Your cell signal stinks: When you need to make a call, there’s a quick fix that works. Wi‑Fi calling uses your internet instead of a cell signal. On iPhone, head to Settings > Phone > Wi‑Fi Calling. Steps for Android vary based on your phone’s manufacturer, but try this: Go to your Phone app, click the three dots to open Settings, then find Wi‑Fi calling.
Your phone’s dirty little secret
True or false: If your phone’s got all four reception bars lit up and it’s displaying the 5G symbol, you’ve got A+ service.
The answer? False. When you see “5G,” all it means is there are 5G connections nearby. Whether you’re on that network is another story. I know, eye roll. Cell service bars don’t mean much, either.
So, should we stop waving our phones in the air to try to get a better connection? I’ve got the inside scoop.
The 5G hype
The Washington Post just wrote a great piece about the 5G indicator on your phone. Even when you see 5G, you might really be connected to 4G or LTE. Yes, your phone will still work perfectly fine.
When you start doing something more intensive on your phone, though, like making a video call or playing an online game, your wireless network may automatically switch you to 5G for a better experience.
How do you know you’re really on 5G? Look for the letters next to the 5G icon. On Verizon, 5G UW means you’re likely connected to a 5G network. On T-Mobile, it’ll show up as 5G UC. AT&T displays 5G E, but that just means you’re close to a network.
Even the alphabet soup doesn’t guarantee your connection is supercharged.
Barhopping
If walking around looking for reception bars isn’t the solution, what is? Some of the ol’ free standbys still work.
- Keep your phone’s Wi-Fi calling option on. This way, you’ll switch over to known, saved internet networks (like work and home) automatically for calls, if they’re within range. On an iPhone, open Settings, then scroll and tap Cellular > Wi-Fi Calling. Toggle on the button next to Wi-Fi Calling. On an Android, open the Phone app, then tap More (or the three-dot icon) to open the menu. Tap Settings and select Wi-Fi calling. If you don’t see the option, your carrier may not support it, or the steps may vary on your phone.
- Look around. Some building materials can function like a faraday cage, killing your connection. If you’re inside, get closer to a window or go outside. Go upstairs if you’re on a lower level.
- Try a cellphone tower search site. CellMapper is easy to use and has a ton of filtering options. Set your country, provider and network speed, then enter your address in the Location Search field. Hit Enter and you’ll see the closest cell towers.
By the way, you may notice you get better cell service in the winter, when all the trees are bare. I know, you can’t make the leaves fall, but this is good to know!
Find out who's calling you from an unknown or blocked number
Scam and spam calls are getting more common. And they’re hard not to answer because the number comes up as “unknown.” When there’s no caller ID number, you can’t be sure if it’s a spam caller or an important call you’ve been waiting for.
Kim's mythbuster Sunday
Do more bars signal clearer phone service? I’ll debunk this and three other tech myths. Plus, hang tight, as I tackle one of your big questions!
10 tech freebies to grab now: Software, phone service, logos and more
There’s never a dull moment when you own your own business. You don’t report to anyone but are on the hook for all the big decisions. You have complete control over what you spend your money on, but the bills never stop coming. Tap or click for small business tips that will save you money.
The one word you should never say to a telemarketer or scam caller
You might get dozens of spam calls weekly, but you might not know where the companies got your number. Thousands of data brokers peddle information, and it could be the source of your annoyance. That’s why we started our Opt-Out Tuesday series with instructions on removing data from sites like FreePhoneTracer. Tap or click here for details.
Get back on the road: If you’ve got an iPhone 14 or newer, you can get roadside assistance via satellite if you’re out of cell range. From Settings, tap Satellite, and follow the instructions to get connected. Choose Roadside Assistance. Wham, bam.
Delete this Google app from your phone before it loses all support
Many people have a Gmail account as their primary email. And your Google account gives you access to all of the tech giant’s additional apps and services. Tap or click here to see the shocking amount of data Google collects from your phone.
Cybersecurity experts warn of impending attacks - Do this now to prepare
In the very first days that the Russia Ukraine war started, I warned you about 10 Russia-Ukraine cons to expect. We’re already seeing evidence of those scams in action. Be sure you’re keeping your digital guard up.
This fake invoice is scaring Microsoft Windows users into paying up
Another day, another scheme to rip you off makes an appearance. It seems as soon we come up with an excellent way to protect against cybercriminals, they are two steps ahead and find another loophole.
One of the newer schemes thieves are using incorporates vishing. Of course, vishing is when criminals conduct phishing attacks over the phone. Tap or click here for a recent warning from the FBI on the uptick of vishing scams.
Police calling? Hang up if you get this call
You’re vulnerable to scams if you have a phone (even a regular old landline). That’s right. Even an old-fashioned voice call is still a viable option for crooks well into the digital age.
Sometimes a scam will start as something else, such as a text message or email, which lures the victim into a phone call. You might get a message about an order you didn’t place. A phone number is included so you can call and set things straight. This will lead you right to the crook. Tap or click here to check out this type of scam.
There's an iPhone bug knocking out service - Here's how to fix it
For the most reliable security on your iPhone, you should always keep its operating system updated. This makes sure that you have the latest features and patches any security flaws that can put your information at risk. If you have an iPhone with an old iOS version, here is why you need to update immediately.
No cell signal? Best ways to boost signal strength when your calls won’t go through
Today’s tech means we’re always connected — when our connections actually work the way they should.
Is your Wi-Fi crawling? No one has time or patience for that. Tap or click for 10 smart ways to fix your slow internet connection. Know the tricks before you need them.
Alexa can now make and receive calls using your cell phone carrier
The Amazon Echo is many things, but a phone isn’t one of them. Despite being one of the most robust smart speakers on the market, there are currently no official ways to make calls on the system outside of discontinued products and third-party Alexa skills.
No bars? 4 ways to get better service on your iPhone
It’s no secret that Americans love their iPhones. Just take a walk down the street and you will see pedestrians snapping selfies, listening to music, or texting. Want more ways to get the most out of your iPhone? Tap or click here for 10 tricks that will make you an iPhone master.
Google offers cheap cellular service? Here are the facts about Google Fi
Go ahead and name some big companies offering cellular service. AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile and Sprint probably came to mind. Now, you can add Google to that list.
Google recently announced that Fi SIM cards would be available for purchase in more than 500 Best Buy stores across the country.