Have you ever noticed that 2 bars of signal on an iPhone can feel completely different from 2 bars on a Samsung or OnePlus? That is because the 'bars' icon displayed on your phone's status bar is purely cosmetic and subjective; each manufacturer has its own algorithm for deciding how many bars to show.
To accurately diagnose your reception, you must measure your signal in dBm (decibel-milliwatts). dBm provides an exact mathematical measurement of radio signal power.
How to Check dBm on Android
On most Android devices, accessing real dBm values takes just a few taps:
- Open Settings.
- Navigate to About Phone > Status Information > SIM Card Status (path may vary slightly depending on your brand's skin).
- Look for the field labeled Signal Strength. You will see a number like
-95 dBmand a secondary measure inasu.
How to Check dBm on iPhone (Field Test Mode)
iOS includes a hidden diagnostic utility called Field Test Mode:
- Open your Phone app dialer.
- Dial
*3001#12345#*and press the Call button. - Tap the Dashboard or Menu tab and select Rsrp (Reference Signal Received Power) under your connected LTE/NR serving cell.
- Your true signal strength is displayed as a negative number in dBm.
Understanding Your dBm Score
- -50 dBm to -75 dBm: Excellent signal. Maximum data speeds, zero call drops.
- -76 dBm to -90 dBm: Good, reliable signal. Standard HD voice calls and smooth streaming.
- -91 dBm to -105 dBm: Fair/Borderline signal. Occasional audio distortion, slower download rates.
- -106 dBm to -120 dBm: Very poor. Frequent call drops, battery drains rapidly while searching for network.
- Beyond -120 dBm: Dead zone. No reliable service.
If your indoor readings fall below -105 dBm while outside levels are -85 dBm or better, a mobile signal booster will instantly bring your indoor strength up to optimal levels. Contact Shivam Telecom to schedule a testing session.