What is a cellphone signal? Can a phone case block your signal? How do I check my case isn't causing a bad signal? What else can cause a bad signal? What can I do if I've got a bad signal and it's not my phone case? And to end on…
Getting a bad signal can be one of these things that just randomly happens but drives you crazy.
You know you have full bars, but your phone still won't load a web page or make a call.
There are a few things that can cause this, but is one of these your phone case?
As phone case experts here atanacotte.com, there's not much we don't know about phone cases! so read on to find out the real answer as to whether a phone case can affect your signal.
Let's hit the brief first, before looking into more details.
Potentially, yes a phone case can affect your cellphone signal by blocking the phone's internal antenna, If it's a tight fit or has a specific kind of metal on it, where it acts as a faraday cage it can cause interference. Also If the case is thick, contains multiple layers or if the case has any kind of coating or treatment that could affect signal strength it may have an effect.
Ok so with the mini brief taken care of, let's start helping you understand a little more easily whether a phone case can potentially block your cellphone signal, by discovering what a phone signal is and how it works.
What is a cellphone signal?
In a nutshell, a signal is just a wave that transmits information. It can be blocked if there is something in the way of the wave that prevents it from reaching its destination.
For example, if you're trying to send a signal from your phone to a cell tower, but there are buildings in the way, the signal might be blocked.
A phone signal is created when your phone attempts to make a connection with a cellphone tower to send and receive data.
This data can be anything from a text message to a phone call.
For your phone to make this connection, it sends out a radio wave.
This radio wave is then received by the cellphone tower, which then responds with its signal.
“A phone signal is created when your phone attempts to make a connection with a cellphone tower to send and receive data”.
Can a phone case block your signal?
It's possible that a phone case could block your signal, but it's unlikely.
Phone cases are not typically designed to block radio waves, and most cases don't completely enclose your phone.
However, If your phone case is blocking the antenna, it's going to affect the signal.
The material of the case itself can cause interference, and if the case is a tight fit, it can block the antenna completely.
The same goes for any metal on the case. Metal can reflect or absorb radio waves, which means it can either interfere with the signal or block it completely.
So if you're having trouble getting a good signal, it's worth taking your phone out of its case and seeing if that makes a difference.
“Phone cases are not typically designed to block radio waves, and most cases don't completely enclose your phone.”
If you think your phone case is the culprit for why your signal is reduced then it could be one of the following reasons:
- The case is made of metal: Metal can block radio waves, so if your case is made entirely of metal or has a large metal plate on the back, it could be blocking your signal.
- Your phone case is interfering with the phone's internal antennas:If the case is tightly fitted around the antennas on your phone, it could be interfering with how the antennas work
- It is made of a material that absorbs radio waves:Some materials, like rubber or leather, can absorb radio waves. This means that if your case is made entirely of these materials or has a large plate of them on the back, it could be blocking your signal.
How do I check my case isn't causing a bad signal?
One way to check is to make sure that you have a good signal before you put your phone case on, and then again after.
If you notice a difference in your signal strength, your phone case may be affecting it.
If you think your case might be blocking your signal, there are a few other things you can do to test it.
You can test whether your phone case is blocking your signal by holding the phone up to your ear without the case on, and then with the case off. If you hear a difference in sound quality, then the case is most likely blocking your signal.
You could also try making a call without your case. If the call quality is better without the case, then it's likely that the case is causing the problem.
Try moving around while holding your phone. If the signal is stronger in some locations than others, that could also be an indication that your case is to blame.
Finally, you can try using a different phone case. If the new case doesn't improve your signal, then it's likely that something else is causing the problem.
“One way to check is to make sure that you have a good signal before you put your phone case on, and then again after"
What else can cause a bad signal?
Several other factors can affect your cellphone signal.
If you're in a rural area, if there are tall buildings or hills between you and the nearest cell tower, that can weaken your signal. Bad weather can also play a role - if it's raining or snowing, that can impact your signal strength.
If you live in an area with poor cell coverage, that could be the problem. Also if you're in a building with concrete walls or metal siding, that can block signals.
Distance from the cell tower can also affect your signal strength. For a signal to work properly you need to be within a certain distance from the cell tower. If you're too far away, the signal will be weak.
The distance you need to be for your cell phone to work properly should be no more than six miles.
If you're further away than that, you may need to use a signal booster to improve your signal strength.
What can I do if I've got a bad signal and it's not my phone case?
You could also try restarting your phone. This can sometimes clear up any software issues that may be causing signal problems.
If you're still having trouble, there may be other factors affecting your signal.
One common issue is that your phone's battery may be low, which can impact the signal.
Another possibility is that your SIM card may be dirty or damaged, which can also interfere with your signal.
And to end on…
If you're still having trouble with your signal after ruling out these other factors, then it's time to consult a professional.
They can help you figure out what might be causing the problem and how to fix it.
You may even decide it's time to get a new phone case! If so head over to our store to find a full range of good quality, affordable phone cases including new styles, new aesthetics, and state-of-the-art technology.
