How to Check Wi-Fi Signal Strength on Your Phone: A Step-by-Step Guide

A weak Wi-Fi signal is one of the most common problems faced by smartphone users. Slow internet, dropped connections, or an inability to connect to the network are often linked to a low signal. But how can you accurately determine how strong or weak your phone's signal is? In this article, we'll cover all the available testing methods, from built-in tools Android And iOS to specialized applications, and we will also explain what mysterious numbers like -65 dBm and how to use them to improve your connection.

It is important to understand that signal strength is not measured in percentages, as many people think, but in decibels-milliwatts (dBm) — a negative value, where the closer the number is to zero, the better the signal level. For example, -30 dBm - this is a great signal, and -90 dBm — virtually no connection. We'll show you how to quickly check these values ​​on any smartphone, even without installing any additional apps.

Why is it important to know your phone's Wi-Fi signal strength?

Many users ignore checking signal strength until they encounter problems. However, knowing the exact level dBm helps:

• 🔍 Diagnose the causes of slow internet — a weak signal is often to blame for lags when watching videos or downloading files.
• 📡 Optimal placement of the router - if there is a signal in one room -50 dBm, and in the other -80 dBm, it is worth moving the device or using a repeater.
• 📱 Compare coverage of different networks - for example, at frequency 5 GHz the signal is usually weaker, but the speed is higher than on 2.4 GHz.
• 🛠️ Identify interference — If the signal suddenly drops, it’s possible that your neighbors have installed a new router on the same channel.

Without precise data, you're left guessing: rebooting your router, changing settings, or even buying a booster without knowing if it will help. But sometimes, simply moving your phone half a meter closer to the signal source is all it takes!

Method 1: Built-in Android tools (without apps)

On most smartphones running Android (For example, Samsung Galaxy, Xiaomi Redmi, Google Pixel) You can check your Wi-Fi signal strength without installing any additional software. To do this:

1. Open Settings → Wi-Fi.
2. Connect to the desired network (or check the current one).
3. Tap the network name to open a window with detailed information.
4. Scroll down to the item Signal level or Signal strength (on some models you need to press Additionally or Advanced).

Here you will see the value in dBm or percentages. For example, on Samsung Often a line like this is displayed Signal strength: -68 dBm, and on Xiaomi there may be a scale with an inscription Great/Weak.

Check your Android version (may not be available on older versions)

Update your phone's firmware

Use the engineering menu (see Method 3)

Install a third-party application (see Method 4)-->

⚠️ Attention: On some phones (eg. Huawei or Honor) Built-in signal information may be hidden. In this case, the engineering menu or apps like WiFi Analyzer.

Method 2: Engineering menu on Android (for advanced users)

If your phone does not show the signal strength in the standard settings, you can use engineering menuThis method works on most devices, but the interface may vary depending on the model and version. Android.

To open the engineering menu:

1. Open the app Telephone (dialer).
2. Enter the code:

   ##4636##

3. In the menu that opens, select Wi-Fi information or Wi-Fi Information.
4. Look at the line Wi-Fi Signal — here will be the value in dBm And ASU (abstract signal units).

On some phones (eg. Samsung) the code may not work. In this case, try alternative combinations:

• *#0011# — for devices Samsung (shows network information including Wi-Fi).
• ##526## or ##528## - for some models Huawei And Xiaomi.

What is ASU and how to convert it to dBm?

ASU (Arbitrary Strength Unit) is an internal unit of signal strength measurement in some phones. To convert ASU to dBm, use the following formula:

dBm = -113 + 2 * ASU

For example, if ASU = 30, then dBm = -113 + 60 = -53 dBm (excellent signal).

⚠️ Attention: Don't change settings in the engineering menu unless you're sure of their purpose! Incorrect settings may cause problems with Wi-Fi or mobile network operation.

Method 3: Checking the Wi-Fi signal on iPhone (iOS)

On iPhone (including models iPhone 15, 14, 13 and older) Apple has hidden the signal strength display in dBm in the standard settings. However, there are two ways to find out the exact data:

Method 1: Using Field Test Mode

1. Open the app Telephone and type:

   3001#12345#

2. Press the call button - a menu will open Field Test.
3. Information about the current cell will appear at the top of the screen, but for Wi-Fi you need to:
4. Click on the icon Wi-Fi (or go to the section Wi-Fi, if there is one).
5. View line RSSI - this is the signal level in dBm.

On new versions iOS (15 and above) the interface may differ. If the menu Wi-Fi missing, try the second method.

Method 2: Apps from the App Store

Install one of these applications:

• 📊 Network Analyzer - shows Wi-Fi signal, network speed and coverage diagrams.
• 📶 WiFi SweetSpots — visualizes the signal strength at different points in the room.
• 🔍 Fing - analyzes the network, including signal level and interference.

Method 4: Dedicated apps for Android and iOS

If built-in tools don't provide enough information, use Wi-Fi analysis apps. They not only show signal strength but also help you choose the optimal channel, avoid interference, and even create a coverage map.

