In an ideal world, our cell phones would be working properly, all day long. Each time we typed in a phone number and pressed call, a clear voice would answer, “Hello?”
However, the real world ever hardly works like this. Metal frames, distant cell phone towers, thick walls, and massive skyscrapers all stand in the way.
Interestingly enough, a lot of cell phone users experience most of their signal problems when they are inside their homes. This leaves many people wondering how to boost cell signal at home.
Echoes and delays can also make phone calls extremely frustrating or even impossible to conduct. The majority of the time, it’s an environmental issue. Although, sometimes it could be a problem with the phone itself.
While the home used to be the only place where you could reliably make a phone call, our modern homes are filled with many obstructive smart devices and signal-muffling structures. And there’s always the possibility that your home is just in a total dead zone.
Thankfully, there are several ways to boost your cell signal. Interested in learning more? Continue reading and we’ll walk you through everything you need to know.
1. Get a Mobile Repeater
Also known as a signal booster, a mobile repeater does exactly that, it boosts the signal of your cell phone. When you put the repeater in a part of your home where there is good cell reception – for example, a window sill – you’ll be able to extend that strong signal to the rest of your home. What your device does is take that strong signal and then extend its range.
Some mobile repeaters also come with an external antenna that you can install outdoors.
Some signal boosters can be a little on the expensive side. Many carriers offer affordably priced models, though.
However, it’s worth pointing out that repeaters typically only work with a specific carrier’s signal. So if you have friends or family members visiting who use a different carrier, then they probably won’t be able to benefit from the signal that your repeater is giving off.
Also, if you wish to have higher speed 4G coverage, you can expect to pay more. With that said, 4G is mainly worth getting if you use your cell phone to connect to the internet.
If you already have Wi-Fi in your house, then you can use your home internet to connect your phone and you likely won’t need a pricier 4G repeater.
2. Consider a Femtocell
Called a “network extender” at Verizon and a “microcell” by AT&T, you can use this device in a similar fashion to a mobile repeater. You put the device in your home and it broadcasts a more powerful cell signal.
The difference between a femtocell and a mobile repeater is that you need to plug a femtocell into your router. This is so that it can access your internet connection. By doing that, the device can connect your phone to the carrier’s servers.
The femtocell will then be able to work in an area where you don’t have any cell signal at all. So it’s great for an apartment that’s surrounded by skyscrapers or a cabin in the woods.
The main disadvantage with this device is that if you get one from a carrier, it’s only going to work with that carrier’s phones. Also, in this situation, third-party devices that can cover a variety of carriers pretty much don’t exist. This kind of technology also doesn’t work that well with satellite internet.
Still, you’re going to get a very strong signal. Even people on the street who walk past your home could pick up on it, assuming that they share the same carrier as you.
Their calls will go through your internet connection, though. And this could potentially slow down your internet and affect activities like streaming HD videos.
When you have a carrier like Verizon, you can set priority numbers. This will allow you to always get service first. Still, it is possible for other people to also get access to your internet connection.
Believe it or not, your cell provider will sometimes lend you a femtocell for a one-time fee or even for free. It’s better for the carrier to provide this device to a customer for free rather than lose that customer to another company.
3. Make Calls Over Wi-Fi
You might already have a Wi-Fi network already set up in your house. If you’re using it for home internet access on your tablet and phone, then you’re already saving money on cell data.
When you have Wi-Fi Calling enabled on your smartphone, your phone will automatically switch to an available Wi-Fi network when you have a weak signal. Of course, you’re going to need access to a Wi-Fi network in order to utilize Wi-Fi calling.
Read More: Top 5 WiFi Routers, Boosters to Work From Home
The Importance of Knowing How to Boost Cell Signal at Home
In today’s modern world, we rely so heavily on our mobile devices. This goes for our personal, professional, and social lives.
But when we have a weak cell signal, it can often lead to frustration and missed opportunities. By learning how to boost cell signal at home, you can make your home a lot less stressful. Just make sure to go over all of the options above and make sure that they’re compatible with your cell carrier. Are you interested in reading other helpful tech articles like this one? If so, check out the rest of our blog today for more!
