Forum Topic

Awful reception

I would like help with knowing what to get next - I have only 1 or sometimes 2 bars on my phone - yes it's old but the reception is awful. I need to get updated . I find other people going outside to make calls - I do not want to do this- so many of us who live in a lower flat find the same problem - can anyone help ?

Helen Bamberger ● 1303d10 Comments

You haven't said which network you're on, so it's difficult to suggest whether another might offer better reception. If you are in a signal blackspot (quite likely if you're in a basement that isn't close to a mast) then wifi calling may be an option. Your network provider may offer this service and you'll have to be connected to wifi for it to work.

Gordon McDonald ● 1303d

Check to see if your service provider supports "calling over wi-fi". This is useful if you have a poor mobile signal where you live.

Bruce Hammal ● 1303d

Snap!

Bruce Hammal ● 1303d

Thanks both of you - I do know that my provider is the only one that stops me going outside to make a call -  but it doesn't work every time - ah well - just makes me unsure what phone to get next -

Helen Bamberger ● 1303d

I agree too.  We are in the process of eventually getting wifi calling as we often visit an area where we have to walk down the garden to make calls and those that live in the house use it and it works for them.  It hasn't meant we have had to change our provider or phones.

Philippa Bond ● 1303d

Helen - what network are you on (EE, O2, Vodafone, 3, etc) and just how old is your mobile?WiFi calling works well for lots of people but isn't available for all mobile handsets. A lot of people now only use WhatsApp or similar messaging apps to make phone calls via Wi-Fi, although this is not much use for phoning landlines.

Phil Kay ● 1303d

Thanks Phil I’m on O2 and a bit of a technophobe !!!

Helen Bamberger ● 1303d

Jayne - the most useful starting point is to ask any neighbours in similar properties whether they get good reception and swap to their network!If that's not practical or possible, then Wi-Fi calling may be the way ahead.  It's not foolproof but definitely works for some people.  Do you have a good Wi-Fi signal?This website from 02 explains a bit about it:https://www.o2.co.uk/connectivity/wifi-and-4g-callingAnd this website gives a bit more info and has some details on which of their devices support it:https://www.o2.co.uk/help/network-coverage-and-international/wifi-and-4g-callingOne of the messages is:"For Android devices, Wifi and 4G Calling will only work on devices using O2 firmware. The device firmware is essentially the software that makes your device turn on and run. Sometimes there are different version of firmware for the same device."All the 4G and 5G devices we stock now support 4G and Wifi Calling."I had this issue with a previous mobile handset.  I bought an unlocked Samsung Galaxy S6 from eBay for use on the EE network.  Everything worked fine apart from Wi-Fi calling because it hadn't originally been bought from EE.This won't happen to you if you buy a mobile handset directly from 02 OR one that was both originally purchased from 02 and has their current software on it.  Any of their shops should be able to help with working this out. Your choice of handset is more of a personal cost vs branding issue.  Personally, I like Samsungs but friends use Motorolas (much cheaper) and Pixels.  It might be worth paying a bit more to buy direct from 02 or one of their shops to ensure that the reception is as good as you need it to be.  I would definitely mention that when purchasing.

Phil Kay ● 1300d

Oops - Helen!I was just sending an email to a Jayne and got confused!

Phil Kay ● 1300d

😁

Julian Pavey ● 1300d