It’s easy to forget that behind all the apps, bells, whistles, ringtones, games, and more that your smartphone or iPhone is still a telephone.
As such, network connection problems can be one of the most vexing problems for a smartphone owner. Without a solid network connection, all that you’re really left with is a very pretty and powerful offline calculator.
Here are some quick tips for diagnosing smartphone or iPhone network connection problems, so you can get back to using your device.
It’s Not Me, It’s You
The first thing to check is whether your connection problem truly lies with your smartphone or your service provider. Using another device with a solid connection, visit your provider’s website to see if there are any localized outages. You might even want to call customer service to find out when full service may be restored. If your provider isn’t reporting any outages, check your immediate surroundings. Are you in a rural area with limited service? Are you in a building with heavy concrete or steel walls that might be interfering with your smartphone’s signal? Connection problems generally start somewhere between your service provider and your smartphone, so it’s important to check those avenues first.
Try, Try Again
If you’ve determined that your service provider is sending a clear signal and you’re in the right place to receive it, it’s time to start working on your smartphone or iPhone. The first thing you’re going to want to try is the classic restart. This reboots the software on your phone, clears any bad or confused data, and gives your phone a second chance to establish a connection. If this works, your network connection problems are solved.
Check for Updates
If the restart didn’t help, you might consider updating your smartphone or iPhone’s internal software. Like all software, the programs in your smartphone need periodic updating to keep them in sync with your service provider’s software and applicable performance and security fixes. Check for an update program in your smartphone’s settings folder and let it run the next time you get a clear signal.
Rule Out the Hardware
If you’ve already checked for software bugs and/or updates by resetting the network setting or manually searching for a signal, it’s time to inspect the hardware. Quick note – on most Android phones, the problem will often reside with the software. But a quick survey of the hardware will rule that out. The antenna on most iPhones is attached to the charging port, so be sure that your charging port is working correctly. Next, take a look at your SIM card. You can either try to replace it or take it to a third-party repair shop if you suspect physical or liquid damage has taken place.
Get Help
If all else fails, it’s time to seek a professional. The hardware your device uses to communicate with its network is complicated, and do-it-yourself fixes are not advised. Consider a third-party repair service, like iFixOnWheelz, to save time and aggravation. Brand-name shops are often far more expensive, and their turnaround times can get quite lengthy. A service like iFixOnWheelz can often get you back up and running for a fraction of the price – and it makes house calls, too.
Network connection problems are some of the most common problems that smartphone and iPhone owners face. If you’ve determined that the network itself is not to blame and your software is fresh and up to date, consider having a third-party repair service check out your hardware for potential issues. Don’t attempt this step yourself, as it will involve some lengthy digging inside of your smartphone. Rely on a professional service, like iFixOnWheelz, to get your phone back in working order.