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Validate Wi-Fi and LTE signal strength 

The following guide below will help you validate Wi-Fi and LTE signal quality on both iPhone and Android. 

1. Validate LTE / Cellular Quality - iPhone Field Test Mode to find your actual dBm reading.

  1. Turn off your Wi-Fi.
  2. Open the Phone app and dial .
  3. Press the green Call button.
  4. The FTM Dashboard (Field Test Mode) will open.
  5. Tap on RsrpRsrqSinr.
  6. Locate RSRP (Reference Signal Received Power)—this is your true signal strength.
How to interpret your RSRP (dBm):
  • -50 to -80 dBm: Excellent signal.
  • -90 to -100 dBm: Average to fair signal; you may experience some dropped data or slow loading.
  • -110 dBm and lower: Unusable or very poor signal (fringe area / dead zone).


2. Validate Wi-Fi Signal Quality

iOS restricts app developers from pulling deep Wi-Fi details, making Apple's official tool the best choice for measuring network performance.

  1. Go to Settings, scroll down to AirPort Utility, and toggle Wi-Fi Scanner ON.
  2. Download and open the AirPort Utility app from the App Store.
  3. Tap Wi-Fi Scan in the upper-right corner.
  4. Tap Scan. The app will log a live list of nearby networks and their RSSI (strength in dBm).

Built-in Android Tools (Quick & No App Needed)

  • Wi-Fi Signal:
    • Go to Settings → Network & Internet → Internet (or Connections).
    • Tap your connected Wi-Fi network. You'll see a basic strength indicator (Excellent/Good/Fair/Weak).
    • For more precision (dBm reading): Enable Developer Options (tap Build Number 7 times in Settings → About Phone), then check network details or use apps for easier access. Good Wi-Fi: -50 to -60 dBm or better; below -80 dBm is weak.
  • LTE/Cellular Signal:
    • Dial *#*#4636#*#* in the Phone app to open the testing menu.
    • Go to Phone information or Usage statistics for real-time signal strength (dBm), network type (LTE/5G), and more. This is very accurate for troubleshooting.

2. OpenSignal for testing (App)

How to Install and Use OpenSignal on Android

  • Installation: Open the Google Play Store, search for "Opensignal", select the official app by Opensignal.com, and tap Install. Once done, open the app and grant permissions for Location and Phone.
  • Basic Usage: Launch the app, tap the big Test button to run a speed test (you can switch between Wi-Fi and Mobile Data). Use the compass icon to find nearby cell towers and check signal strength.
  • Key Tips: Close background apps for accurate results, test in different locations, and use the app’s maps/history for better insights into your network quality.