Are you racking your brain and want to figure out how to boost signal strength on Cricket Wireless?
We have the solutions you want!
Of course, it’s frustrating always to have a poor signal with your carrier. It’s difficult to call, text, or surf the web. Basically, you won’t be able to do anything with your phone.
You’ll even see it on your phone since it will show a notification that says No Service.
To boost your signal strength with Cricket Wireless, you want to move away from electromagnetic or physical sources of interference. Perform a network reset so your phone requests the latest configurations from your carrier.
Before we move on to the troubleshooting solutions, let’s look at the causes of poor signals so you can avoid them.
What Causes Poor Signal on Cricket Wireless
If you’re still asking how to boost signal strength on Cricket Wireless, we recommend that you check your surroundings.
You may not know it, but you may be in an area with lots of obstructions, and these can cause poor signals.
Here are the causes of poor signals that you need to watch out for:
1. Service Provider Outage
If your carrier has problems with their network, you will be receiving a significantly poorer quality signal than usual.
You’ll have to wait until your carrier restores their network so you can start using their services.
2. Signal Interference
Whether it’s electromagnetic or physical obstructions, certain objects affect the signals in your area. Tall walls, trees, and other devices can affect the quality of the signal your phone is receiving.
3. Network Configuration
Most of the time, acquiring the correct configuration is automatic when you start using the SIM. However, there are instances when it changes, and you will need to get the updated ones.
4. Hardware Damage
Your phone has modules that receive cellular signals. Damage or malfunctions can affect its operation.
Now that you know the possible sources of this problem, you can move on to the troubleshooting steps to resolve it.
Let’s get to it so you can take care of this problem right now!
How to Boost Signal Strength on Cricket Wireless? – Top Solutions!
If you are experiencing poor signal with your Cricket Wireless SIM, the first thing you need to do is to restart your phone.
Doing this will quickly refresh your carrier’s connections and resolve the issue.
If it doesn’t, take the SIM out for around 5 seconds and slide it back in. This step will allow you to reconnect the SIM to your phone, shaking off the dust and dirt built up.
Solution #1: Move Away From Devices that Cause Interference
You may not know it, but your home comes with multiple devices that can affect your signals.
Some will have a greater impact than others, but the effect can be magnified significantly if you have these devices close to each other.
If a restart or taking the SIM out does not improve your signal, you will need to look around. You want to determine if you’re in the middle of an area with lots of interference.
Here are some of the devices you want to move away from:
- Baby monitors and radios.
- Microwave ovens.
- WiFi routers or extenders.
- Garage door openers.
Pro Tip: Moving a couple of feet away from these devices can greatly improve your reception.
Alert: You will also want to move these devices away from each other so you can create spots with less signal interference.
Solution #2: Go Outside to Avoid Tall Structures
Apart from electronic devices, physical structures can also affect cellular signals from your carrier. If you’re in a cabin in the middle of the woods, the tall trees can significantly affect your signals.
Other construction materials can also block signals, so you want to watch out for these as you move around your home.
Here are some of the obstacles you want to look out for:
- Tall concrete and masonry walls.
- Timber walls and tall trees.
- Metal floors and walls.
- Floor heating systems.
- Mountains and cliffs.
Tip: The quickest way to avoid these obstacles is to go outside so the signal will have no chance to bump or bounce off these materials.
Solution #3: Toggle Airplane Mode on Your Phone
Sometimes your phone will need a little push to refresh the connection with your network.
If you are where your phone can connect to multiple cellular towers, you want to connect to the nearest one.
There are instances when your phone cannot do it automatically, so you want to nudge it in the right direction.
Here’s how to refresh the connection with your network using Airplane Mode:
- Open your phone’s Control Center or Quick Settings.
- Look for the Airplane Mode setting and tap it.
- Wait for Airplane Mode to activate.
- Tap it again to disable it.
- Wait for your phone to pick up the signal.
Note: Turning on Airplane Mode will also turn off your other connections like Mobile Data and WiFi.
Solution #4: Reset Network Settings on Your Phone
A network reset is one of the most practical steps to resolve any connection-related issues.
Whether signal strength or mobile data speed, it’s one solution that needs to be in your arsenal to troubleshoot problems as they arise quickly.
Here’s how to perform a network reset on your phone:
On your iPhone:
- Open your phone’s Settings app.
- Go to General.
- Tap on Reset.
- Select Reset Network Settings.
On your Android device:
- Go to your phone’s Settings.
- Select System.
- Head to Reset options.
- Tap on Reset WiFi, Mobile & Bluetooth.
- Confirm by tapping Reset Settings.
Note: As soon as the reset process is complete, you will need to wait for your phone to get Cricket Wireless network settings.
Solution #5: Check Your Carrier’s APN Settings
Your carrier’s settings are automatically downloaded as soon as you insert your SIM.
However, there are instances when this can change. It either changed on your phone due to a bug, or your carrier has updated it and did not download on your device.
It’s best to check your phone’s network settings and confirm with your carrier’s recommended ones.
Before you start checking your network settings, you will need to know Cricket’s.
Here’s how to check your carrier’s APN settings:
On your iPhone:
- Go to your device’s Settings.
- Select Cellular, then Cellular Data Options.
- Compare the settings on your phone with Cricket’s.
- Tap on a field to edit.
- Enter the details from Cricket.
On your Android device:
- Go to your phone’s Settings.
- Choose Connections or Mobile Networks.
- Tap on Access Point Names.
- Tap on a field to edit it.
- Enter the details found on the Cricket website.
Note: You can also add new configuration settings and enter each option to make sure.
Solution #6: Use a Signal Booster
If none of these solutions work, the area you’re in generally has poor or spotty service at best.
You will need to invest in a signal booster, so your phone receives a much stronger signal.
Here’s how to install your signal booster:
- Install the outside antenna.
- Connect the antenna to the repeater module.
- Install the inside antenna.
- Connect the power cord to the repeater.
- Wait for a few minutes for the booster to configure itself.
Tip: You can install the signal booster by yourself. The connectors and ports are marked, and all you need to do is connect them.
If none of these steps improve your connectivity, you will have to consider that your phone might be malfunctioning and needs repair or replacement.
Have it checked at the nearest service center for assistance.
Read Next: Why is Cricket Wireless Not Receiving Calls?
Bottom Line
Now that you know how to boost signal strength on Cricket Wireless, you’re well equipped to follow the steps and resolve the problem.
These are simple enough that even if you don’t have any technical expertise, you’ll be able to do it yourself.
Kevin has over five years of experience working in various Tech startups and providing Technical solutions. He has contributed to many Tech publications and websites. Check out more about him here.