How to Get Better Cell Phone Reception Indoors

Avoid frustrating dropped calls by improving your indoor cell phone reception.

Losing your cell phone signal in the middle of a conversation can be extremely frustrating. Dropped calls occur when your cell phone reception is interrupted and your phone can no longer continue the connection with the other phone. Poor cell phone reception is a common problem indoors, which can lead to many frustrating dropped calls or choppy conversations. With a few simple steps, you can improve your indoor cell phone reception and avoid losing conversations with friends and family.

Instructions

1. Keep your battery charged. Use a wall or car charger to keep your cell phone battery charged. Low signal strength calls use more battery power than other phone calls. Keep your battery charged to ensure that your call will not cut out due to a dying battery.

2. Move away from large, tall buildings. Large structures can block your cell phone from receiving its signal. Use your cell phone near a window where it can optimally receive its signal.

3. Visit your local provider or check online for a coverage map. Cell phone providers all have specific areas of coverage. Find out where your provider has the most extensive coverage to receive the best reception for your cell phone.

4. Change the antenna. Buy a "Hi-gain" antenna for your phone and have it installed by your local provider. Hi-gain antennas improve cell phone reception both indoors and outdoors

5. Change providers. Not all cell phone providers offer the same amount of coverage. Larger cell phone companies have a broader range of coverage, which means you will receive better cell phone reception indoors and when moving around the country. Research which cell phone provider has the most extensive coverage in your area.

Tips & Warnings

• Visit a variety of cell phone providers to ensure you will receive the best cell phone reception in your home or office.

• Ask for a trial phone. Many providers will allow you to use one of their phones for a short period of time before committing to a contract. Use this time to test the quality of reception indoors.

References

• Cell Reception: Cell Phone Coverage Maps
• The Cell Phone Advisor: Not Getting the Cell Phone Reception You Feel You´ve Paid For?

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• CNet News: Verizon Wireless to Improve Indoor Cell Coverage
• CNet Reviews: Quick Guide to Top Cell Phone Carriers