Top 3 Cell Phone Signal Boosters for iPhones

Boosting Cell Phone Signal To Your iPhone

Looking how to boost signal on an Android Phone instead?

You’ve been browsing the internet, tried to download an app, contacted apple, thought about switching service providers, and you have waved your phone around - but with the exact same result - weak cell phone reception.

It doesn't matter if it's an iPhone 6, 7, 8, or even an Xs -- with no coverage, you've got a beautiful paperweight.

The question is why.

Is it Vodacom or MTN’s fault? Is your iPhone broken? Do the antenna gods hate you?

No.

It's actually a variety of reasons that are out of your control.

Cell phone signals are radio waves, the AM-FM kind. And like all radio waves, they are easily disrupted. Almost anything under the sun can alter, absorb, and block your 2G, 3G & 4G LTE signal.

Here's why you have poor signal on your iPhone:

• Distance from the cell tower.
• Outside Obstacles: Trees, hills, mountains, valleys, and any tall structures - natural or man-made.
• Building material: Metal, glass, concrete, brick, energy-efficient materials such as low E-glass, and other conductive material (electrical or magnetic).
• Internal building obstructions: Thick walls, plaster, drywall, wood and electrical devices or clutter.
• Even weather like rain, and thunderstorms.

All it takes is one of these obstructions or any combination of these factors, and you'll be pleading for one bar of iPhone signal.

But there is a way to improve your iPhone signal - Everything changes with an iPhone signal booster.

An iphone signal booster takes any existing outside 2G, 3G & 4G signal and amplifies it up to 32X and then rebroadcasts the boosted signal into the home, office, or car.

iPhone signal boosters bypasses all building material, amplifies it inside the home, and allows for boosted signal to AND from the cell tower.

The results? Improved network service. Faster internet. Better talk & text.

Here are all the features and benefits of using an iPhone Signal Booster:

• Works for all cell phones & cellular devices (in the unlikely event that you switch to Android, you're still getting improved signal).
• Network-proof: Works for all networks in South Africa. 
• One-time purchase, no monthly fees.
• No need for wifi or any broadband connection.

Does It Really Work?

Yes.*

Hey, why the asterisk?

1. You'll need existing* cell phone signal outside your home. An antenna placed on your roof will bring in existing signal from outside.

2.  An iPhone signal booster ENHANCES existing signal, it does not create it.

3. The iPhone signal booster then rebroadcasts the stronger signal in your home or vehicle.

So here's a simple test. Are you running outside the home to make a call? Do you find your signal to be stronger outside your home than inside?

If so, then yes, an iphone signal booster will work for you.

If you want to get very accurate, you can determine the precise measurement of your iPhone's signal strength and/or cell tower location.

For iOS 11 and above:

We think it’s time you leave the bar... No seriously.

The number of bars on your phone? Not the best way to measure cell phone signal strength.

Think of it like cooking without using measuring cups and spoons. Sure you can eyeball everything and get a decent meal, but when you want to produce the same reliable results, you need to get accurate.

And iphone signal bars are not accurate. Why?

They're SUBJECTIVE across all networks and phones!

In plain English, it's up to each individual network or phone manufacturer to decide what's 1,2, 3, or full bars on their own service. So what could be 1 bar on MTN, might be 2 bars on Vodacom 3 bars on Cell C, and 4 bars on Telkom.

Completely subjective!

There is no industry standard that ties cell phone signal strength to the number of bars on your phone. 

But there is the one true method.

Say hello to my decibel friend

As mentioned before, cell phone signals are radio waves, the AM/FM kind, that operate within a certain frequency.

They are measured within the following strength ranges:

- 50 decibels to -120 decibel-milliwats (dBm).

-50 dBm is great signal or full bars. -120 dBm is very poor signal or a dead zone.

This is true for all cellular devices in South Africa and true for all networks from Vodacom to any other mobile network on the continent.

So understanding how to find & read dBm on your phone is much more accurate than the number of bars.

Let's look at finding dBm values on your phone:

Starting with iOS 11 and 12, Apple has hidden dBm readings in iPhone field test mode. However, depending on your iPhone chipset (Intel or Qualcomm) and your network (Vodacom, MTN, Cell C or Telkom), there’s a slim chance to find your dBm readings through this workaround.

Here’s how:

iPhone with Intel chipset (iOS 11 & 12)

• Dial *3001#12345#*
• Tap LTE.
• Tap Serving Cell Meas.
• Your dBm is read as rsrp0.

iPhone with Qualcomm chipset (iOS 11 & 12)

• Dial *3001#12345#*
• Tap 1xEV-DO.
• Your dBm is read as RX AGC0.

For any iPhone pre-iOS 11

• Dial *3001#12345#*
• Swipe down notifications bar.
• Your dBm is in the upper left-hand corner of the screen.

If you’re unable to find any of these options during your field test mode process, you most likely have an incompatible network and chipset. The next best method is performing a speed test around areas inside and outside your home. But once we crack the code on dBm readings on your iPhone, we’ll update as soon as possible.

What's Next?

Ok, so now you have access to dBm readings. What's next?

It's recommended you walk around the outside of your home or property. dBm readings take from a few seconds to half a minute to refresh, so walk slowly.