Explore our store
FAQs
Does a Phone Case Affect Your Cellphone Signal? ›
Avoid cases made of metal, as it can interfere with the signal. Instead, go for cases made of plastic, silicone, or rubber. Design: The design of the phone case can also play a role in how it affects your phone's Wi-Fi signal. Some cases cover the phone's antenna, which can cause signal interference.
Can a phone case affect signal strength? ›The majority of phone cases will not block or affect the signal to your phone. Materials such as polycarbonate plastic, silicone or bamboo will not affect radio waves. However, if you have a phone case made of any sort of metal, including metal clips or attachments, it can hinder or block the signal to your phone.
Does a phone case affect 5G signal? ›As you can now see, 5G, or 5G mmWave, is so fragile that it will be affected by your phone case. However, this does not mean that everything will affect the 5G signal, different cases have different effects on 5G performance, just like 4G.
Should I use a case on my cell phone? ›They can also help reduce the risk of theft by making it harder for thieves to steal the phone. In addition, some cases provide extra features such as protection against water or dust exposure. However, not all cases provide equal levels of protection. It is important to choose a case that will best suit your needs.
What are the disadvantages of a phone case? ›- The Downfalls Of Cell Phone Cases. ...
- They Take Away From Your Phone's Looks. ...
- They Make Putting Your Phone In Your Pocket The Toughest Task Of The Day. ...
- They Can Actually Lead To Scratches. ...
- They Don't Always Save Your Beloved Smartphone From A Drop.
- Toggle Airplane Mode / Restart Your Phone. ...
- Use WiFi Calling. ...
- Go Outside. ...
- Remove Obstructions. ...
- Change Your Location. ...
- Ensure Phone Software and Carrier Settings are Up to Date. ...
- Keep Your Phone Charged. ...
- Check for Damage to Your Phone.
The cause of your bad cell signal is far more likely to be due to the construction materials used in your home or office, or destructive interference from the buildings around you. Cellular signals have a hard time passing through metal and concrete within the walls of your home.
Does phone case change the quality of mobile signal? ›Any given case may cause signal loss if the case design blocks the internal cell antenna. Most case materials, however, including leather or plastic, will not absorb any significant amount of signal. Metal cases more effectively block radio waves, and therefore may degrade your signal quality.
Do OtterBox cases interfere with reception? ›There's nothing in an Otterbox case that would interfere with RF reception. It's possible, I suppose, that there's some minor hardware problem with your phone that is aggravated by the case putting pressure or slight torque somewhere.
Do OtterBox cases block 5G? ›Yes, OtterBox cases are designed with compatibility across all networks, including 5G.
Is it better to not have a phone case? ›
Cases Can Ruin a Phone's Ergonomics and Aesthetics
None of which matters if you put the phone into a case. Yes, even the thinnest silicon case takes away from the intended experience of using the device. That's a good argument for skipping the case.
Expensive Cases and Damage Protection
Those cases that offer water protection and shock protection don't mess around; Otterboxes and other more expensive options can protect your phone if it is dropped in a swimming pool, if it lands on the concrete, and (often) even if it gets run over by a car.
Pros of Having an iPhone Case
Even with its sturdy design, the iPhone is still susceptible to damage from everyday wear and tear. iPhones are known for their tendency to suffer cracked screens. Newer iPhone models are a bit more crack-resistant than older models, but any drop or bump can still lead to a cracked screen.
“It's the overall sleekness of it,” she says. “Bags are getting smaller, so my phone is naturally out more—I just bought a purse that can barely fit my ID, my keys, and a credit card.” Cepeda is willing to risk a naked phone because, as she puts it, “a chunky case is just going to clash with my aesthetic.”
What type of case is best for a phone? ›For a phone case that will look amazing and protect against light bumps, scratches and scuffs, your best options are either silicone or leather cases, but, for protection against harder impacts, you may want to consider a hard polycarbonate case.
Is a hard case or soft case better for a cell phone? ›For most phones, combination cases are optimal. They provide the durability of a hard case with the impact protection of a soft one. However, if your phone only needs a basic level of protection, a soft case is a good bet if the bulk and weight bother you. Just be prepared to replace it a little sooner.
Why is my phone not getting a strong signal? ›But weak, inconsistent, or poor-quality signals can happen for a number of reasons. Averse weather, interference from building materials or terrain, distance from your nearest cell tower, or network overload can all contribute to poor signal.
Do iphones get better signal without case? ›Remove your phone case.
It doesn't hurt to remove whatever case you have on your phone, especially if it's thick, so that the phone's antenna isn't blocked by anything and can get a better signal.
Take 4G for example, different cases can have a dramatic effect on network performance and download speeds. And it's a similar situation for 5G, the signal is faster, but far more delicate and prone to interruption. If a phone case blocks a 4G signal, then the chances are that it will also block the 5G signal as well.
Do Otterbox cases interfere with reception? ›There's nothing in an Otterbox case that would interfere with RF reception. It's possible, I suppose, that there's some minor hardware problem with your phone that is aggravated by the case putting pressure or slight torque somewhere.