Making the most of your cellular signal and increasing your 5G, 4G, and LTE data speeds can really make a difference in everyday life. More and more people are using 4G LTE or 5G as a primary internet connection, so getting the fastest speeds is essential. A lot contributes to slow data speeds — building materials, mountains, weather, distance, and more. In this blog, we will give you some top tips and tricks on how to make cellular data faster.

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What Is the Best Way to Boost 5G or 4G LTE Data Speed?

We’ve all been there. Your favorite song is streaming through the speakers, about to reach its crescendo, and just as you’re belting out the high notes at the top of your lungs — boom — radio silence. Buffering, ugh. Your best answer to poor signal no matter where you are is a cell phone signal booster.

Whether you're using super-fast 5G for home internet, keeping in touch via 4G LTE on the road or running your own office, there is a cell phone signal booster for every unique situation.

While there are some simple hacks to make a phone work a little more efficiently, a proper cell signal amplifier is the ONLY way to strengthen — and speed up — your signal. For any 4G or 5G -enabled devices at your disposal, signal boosters are the #1 most reliable and efficient way to keep them working at top speed, guaranteed.

It's important to remember that 5G is only used for cellular data right now. If you are making phone calls and using voice, it’s always done over 4G LTE. Dropped calls are usually caused by bad 4G LTE signal. This can also be fixed by using a cell signal booster, also called a cell signal amplifier.

Why Is My 5G or 4G LTE Cell Data Slow?

There are various reasons why you may have slow data speeds.

• Signal quality: Even if you have good bars, you may still struggle with slow LTE data speeds. This is because your actual signal QUALITY is low. The best way to fix this is to get a good outdoor antenna and connect it to a signal booster.
• Signal strength: Of course, the fewer bars you have, the worse your data speeds will be. It may not be the biggest reason for slow cell internet speeds, but it is an important one.
• Signal qualityOf course, the fewer bars you have, the worse your data speeds will be. It may not be the biggest reason for slow cell internet speeds, but it is an important one.
• Too many apps: If you have loads of apps open on your phone or if you have lots of devices connected to your cellular home internet your connection speed can slow down. Close or turn off anything you aren't currently using.
• Network congestion: Just like a busy highway, if the network has lots of people all trying to get good 5G or LTE data speeds it may get clogged. If you are in a highly populated area it’s likely that your nearest tower has a high traffic volume.
• Data throttling: Some carriers and plans implement throttling if your data usage is too high. This is where they specifically slow your internet speeds to reduce your data usage. Look for a plan that offers “unthrottled” data.

Tips And Tricks To Speed Up Mobile Data On Your Phone:

1. Keep Your Battery Full

Signal-searching can drain batteries when the connection is weak, so maintaining the fullest charge can help to keep your phone in working order. Unfortunately, battery life does not directly impact the strength of the signal you receive, but it does help to keep the phone actively searching and performing at peak efficiency.

2. Get Outside

If you’re able to access an open window, balcony, rooftop, or yard — then get exploring. Building materials like metal, concrete, and even glass can interfere with 4G LTE signals — which are great at travelling great distances, but not so great at travelling through or around obstacles. If you’re not glued to a single spot, finding a space with limited obstructions (or removing said obstacles, if possible) can help your chances of clear reception, especially if you can locate your newest cell phone tower. Apps like OpenSignal and RootMetrics can help to find the strongest signal near you.

3. Clear Your Cache

Cached data on your phone are saved documents, images, or other files that have been downloaded and stored in temporary storage. This data can help your phone to open apps and webpages faster, but too much of it causes sluggishness. To blast the bloat, you need to clear your cache regularly.

To clear the cache on an Android phone:

• Open the Chrome app or your chosen browser
• At the top right, tap More or Settings
• Tap History and then Clear browsing data
• At the top, choose a time range. To delete everything, select All time. (Not all browsers have this step)
• Next to "Cookies and site data" and "Cached images and files," check the boxes.
• Tap Clear data.

