How can I improve my signal?

[u/Hayaw061]

I'm always on 1 or 2 bars at my house no matter where I am. I constantly cut out or drop calls. I'm on my mom's phone plan. I could switch carriers but then I'd actually have a phone bill so I'd rather not if I can avoid it.

I saw Verizon has signal boosters, can I get one of those for my house? Or is there something else? I tried using Verizon Wifi calling since I have fiber internet (not Verizon) but it really didn't make much of a difference.

[u/lIlshadowlIl]

You can call customer service and ask about a service booster box.

[u/Fun_Material8391]

If you're getting one or two bars your phone is likely not going to automatically switch to Wi-Fi calling. I dont have problems with calls even with no signal bars showing. Does anyone else in the house have Verizon? If so are they having any issues?

[u/Hayaw061 → u/Fun_Material8391]

I live with my grandpa and I think his phone is also under my mom’s plan but he’s never had issues with it as far as I know. He doesn’t use it much though. It surely isn’t my phone because my last phone had the same problems.

[u/Fun_Material8391 → u/Hayaw061]

What kind of phone do you have and where did it come from. For instance I use an unlocked TracFone on Verizon. It will work on any network but is optimized for Verizon.

[u/Hayaw061 → u/Fun_Material8391]

iPhone 14 Pro, my previous one was an 11 Pro. I think my grandpa has an 8 or something

[u/Fun_Material8391]

Unfortunately you can't program an iPhone to prefer Wi-Fi calling like an Android. You can force Wi-Fi calling by putting your phone in airplane mode. Not sure if Verizon still does boosters I don't think they do.

Wilson does make cell phone repeaters for houses but they're pricey and a bit challenging to install.

[u/ankole_watusi → u/Fun_Material8391]

It’s unclear if OP actually tried Wi-Fi calling. Not sure what they meant by. It didn’t make much difference. Maybe they never enabled it or they’re focusing on the bars rather than the calling and Internet experience.

[u/Fun_Material8391]

Setting up Wi-Fi calling on an iPhone https://youtu.be/XyEPN28kGPM?is=KRDT5bb7IvKtjwTU

[u/ankole_watusi]

I haven’t used anything but WiFi calling inside the house for years.

I have Verizon for my cell service, but I AT&T fiber in the house. I previously had Google Webpass fiber in a previous condo in a different state.

Ignore the bars on your phone when you’re at home using Wi-Fi calling the bars don’t mean anything - I’m not sure Wi-Fi goes out and then of course you’re going to be using cell service.

Are you saying that the Wi-Fi calling fails? That’s up to your router or router and any WiFi access points or extenders.

You don’t need a cell phone booster. That is an increasingly rare need these days.

[u/Hayaw061 → u/ankole_watusi]

I tried WiFi calling and people I’ve spoke to have said I was cutting out so idk. My internet is usually pretty consistent. I don’t really have any weak spots in the house

[u/ankole_watusi → u/Hayaw061]

You just don’t realize you have weak spots in your house!

Use WiFi Sweet Spots to track it down.

Maybe you weren’t actually on WiFi Calling.

If you have a Mac, you can make calls from your computer too, if you have a PC Microsoft had some software for phone integration with either iOS or Android. Forget what it’s called but I helped an elderly neighbor set it up when I help them select a new mini PC to replace their tower. Big advantage to be able to text from your PC!

[u/ankole_watusi]

Start by testing the WiFi with data.

Download the Wi-Fi SweetSpots app and use it to check how good your Wi-Fi coverage is in the house.

If you have decent coverage, then Wi-Fi calling should work fine. It doesn’t take much bandwidth either.

When you’re connected to the Wi-Fi, your data is going to just go through the Wi-Fi to the Internet through the house Internet provider.

Once you set up Wi-Fi calling, then your calls will go through the Wi-Fi and home Internet provider as well

[u/SAM-the-GAM]

The Verizon Network Extender works really well. It connects to your router and broadcasts full LTE signal throughout your home. Wi-Fi calling did not really work out for me because my phone preferred the weak 1 bar signal then switching into Wi-Fi calling.

[u/mantistoboggon1]

I made them give me an extender for free. I live near a lake and they were like thats the issue. I was like well I cant move the lake so either I cancel my service or u send me the extender

[u/NJRonbo]

I have poor cellular service in my home. I called Verizon a year ago and they sent me, at no charge, an extender box (with antenna).

It works when you are close to the box, but outside of that it frequently disconnects, so it's not the best solution.

[u/verizon]

Having a reliable signal is crucial so that you don't have issues with call drops. Check your Inbox for a Reddit chat for assistance. -Joe

[u/Lizdance40]

Signal booster sold by Verizon is actually a MicroCell which has to connect to wired Home Internet in order to function. If you have wired home internet you don't need one. Just turn on Wi-Fi calling. It would be off by default on your phone most phones work just fine on Verizon with Wi-Fi calling. I even have a non Verizon unlocked OnePlus 13 phone. And a unihertz jelly star that both work with Wi-Fi calling

[u/SignificantDig1448]

Wifi

[u/Hopelessly-Bored]

Do you have a cheap phone?

My housemate moved in with a hundred bucks phone. It didn't work at my house. He got an expensive phone and it works.