Best 5 Smartphone Apps to Test Your Cell Signal
Are there any apps out there that can boost your cell reception?
Sadly, no. Nevertheless, we can recommend some outstanding smartphone apps that can tell you precisely how good or bad your reception is. You can even find your nearest cell tower.
This information is extremely important if you want to address your lousy cell reception. Cell phone signal boosters rely on it, and any other improvements you'd like to make also need that information. Luckily, your smartphone is more than capable of providing it - with the proper help.
But first, a word on cell phone bars, and why they're not the best metric for determining the strength of your cell signal.
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The Truth About Cell Phone Bars
The cell phone bars reading on your phone isn't reliable. That's because they vary, depending on the model of your phone and your cell phone carrier. One bar on AT&T could mean full bars on T-Mobile, which could be two bars on Verizon.
It's totally arbitrary, and this is true for both 5G and 4G. More bars do usually mean more signal, but there’s no real standard . Fortunately, there is a way of knowing the exact number of decibels (dB) you're getting, for a more precise reading.
What are Decibels?
Mobile signals are measured in decibels (dB) -- a logarithmic unit - while signal strength is measured in decibel-milliwatts (dBm). Decibels measure AM/FM radio waves, which are excellent at traveling long distances, but are easily blocked and can become patchy.
dBm interpretations are a consistent unit of measurement. They aren't one-sided and can't be tampered with by your phone manufacturer or carrier. dBm readings will be between -50 dBm to -120 dBm, with –50 being full signal and –120 being a dead zone.
Typically:
- -50 means outstanding signal (your phone is probably almost touching the cell tower)
- -65 to -50 means you have very good signal
- -80 to -65 means your signal is good
- -100 to -80 means your signal is below average
- -100 to -80 means your signal is below average
- -120 to -100 means your signal is weak
How Do You Check Cell Signal Strength?
There are two main ways to check cell signal strength: the field test method and cell signal apps. We'll start with the top 5 smartphone apps, and explain field test mode later.
Best Apps to Find your Signal Strength for Android and iPhone
1. LTE Discovery
This app has a band identifier, automated visual logger, advanced LTE, 4G, 5G, CDMA data analyzer, among other features. It measures dB level and your nearest cell tower. Unfortunately, this one is only compatible with Android.
2. Network Cell Info Lite
Network Cell Info covers all cellular networks including LTE, HSPA +, HSPA, WCDMA, EDGE, GSM, CDMA, EVDO. The color-coded map indicates sent and received signal. Green is good, red or white show connectivity problems. It also shows RSSNR (Reference Signal to Noise Ratio) which measures the noise of the mobile line in dB.
3. Open Signal
OpenSignal has several maps with information about the coverage of various networks including 3G, 4G (LTE) and 5G. Open Signal is available in App Store (Mac) and Android's Play Store.
4. Network Signal Pro
This app shows a summary of your mobile network as well as current coverage and signal strength in percentage. dBm and antenna or tower location is shown along with the tower’s individual connection strength.
5. Root Metrics
RootMetrics uses user information by testing network performance when consumers use their mobile phones. It can give you dBm readings and shows cell performance on a map. It's available in both the Mac App Store and Android's Play Store.
Field Test Mode - Get Reliable Signal Readings Without an App>
The field test method will differ depending on your operating system. We have an entire article on Field Test Mode, but here is a basic overview of how to check your signal strength straight from your phone.
How to Find Precise dBm Readings on Your iPhone
The Field Test menu has had some variations on each iPhone version; nevertheless, this mini-guide should work on most iOS systems. Note that it may not work on every phone however.
- Open the Control Center (or go the Settings app). Remember to turn off your Wi-Fi
- After you've done this, open the Phone app and insert the following, exactly as you see it: *3001#12345#*
- Press call and you will see the Field Test menu.
- Select LTE from the list and then click on "Serving Cell Meas". Then look for either "rsrp0" or "rsrp1". One of those should have a negative number, which means your signal strength in decibels.
If this doesn’t work, your phone is one of the unfortunate ones that has no real way of measuring its dBm reading.
How to find a precise dB reading on your Android
Field test mode on Android varies by phone model and Android OS version. However, you can generally find it under the Settings menu.
Typical sequence:
- Tap Settings
- Tap About Phone
- Tap Status or Network
- Tap SIM Status
- Your dBm is under Signal strength
Got your dBm reading through Field Test mode or an app? Walk around inside and outside the perimeter of your home. Make note which areas get the best dBm reading. This will show you the general direction of your cell tower and which rooms inside your home have the best reception.
How To Fix Bad Cell Signal
If you're trying to test your cell signal, it's likely causing you problems. Fortunately, there are ways to improve it.
They're called cell phone signal boosters, and they take weak cell service, amplify it, and rebroadcast it in a building or vehicle. If you've never heard of them, we have an article on how cell phone signal boosters work, but rest assured - they get the job done.