Top 5 Wi-Fi Signal Testing Apps:

Example of use WiFi Analyzer:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Open it and wait for the networks to be scanned.
3. Go to the tab Signal Graph — here you can see graphs of the signal strength of all available networks in real time.
4. Click on your network name to see detailed information including dBm, channel, bandwidth and standard (802.11n/ac/ax).

Method 5: Checking via a router (for advanced users)

If you need to check not only your phone's signal strength but also how the router "sees" your device, you can access the router's web interface. This is useful for diagnosing connection issues.

Instructions:

1. Find out the IP address of your router (usually it is 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
2. Open a browser on your phone or computer and enter this address in the address bar.
3. Log in (using your login and password, which are usually found on the router sticker).
4. Find the section Wireless network (Wireless) → Statistics or Connected devices.
5. Find your phone in the list of devices - the signal strength will be indicated next to it (RSSI V dBm).

Example for popular routers:

• TP-Link: Wireless → Wireless Statistics.
• ASUS: Network Map → Devices.
• Keenetic: System Monitor → Wireless Network.

⚠️ Attention: If the router's web interface shows the signal strength from the phone -85 dBm and below, and on the phone -60 dBmThe problem could be with the router's antenna or interference. Try changing the channel in the settings.

How to improve your Wi-Fi signal if it's weak

If the test shows that the signal level is lower -70 dBm, try the following ways to improve:

• 📍 Move the router - place it in the center of the room, raise it higher (for example, on a cabinet) and remove it from metal objects.
• 🔄 Change the channel - in the router settings, select the least loaded channel (use analysis applications, for example, WiFi Analyzer).
• 📶 Use the 5 GHz band - it is less susceptible to interference, but the signal spreads over a shorter distance.
• 🔌 Update your router firmware — Manufacturers often fix bugs that affect signal stability.
• 🛡️ Install a repeater or mesh system — if the area of ​​the room is large, one router may not be enough.
• 📱 Turn off battery saving — On some phones, the power saving mode limits Wi-Fi operation.

If all else fails, check to see if the problem is hardware-related. For example, in older routers, the antenna may be faulty, or in a phone, the Wi-Fi module may be faulty. In these cases, the hardware will need to be repaired or replaced.

Common Mistakes When Checking Your Wi-Fi Signal

Many users make mistakes that distort the measurement results. Here's what it is forbidden do:

• 🚫 Measure the signal near the router - Of course, it will look great there, but it won't show the real picture in other rooms.
• 🚫 Ignore interference — a microwave, wireless headphones, or neighboring routers on the same channel can significantly degrade the signal.
• 🚫 Check the signal only once — The level may fluctuate depending on network congestion. Take several measurements at different times.
• 🚫 Compare dBm and percentages directly — the percentage scale may differ on different phones. For example, 50% on Samsung not equal 50% on iPhone.

Also, don't forget that signal strength is affected by:

• 🧱 Wall materials — concrete and metal weaken the signal more than drywall.
• 🌿 Plants and aquariums - Water absorbs radio waves well.
• 📱 Number of connected devices — the more of them there are, the greater the load on the router.

FAQ: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to check the Wi-Fi signal without connecting to the network?

Yes, but only with the help of specialized applications (for example, WiFi Analyzer (on Android). They scan all available networks and show the signal strength of each one, even if you're not connected. On an iPhone, you can't find out the exact signal strength without connecting. dBm impossible - only the number of "sticks" in the status bar.

Why is the Wi-Fi signal on my phone weaker than on my laptop?

This is due to several factors:

• 📱 Antenna size — laptops have larger and more powerful antennas.
• 🔋 Power saving mode — Phones often limit Wi-Fi to save battery.
• 📡 Wi-Fi standard - if the laptop supports it Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), and the phone is only Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), the difference in signal level can be noticeable.

What is the minimum dBm value suitable for stable operation?

For most tasks (surfing, social networks, HD video) the signal level is sufficient from -60 to -70 dBmFor online gaming or 4K video streaming, it's best to aim for -50 dBm and aboveIf the signal is weaker -75 dBm, the connection will be unstable.

Is it true that the 5 GHz band is always better than 2.4 GHz?

No, each range has its pros and cons:

• ✅ 5 GHz - less interference, higher speed, but the signal penetrates walls worse.
• ✅ 2.4 GHz - better coverage over a large area, but more interference from other devices (microwaves, Bluetooth).

The choice depends on your situation: for a small apartment it is better 5 GHz, for a large house with thick walls - 2.4 GHz.

Can a phone case affect a Wi-Fi signal?

Yes, especially if the case is metal or has magnetic inserts. Plastic and silicone cases have virtually no effect, but thick protective models (such as those with armored inserts) can weaken the signal by 5-10%. If you notice a decrease in connection after purchasing a case, try removing it and rechecking the signal strength.