For many, a reliable phone signal is a given.
But despite advances in technology, there are still plenty of areas, particularly in rural regions and even some city pockets, where coverage of even the best mobile networks is spotty or non-existent.
If you find yourself running around your home or yard just to make a call, 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, ensure that your phone’s case or your grip isn’t affecting the signal. Modern phones have internal antennas that can be blocked by certain cases, especially those made of metal.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Try removing your case and using speakerphone mode to avoid directly touching the phone. If this doesn’t help, try making calls from the highest point in your home.
Finding your nearest mobile tower can also help as mobile signals weaken with distance and obstacles. If you’re in the UK, visit cellmapper.net to find the closest tower and try positioning yourself in its direction for better signal.
Change to another mobile network
If your current provider offers poor coverage, another network might perform better. Switching networks is easier than ever; you can even text to switch networks while keeping your existing number.
To find out which network has the best coverage in your area, use their coverage checkers:
- EE coverage checker (also applies to BT Mobile, Plusnet, 1pMobile)
- Three coverage checker (also applies to SMARTY, iD Mobile, Superdrug, Honest Mobile)
- Vodafone coverage checker (also applies to VOXI, Asda, Lebara, Talkmobile)
- O2 coverage checker (also applies to giffgaff, Tesco, Sky Mobile, Virgin Mobile, Lycamobile)
To test a network before committing, request a free pay-as-you-go SIM card. Although the SIM is free, you’ll need to add credit to use it.
Usually, you’ll pay around £10 for a month’s 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 round-up of the best Pay As You Go phone networks in the UK right now to choose the one that best suits your needs.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Most SIMs are now all-in-one, so you pop out the size you need for your phone – typically nano SIM for most phones. You’ll have to use the SIM’s new phone number for the trial, but at least you will have a good idea of whether the coverage is significantly better than your old provider or not. Check out our best SIM-only deals for our current pick of the ones available.
Use Wi-Fi 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 relying on a weak mobile signal.
All major UK networks offer Wi-Fi calling:
- O2 allows Wi-Fi and 4G calls without a specific app.
- EE supports Wi-Fi calling on compatible phones.
- Vodafone provides Wi-Fi calling for many devices.
- Three also offers Wi-Fi calling on supported phones.
If your provider or phone doesn’t support Wi-Fi calling, apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Apple FaceTime are excellent alternatives.
Use mobile phone signal booster
For those who prefer not to switch networks or rely on Wi-Fi, a signal booster might be the solution.
These devices amplify weak signals, but they can be expensive and regulated by strict laws in the UK. Only Ofcom-licensed boosters are legal to use, so ensure any device you purchase is compliant. You can check out models labeled as OFCOM Licence Exempt at signalboosters.co.uk.
It’s worth noting that some networks no longer offer signal boosters. Vodafone and EE, for example, have discontinued their services, relying instead on improved coverage and Wi-Fi calling. Out of the four main UK networks, only O2 still offers a signal booster, the Boostbox.
Make your own mobile network
For a more unconventional approach, you can consider the goTenna Mesh. Originally designed for hikers, these devices allow you to create a mini mesh network for encrypted messaging (not voice calls) over Bluetooth, even in areas with no signal.
These portable devices work within a range of up to four miles in open terrain, making them ideal for communication in rural areas or during hiking trips and festivals.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
You can also use satellite communicators to connect to satellites rather than traditional mobile networks. They enable text messaging, location sharing, and even SOS alerts in areas with no cellular signal. These devices are ideal for hikers, campers, or anyone traveling in remote areas.
Garmin inReach is one of them and offers 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 cater for a variety of needs, whether you are exploring wildlife, working in remote areas or simply need more reliable communication at home.