Best Home Signal Booster Kits
Bolton Victory Yagi/Panel Cellular Signal Booster
Overview of the Bolton Victory Yagi/Panel:
- For Small to Medium Size Homes and Offices
- Covers Up to 4,000 Sq Ft
- Up to +72 dB Gain
- Up to 26 dBm Uplink Power
- Supports All Carriers Simultaneously
The Bolton Victory Yagi/Panel cellular booster is our top pick for rural areas. Under optimal conditions, it can blanket up to 4,000 sq ft with stronger cell reception, which is more than enough for most people. Featuring up to 26 dBm uplink and up to 72 dB gain, it has incredible reach and can significantly amplify your existing weak cellular signal.
Strategically paired with the Bolton Quicksilver Outdoor Yagi Antenna, it works wonders in remote locations. This antenna is designed to draw in signals from cell towers up to 5 miles away. Distance from the signal source will no longer be a problem.
While capable of boosting multiple carriers at the same time, you may only receive improved cell reception from one or two carriers. This is because the antenna is directional and needs to point at the closest cell tower that’s powered by your preferred carrier. If boosting multiple carriers is more important than coverage area, consider the Bolton Velocity Omni/Panel Cellular Signal Booster.
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Cel-Fi by Nextivity GO X Cell Signal Booster
Overview of the Cel-Fi GO X:
- For Large Homes and Offices
- Covers Up to 15,000 Sq Ft
- Up to +100 dB Gain
- Amplifies One Carrier at a Time
The GO X by Nextivity is the most powerful cell phone signal booster for remote areas available. It’s designed with up to 100 dB gain, the highest on the market. This unit can seriously make all your signal woes disappear. The caveat is that it can only boost one carrier at a time. Though, through the Cel-Fi WAVE app, you’re able to switch between carriers as you need.
Super customizable, you have multiple outdoor antenna options to really maximize the amplifier's reach to your closest cell tower. You can reach cell towers located up to 5 miles away with the Quicksilver Yagi, up to 10 miles away with the Bolton Arrow LPDA, or up to 20 miles away with the Bolton Long Ranger. No matter how weak your cellular reception is, any of these configurations will keep you connected, that is unless you’re in a total dead zone.
Rated to cover up to 15,000 sq ft, it's best for large homes and small businesses. Indoor coverage will vary based on the strength of your outside signal.
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SureCall Flare 3.0 Cell Signal Booster
Overview of SureCall Flare 3.0:
- For Small Homes or Spot Coverage
- Covers Up to 3,000 Sq Ft
- Up to +72 dB Gain
- Up to 26 dBm Uplink
- Supports All Carriers Simultaneously
- 2-in-1 Amplifier/Indoor Antenna Combo for Ease of Installation
The SureCall Flare 3.0 cellular booster packs a signal punch for the price. It includes a Yagi antenna, which is ideal for rural areas, and a sleek amplifier. The indoor antenna is built into the amplifier, making the Flare 3.0 one of the easiest units to install yourself.
With up to 72 dB gain and 26 dBm uplink, it offers good amplification and reach to distant cell towers for a booster of its kind. While power is similar to that of the Bolton Victory, the Flare 3.0 offers less coverage and a less powerful Yagi antenna. It’s rated to cover 3,000 sq ft, but will likely only provide multi-room to spot coverage.
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Best Vehicle Cell Signal Booster Kits
Bolton Velocity Vehicle Cell Signal Booster Kit
Overview of the Velocity Vehicle:
- For Cars, Trucks, and RVs
- Up to 50 dB Gain
- Support Multiple Carriers Simultaneously
- Easy Install
The Velocity Vehicle is carefully crafted to keep drivers and passengers connected in the most difficult environments. It’s built with the highest gain and uplink. No matter where you drive, as long as there is a sliver of cellular signal, the Velocity Vehicle will keep all devices connected.
This particular model comes with a magnet mount antenna, making it ideal for your everyday cars, SUVs, and trucks. Installation is a breeze. For semis and heavier-duty trucks, consider the Velocity Trucker. It includes a tough OTR outside antenna featuring great reach, heavy-duty construction, and whistle-free wrap.
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weBoost Drive Reach Cell Signal Booster Kit
Overview of the weBoost Drive Reach:
- For RVs, Cars, Trucks, and Boats
- Up to 50 dB Gain
- Support Multiple Carriers Simultaneously
- Easy Install
The weBoost Drive Reach is weBoost’s most powerful in-vehicle cell signal booster for cars, SUVs, trucks, and minivans. Features increased uplink than previous generations, users can get signal that is 2x farther from towers for twice the signal strength. Dropping calls and losing navigation connection will all be a thing of the past while driving on remote roads or highways.
Cellular antennas will vary depending on the Drive Reach configuration that best meets your needs.
We wouldn't recommend anything weaker than the Drive Reach for rural areas.
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