You might need a cell phone signal booster if you regularly experience dropped calls, slow data, or poor signal strength indoors. Common signs include calls cutting out, texts not going through, and needing to be near windows or outside to get service. If this sounds familiar, a signal booster can likely help.
To check whether you need one, it’s helpful to measure your signal strength in decibel milliwatts (dBm) rather than just looking at the bars on your phone. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of signal strength:
-50 dBm to -70 dBm: Excellent to strong signal. Calls, texts, and data should work well.
-70 dBm to -90 dBm: Moderate to weak signal. You might notice slower data speeds or occasional dropped calls in this range, especially if the signal fluctuates.
-90 dBm to -100 dBm: Very weak signal. Calls may be unreliable, and data speeds are slow. This is where a booster can make a big difference.
-100 dBm or worse: Extremely weak or no signal. You’re likely to struggle with most cell services indoors.
You can usually check this reading on your phone by entering field test mode through the settings. The closer your number is to -100 dBm or lower, the more likely you’ll benefit from a booster.
Another sign you may need a booster is if the signal outside your building is much stronger than inside. If you step outside and your signal improves significantly, it means the structure of your home or office could be blocking the signal from reaching indoors. In these cases, a signal booster can help by capturing the outdoor signal, amplifying it, and redistributing it inside where you need coverage the most.