For many, a reliable phone signal is a given.
But despite technological advances, there are still plenty of areas, especially in rural areas and even in some urban areas, where coverage from even the best mobile networks is spotty or non-existent.
If you find yourself running around your house or yard just to make calls, 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 that your phone case or your grip won’t affect the signal. Modern phones have internal antennas that can be blocked by certain cases, especially if they are made of metal.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Try removing your case and using speaker mode to avoid touching the phone directly. If this doesn’t help, try calling from the highest point in your house.
Finding the nearest cell tower can also help, as cell signals become weaker as distance and obstacles increase. If you are in the UK, go to cellmapper.net to find the nearest tower and try to position yourself in that direction for a better signal.
Switch to another mobile network
If your current provider offers poor coverage, another network may perform better. Switching networks is easier than ever; you can even text to switch networks while keeping your existing number.
Use their coverage checks to find out which network has the best coverage in your area:
- EE coverage check (also applies to BT Mobile, Plusnet, 1pMobile)
- Three cover check (also applies to SMARTY, iD Mobile, Superdrug, Honest Mobile)
- Vodafone’s coverage check (also applies to VOXI, Asda, Lebara, Talkmobile)
- O2 coverage check (also applies to giffgaff, Tesco, Sky Mobile, Virgin Mobile, Lycamobile)
If you want to test a network before committing, apply for a free prepaid SIM card. Although the SIM card is free, you need to add credit to use it.
Normally you pay around €10 for a month of use. It’s a relatively small price to pay to find out which network offers strong mobile coverage in your area.
Be sure to check out our overview of the best Pay As You Go phone networks in the UK now to choose the network that best suits your needs.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Most SIM cards are now all-in-one, so you can get the size you need for your phone – usually a nano SIM card for most phones. For the trial period you will have to use the new phone number of the SIM card, but at least you will have a good idea whether the coverage is significantly better than that of your old provider or not. Check out our best SIM-only deals for our current selection of available offers.
Use WiFi calling
If your home has a strong Wi-Fi connection, Wi-Fi calling can be a lifesaver. Most mobile providers offer this service, allowing you to make calls over your broadband instead of having to rely on a weak mobile signal.
All major UK networks offer Wi-Fi calling:
If your carrier or phone doesn’t support Wi-Fi calling, apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Apple FaceTime are a great alternative.
Use a cell phone signal booster
For those who prefer not to switch networks or rely on WiFi, a signal booster may be the solution.
These devices amplify weak signals, but they can be expensive and are regulated by strict laws in Britain. Only Ofcom-licensed boosters are legal to use, so make sure any device you buy complies with this. You can view models labeled OFCOM License Exempt at signalboosters.co.uk.
It is worth noting that some networks no longer offer signal boosters. Vodafone and EE, for example, have discontinued their services and are instead relying on improved coverage and Wi-Fi calling. Of the four major UK networks, only O2 still offers a signal booster, the Boostbox.
Create your own mobile network
For a more unconventional approach, consider the goTenna Mesh. Originally designed for hikers, these devices allow you to create a mini-mesh network for encrypted messaging (not voice calls) via Bluetooth, even in areas with no signal.
These portable devices operate within a range of up to six kilometers in open terrain, making them ideal for communications in the countryside or during hikes and festivals.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
You can also use satellite communicators to connect to satellites instead of traditional cellular networks. They enable text messaging, location sharing and even SOS alerts in areas without a mobile signal. These devices are ideal for hikers, campers, or anyone traveling in remote areas.
Garmin inReach is one of them, offering two-way messaging, tracking and weather updates, along with emergency SOS features. It pairs with your smartphone for easy typing 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 communications at home.