Find out which area consistently is closest to -50 dBm.

By doing this, you find out two things: your best dBm reading and the area of your home which gets the best signal.

Now let's decipher what good signal is in terms of dBm.

Please note this is an educated but general assumption. The following chart is not true for all carriers, because each carrier has their own standard for dBm to bars. Let's get started.

If your outside signal ranges from:

• -50 to -79 dBm, then it's generally considered great signal (4 to 5 bars).
• -80 to -89 dBm, then it's generally considered good signal (3 to 4 bars).
• -90 to -99 dBm, then it's generally considered average signal (2 to 3 bars).
• -100 to -109 dBm, then it's generally considered poor signal (1 to 2 bars).
• -110 to -120 dBm, then it's generally considered very poor signal (0 to 1 bar).

Now that you have an accurate measure of signal on your iphone, you can consider the following iphone signal boosters, to improve your signal.

Below are the top signal booster models we recommend for increasing your iPhone's signal and service at home, your office, or your vehicle.

 Best iPhone Signal Boosters for Homes

WilsonPro A500 Cell Phone Signal Booster

• Most popular choice for home or small offices 
• Better voice and data guaranteed
• Boost 2G, 3G & 4G LTE for buildings up to 500m²
• Works for all iPhones as well as other devices and mobile networks. MTN, Cell C, Vodacom and Telkom
• Complete kit: all parts included, easy install. ICASA Approved.

Our Review:

The WilsonPro A500 (50 Ohm) from Wilson Electronics is the most popular home and small office cell phone signal booster we currently offer. It features automatic gain control with a self-optimizing design for easy installation & maintenance.

With up to +70 dB gain of power, it greatly enhances 4G LTE and 3G cell service for all of your wireless cellular devices (smartphones, tablets, notebooks, hotspots, etc.) on any carrier in South Africa. 

The average home size in South Africa is around 250m². Under absolute best conditions, the WilsonPro A500 covers up to 500m² with great outside signal and an open-spaced layout home.

Awesome option for most homes, small offices, farmhouses, and buildings under 500m². If you're getting some spotty reception, we'd recommend to start with this first.

Only at Bolton Technical

• FREE Delivery to Major South African cities, R500 Minimum Purchase.
• 30 Day money back guarantee. No questions asked.
• 1-Year Warranty.

Best iPhone Signal Boosters for Offices

Wilson Pro A1000 Cell Phone Signal Booster

• Most popular large office and building booster
• Better talk, text & internet guaranteed
• Boost 3G & 4G LTE for buildings up to 1,000m²
• Works for all iphones, as well as other devices & networks. MTN, Cell C, Vodacom and Telkom
• Complete kit: all parts included, easy install. ICASA Approved.

Our Review:

The Wilson Pro A1000 (50 Ohm) from Wilson Electronics is the most popular commercial cell phone signal booster offered in South Africa. It features automatic gain control with a self-optimizing design for easy installation & maintenance. 

With up to +74 dB gain of power, it greatly enhances 4G LTE and 3G cell service for all your wireless cellular devices (smartphones, tablets, notebooks, hotspots, etc.) on any network in South Africa. 

Best case scenarios can expect coverage up to 1,000m² More likely results can at least expect 550-750m2 even with below average outside signal. 

If you have extremely poor signal (remote area) or need wide coverage for a 1,000m² building or a warehouse, the Wilson Pro A1000 is your new best friend.

Only at Bolton Technical

• FREE Delivery to Major South African cities, R500 Minimum Purchase.
• 30 Day money back guarantee. No questions asked.
• 1-Year Warranty.

Best iPhone Signal Boosters for Vehicles

weBoost Drive AM100-Pro Cell Phone Signal Booster

• High-powered range: Amplify your 2G, 3G and 4G signal - up to 32X!
• Multi-user: Boosts signal for multiple users in a vehicle.
• Dual-Solution: Can be used in a vehicle and doubles up as a small room signal booster when purchasing a home expansion kit.
• Great Value: Boosts signal for all SA's networks on iphones and all other devices, and comes at a fraction of the price of other commercial units.

The Drive AM100-Pro is a multi-purpose unit that will work for vehicles and single-rooms. This is latest product in the Wilson Electronics range for Africa and will be available from January 2020.

This is the first wide-band vehicle unit in the South African market, meaning it will boost 3G and 4G LTE signals for all phones and all networks.

Only at Bolton Technical

• FREE Delivery to Major South African cities, R500 Minimum Purchase.
• 30 Day money back guarantee. No questions asked.
• 1-Year Warranty.

How May We Help You?

Bolton Technical is the leading provider of iphone signal boosters. iPhone boosters amplify 3G & 4G LTE for any network for your home, office, or vehicle.

We seriously hate dropped calls and poor coverage, so it's our goal in life to stomp on spotty signal like the little roaches they are:

• Free consultation (ask us anything) with our local SA-based customer support (email us) or call us at +27 11 749 3085
• Free shipping over R500.
• Better signal or industry-leading 30 money-back guaranteed. No questions asked.
• We want everyone to be satisfied, so we provide lifetime technical support and a 1-year warranty for all products.

Ask us anything and we'll be glad to help.