To clear the cache on an iPhone:

1. Open the Settings app
2. Find Safari
3. Tap Clear History and Website Data
4. Confirm the prompt

4. Get a New Device

Outdated phones or hotspots are often not able to run at optimal speeds, and many can't use 5G. Upgrading to the latest technology will make sure that you get the most out of the cellular network.

5. Clear Out Clutter

A lightning-fast signal won’t help your phone’s efficiency if the device itself is slowed down by clutter. Regularly clear out the cache on your internet browser, close out background apps that aren’t currently in use, and delete any apps that you don’t use to ensure that your cell phone is running at peak efficiency. It also helps to check for updates so you can be sure that you’re running the most recent version of your smartphone’s software.

6. Switch Carriers

Your current cell phone service provider could be the culprit. If you suspect that another carrier might provide better service in your area, it might be worth the switch. Cell phone signal boosters work with all US carriers, so finding the right booster is easy.

7. Switch Browsers

Most phones come with a pre-loaded browser. This browser may not be the best choice for you. Some browsers have a Lite version, for example, Opera Mini, that uses less data and can help to speed up your cell connection.

8. Select Your Carrier

Some phones have their network setting on automatic. That means that it switches between carriers depending on roaming status and where you are. Setting your phone to only use your chosen network can make your data speed faster.

9. Close Your Apps

Having apps running in the background can use bandwidth. It's always a good idea to close apps that you aren't using, especially if they use data. Social media apps are particularly known for slowing data speeds if they are open all the time.

10. Turn It Off and Back On Again

Every IT professional ever can’t be wrong. Before you get discouraged, try turning off your device and restarting it. Also, consider switching your phone to airplane mode for 5 seconds, then switch back. Sometimes all it takes is a quick reboot to work out the kinks in any electronic device — even your smartphone.

How To Use 5G For Home Internet

5G can provide fast and easy home internet. It offers data speeds fast enough for streaming, online gaming, and downloading. 4G LTE will also work as a permanent internet option. It’s readily available, cheap, and fast enough to run a home or office internet connection.

To make use of 5G or 4G LTE for home internet you need a cellular router and a data contract with a SIM card from a carrier. Once you have got these, a signal booster will ensure you have the fastest connection.

For even more boost, get a powerful outdoor antenna, and you’ll never look back.

Our Best Cellular Home Internet Routers

Peplink MAX BR1 Pro 5G

Peplink MAX BR1 Mini 

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Tips And Tricks To Speed Up Mobile Data for Home Internet:

1. Move your Router

Cellular routers need to be in an area of good signal. If you only have the small antennas that the router comes with you need to position it carefully. Don't put it away in a cupboard or on a bookshelf. If your internet data speed is slow, consider moving your router to an area with better signal.

2. Use a Signal Booster

Just like your phone, your cellular router needs a good signal to be at its fastest. If you have poor signal inside your building or home your router likely won't be fast enough. Using a signal booster will ensure that you have a good, steady cell signal where you need it most. A MIMO router allows for upload and download data streams at the same time, increasing your data speeds.

Below are our top cell signal booster recommendations, for homes and vehicles.

Our Top Home Cell Signal Booster Kit Recommendations

Bolton Victory Yagi/Panel Cellular Signal Booster

Pros:	Cons:
Meets most people's coverage requirements. Offers max gain allowed by the FCC for multi-carrier boosters, maximizing amplification. Has incredible uplink, allowing greater reach to cell towers. Equipped with powerful Yagi antenna that outperforms the competition.	Can only boost one or two carriers at a time because of directional antenna. Will not cover your entire home if the outdoor signal is extremely weak.

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Cel-Fi by Nextivity GO X

Pros:	Cons:
Capable of providing whole-home coverage. Features highest amplification gain on the market. Is extremely customizable to fit any signal environment. Comes with an app that lets you monitor and manage performance.	On the pricier side. Only amplifies one cellular provider at a time.

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SureCall Flare 3.0

Pros:	Cons:
Budget-friendly. Offers max gain allowed by the FCC for multi-carrier boosters, maximizing amplification. Has incredible uplink, allowing greater reach to cell towers. Features 2-in-1 Amplifier/Indoor making installation a breeze.	Paired with Yagi antenna that’s slightly less powerful than the competition. Can only boost one or two carriers at a time because of directional antenna.

