How do I check signal strength on my iPhone with iOS 16?

iOS
1

I’m having trouble with my signal on my iPhone running iOS 16. The bars seem off and I want to see the exact signal strength. I’m not sure where to find it in the settings. Can anyone guide me?

2

It can be frustrating when you’re having signal issues and those bars on your iPhone aren’t giving you the full picture. To check the exact signal strength on your iPhone with iOS 16, there’s a trick you can use. Although Apple has made it less accessible over recent iOS updates, you can still get the information using a workaround.

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

  1. Open the Phone App: Go to the dialer screen in your Phone app.

  2. Enter Field Test Mode: Dial *3001#12345#* and press the call button. This will open the Field Test mode.

  3. Check Signal Strength: Look for an option that says Serving Cell Meas. Tap on it, and then you’ll see RSRP (Reference Signal Received Power). RSRP is your actual signal strength in decibels (dBm). The closer the number is to 0, the better your signal strength. For instance, -50 dBm is great, whereas -100 dBm or lower might indicate weak signal.

Note: The interface might look a bit dense and techy, so you might need to navigate and tap around to find the exact information you need.

Also, if you’re finding the results way off from what you expect based on the number of bars showing, you could be experiencing some interference or issues with your carrier network. Sometimes toggling Airplane Mode on and off can help reset your signal.

Lastly, it might be worth checking if there have been any recent updates or issues with your network provider in your area. If this doesn’t improve your situation, you might want to perform a carrier settings update. Go to Settings > General > About. If an update is available, you should get a prompt.

For those who encounter frequent signal issues in specific areas, consider using Wi-Fi calling, if supported by your carrier, as it can provide a more reliable connection. If signal issues persist in a frequently visited area, discussing the problem with your carrier might sometimes prompt them to check local network issues.

Keep in mind that tweaking or resetting network settings might also help. You can reset your network settings by going to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings. This will erase saved networks and passwords, so make sure you have those handy.

Good luck with resolving your signal issues!

3

smh @codecrafter, all that for just a signal check?! Sure, ‘Field Test Mode’ works but it’s hidden for a reason. Apple doesn’t want regular users dealing with all that mumbo-jumbo. We’re giving people mini panic attacks navigating through those dense menus. And let’s be real, those signal bars are simplified on purpose to avoid confusion.

Why not just stick with the basics and try:

  • Restarting Your iPhone: Yea, the classic IT advice. It helps more often than you’d think.
  • Updating iOS and Carrier Settings: Sometimes bugs mess with signal display and they’re fixed in updates.

And “Reset Network Settings”? It’s not worth the hassle unless you’re absolutely sure the problem’s on your end. Wi-Fi calling is good advice, but not all carriers support it or it’s downright terrible in some situations.

P.S. Don’t bother wasting time on the complicated “Field Test Mode” if you’re not tech-savvy. Just consider a different phone or network provider if the issue persists. You might find Android phones let you access more detailed signal metrics directly without these hoops.

4

If the signal bars on your iPhone are really that confusing, another way to get a more reliable read on your actual signal strength is to rely on external tools, though not everyone may be comfortable with that. Besides the Field Test Mode that @codecrafter mentioned, you might want to consider these steps:

Improving Signal Accuracy without Field Test Mode

External Signal Metrics:

  1. Network Signal Info App: While Apple is notorious for keeping things under wraps, you can try third-party apps that provide detailed network info. Unfortunately, most comprehensive signal metrics apps are on Android. Yet, some iOS apps still can give you a more detailed view of your connection - though they won’t be as detailed as what Android users can access.

  2. Signal Booster or Extender: Depending on where you are, physical obstacles might significantly impact signal strength. A signal booster can sometimes alleviate weak signal issues if you’re at home or in a fixed location.

Basic Troubleshooting Steps

  • Restart your iPhone: Yes, this seems too simplistic, but it might reset your connection to the nearest tower.
  • Carrier Settings Update: Go to Settings > General > About. If there’s an update, you’ll get a prompt. This is crucial as your carrier might have an update that resolves connectivity issues.
  • Airplane Mode: Turn it on and off to reconnect to the network. This resets your device’s cellular radio, which sometimes alleviates signal issues.

Alternative Measures

Switching Networks or Devices: If you’re experiencing persistent issues, especially if others around you on the same network aren’t having the same problems, it might be time to consider that your iPhone could be the issue. Sometimes trying another SIM card or even another phone can confirm if the problem lies with the device or the network.

Carrier Support: Give them a call or get in touch through their support app. Sometimes there are carrier-specific issues you might not be aware of, and their technical support can often provide insights or solutions specific to their service.

Local Network Interference: Signal issues might be caused by local interference or tower problems. Check local service status or use something like DownDetector to see if others nearby are reporting similar issues.

Advanced Steps for Tech-Savvy Users

  1. Manually Selecting Your Network: Sometimes allowing your device to auto-select networks might not be the best approach. Go to Settings > Cellular > Network Selection. Toggle off Automatic and see if selecting your carrier’s network directly makes a difference.

  2. Accessing Carrier-Specific Troubleshooting Tools: Some carriers have their apps or tools that could aid in troubleshooting specific to their network.

  3. SIM Card Issues: Sometimes simply taking out your SIM card, cleaning it gently, and reinserting it can solve connectivity problems. Ensure your SIM card is not damaged or outdated - your carrier may provide an updated SIM card.

Disagreeing and Additional Tips:

While the Field Test Mode provides granular details about your signal strength, it’s certainly a bit daunting. I’d disagree with relying too heavily on it unless you’re comfortable navigating through those details. For casual users, these advanced metrics might not add much value to daily use and could lead to unnecessary worry.

Other measures:

  • Avoiding Network Congestion: Sometimes signal issues aren’t just about strength but about how many devices are connected to the tower. Change your location slightly, or try reconnecting in periods of low usage, e.g., avoiding peak hours.

  • Using a 3rd Party Network Status Checker: Apps like OpenSignal or Speedtest provide data on nearby towers and overall network performance. This sometimes reveals if the issue is localized or widespread.

Final Note: Occasional signal issues can be immensely frustrating, but often, multiple small tweaks and understanding local network behavior better provide a good starting point before making a drastic switch of devices or providers.

Remember that signal strength can fluctuate due to a myriad of factors including weather, geographic barriers, and network congestion, so having a flexible approach and trying different solutions can usually yield the best results.