try making calls from the highest point in your house.
Finding the nearest mobile tower can also be helpful, as mobile signals weaken with distance and obstacles. If you’re in the UK, visit cellmapper.net to find the nearest tower and try to position yourself towards it for a better signal.
Switch to another mobile network
If your current provider offers poor coverage, another network might be better. Switching networks is easier than ever; you can even text to change networks while keeping your existing number.
To find out which network offers the best coverage in your area, use their coverage checkers:
- EE Coverage Checker (also applies to BT Mobile, Plusnet, 1pMobile)
- Three coverage checkers (also applies to SMARTY, iD Mobile, Superdrug, Honest Mobile)
- Vodafone Coverage Checker (also applies to VOXI, Asda, Lebara, Talkmobile)
- O2 Coverage Checker (also applies to Giffgaff, Tesco, Sky Mobile, Virgin Mobile, Lycamobile)
To test a network before committing, request a free pay-as-you-go SIM card. Although the SIM card is free, you will need to add credit to use it.
Usually you’ll pay around £10 for a month’s use. It’s a relatively small price to pay to find out which network offers strong mobile coverage in your area.
Don’t forget to check out our roundup of the best Pay As You Go phone networks in the UK now to choose the one that best suits your needs.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Most SIM cards are now all-in-one, so you have the size you need for your phone – usually a nano SIM for most phones. You’ll have to use the SIM card’s new phone number for the trial, but at least you’ll have a good idea of whether the coverage is significantly better than your old provider or not. Discover our best SIM offers only for our current selection of those available.
Use Wi-Fi calling
If your home has a strong Wi-Fi connection, Wi-Fi calling can be a lifesaver. Most mobile carriers offer this service, allowing you to make calls over your broadband instead of relying on a weak mobile signal.
All major UK networks offer Wi-Fi calling:
If your provider or phone doesn’t support Wi-Fi calling, apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Apple FaceTime are great alternatives.
Using a Cell Phone Signal Booster
For those who prefer not to change networks or rely on Wi-Fi, a signal booster could be the solution.
These devices amplify weak signals, but they can be expensive and regulated by strict laws in the UK. Only Ofcom licensed boosters are legal, so make sure any device you buy is compliant. You can view licensed OFCOM labeled models at signalboosters.co.uk.
It should be noted that some networks no longer offer signal boosters. Vodafone and EE, for example, have discontinued their services, relying instead on improved coverage and Wi-Fi calling. Of the four main UK networks, only O2 still offers a signal booster, the Boostbox.
Create your own mobile network
For a less conventional approach, you might consider goTenna Mesh. Originally designed for hikers, these devices allow you to create a mini mesh network for encrypted messages (not voice calls) over Bluetooth, even in areas with no signal.
These portable devices operate at a range of up to six kilometers in open terrain, making them ideal for communication in rural areas or during hikes and festivals.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
You can also use satellite communicators to connect to satellites rather than traditional mobile networks. They enable text messaging, location sharing, and even SOS alerts in areas without cellular signal. These devices are ideal for hikers, campers, or anyone traveling to remote areas.
Garmin inReach is one of them and offers two-way messaging, weather tracking and updates, and emergency SOS features. It pairs with your smartphone for easy entry and access to contacts.
These methods meet a variety of needs, whether you’re exploring wildlife, working in remote areas, or simply need more reliable communication at home.
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