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Best Cell Phone Boosters for Vehicles

Bolton Velocity Vehicle

Pros:	Cons:
Affordable yet powerful. Sleek design. Offers max gain allowed by the FCC for multi-carrier vehicle boosters, maximizing amplification. Has incredible uplink, allowing greater reach to cell towers while on the go.	This configuration is not ideal for semis, heavy-duty trucks, RVs, or overlanders. Though, optimized kits for those vehicles are available.

weBoost Drive Reach

Pros:	Cons:
Sleek design. Offers max gain allowed by the FCC for multi-carrier vehicle boosters, maximizing amplification. Features higher gain than previous weBoost generations.	This configuration is not ideal for semis, heavy-duty trucks, RVs, or overlanders. Though, optimized kits for those vehicles are available.

3. Update Your Firmware

Cellular routers use firmware to function correctly. Think of it like an operating system. Keeping your firmware up to date will improve internet speeds and make your connection more secure. Update your firmware from your router’s admin app or panel.

4. Reset Your Router

When in doubt, turn it on and off again. Unplug the router from its power source, count to ten, and plug it back in again. This resets the router and helps it to find the nearest best signal when it reconnects.

5. Check Connected Devices

Your cellular home internet connection may be being slowed by too many devices. Check your network to see who or what is connected, and disconnect anything that you don't need. Keep an eye out for unwanted users as well as devices.

6. Upgrade Your Router to Use 5G

Just like the most up-to-date cell phone, you also need to have the latest router. Old routers won't be nearly as fast as newer ones and may not be able to use 5G.

7. Don't Stream and Download at the Same Time

If you want to stream a movie or your favorite series, don't download a big file at the same time. This can use up most of your bandwidth and end up causing buffering. Set downloads for late at night when no one is using your internet connection.

8. Turn Off Other Appliances

Microwaves, cordless phones, and other appliances all interfere with cell signals. Turn them off where possible or try to move your router away.

9. Check your Bandwidth Limit

Some cellular data plans come with a bandwidth limit. If you are using one of these then your carrier may be “throttling” your speed. Contact your carrier to confirm your data package and switch to an unlimited plan if possible.

10. Use the Right Antenna

Outdoor antennas are key for a good indoor signal. They connect to your router or signal booster to get the best possible 5G or 4G signal inside to the inside device.  If you are in an area where the signal is weak, having a good donor antenna can improve both signal strength and signal quality. 2X2 MIMO or 4X4 MIMO antennas can complement your MIMO router making 4G LTE or 5G even faster. We have some super MIMO antenna kits like the Bolton Crossbow 5G and the Poynting EPNT-4 5G WiFi antenna.

Our Best Antennas for Fast Cellular Home Internet

Try one of these bad boys to improve your 4G or 5G home cellular internet:

The Crossbow 5G MIMO Antenna by Bolton Technical

Poynting XPOL-1-5G Omni-Directional MIMO Antenna

Will A Femtocell Boost My Cellular Signal?

Most cellular service providers have released their own versions of the femtocell, which is basically a personal cell phone tower for the home or office. While a femtocell does increase data speed for cell phones, it does so by connecting to a landline internet service, so in-home WiFi is required. Because it uses an existing WiFi connection to convert its signal to cellular, femtocells can clog that connection and slow down the reception for the other WiFi-enabled devices in your home or office, like smart TVs and computers.

Femtocells are carrier-specific, which means that only users on the same service will receive the boosted signal. In addition, femtocells broadcast to all users in the vicinity, so anyone with a carrier-specific phone in your immediate area will benefit from your boost. This means, yes, nearby strangers will get better reception as well — no password required.

Contact Us

If you need info on anything 5G, 4G, LTE, cellular, how to boost your cell signal, or just want to chat about anything signal related we can't wait to hear from you! Give us a shout on 1-800-470-6777 or email sales@signalboosters.com.