How to find cell signal strength by your cell phones? Dbm is more accurate than bars. This instructions will tell you how to use field test mode on Iphone and Android Phones that is the best measure way.
Read Bars is not Accurate!
Peoples usually read the cell phone bars to evaulate the signal strength. But it's not accurate, there are no standards across different carriers for displaying the bars. Different cell phone manufacturers may define different signal strength indications. That means one phone's 3 bars may well represent a stronger signal strength than another phone's 4 bars or even 5 bars.
For example:
In the same room or work place, your cell phone may look like this:
Signal Strength ≥ -85 dBm, level is SIGNAL GREAT, define 4 bars
Signal Strength ≥ -95 dBm, level is SIGNAL GOOD, define 3 bars
Signal Strength ≥ -105 dBm, level is SIGNAL MODERATE, define 2 bars
Signal Strength ≥ -115 dBm, level is SIGNAL POOR, define 1 bar
Signal Strength ≥ -140 dBm, level is SIGNAL NONE or UNKNOWN define 0 bar
And your colleages' cell phone with another carrier's network or brand may will show this:
Signal Strength ≥ -95 dBm, level is SIGNAL GREAT, define 4 bars
Signal Strength ≥ -105 dBm, level is SIGNAL GOOD, define 3 bars
Signal Strength ≥ -115 dBm, level is SIGNAL MODERATE, define 2 bars
Signal Strength ≥ -120 dBm, level is SIGNAL POOR, define 1 bar
Signal Strength ≥ -140 dBm, level is SIGNAL NONE or UNKNOWN define 0 bar
So the best way to check the signal strenth dBm reading by your cell phones "Field Test Mode"
Iphone Field Test Mode
Dial *3001#12345#* and press the Call button. This will launch the Field Test Mode.
Hold down the power button until the “Slide to Power Off” appears, then release the power button.
Then hold the Home button until the Field Test mode quits.
So now you’ll see your numerical signal strength on the top line of your phone; you can tap the signal numbers to switch to signal bars and vice versa. The negative number is the decibel signal strength reading and should be based on the carrier name and the network type.
To exit this permanent field-test mode, reboot the phone or go back to Field Test and exit it via the Home button.
Android Field Test Mode
Press MENU
Choose "Settings"
·
Choose "About Phone"
Choose "Status" or "Network" depending on your manufacturer
Check "Signal Strength"
