Field Test Mode is a hidden feature on the iPhone which allows you to see technical details of the device, the most useful of which is the true cell signal strength displayed as a number rather than the traditional signal bars or dots.These are instructions on how to Change Your Signal Strength Indicators To Number Indicators on your iPhone.
Steps to Change Your Signal Strength Indicators To Number Indicators
- Step 1: Dial *3001#12345#* on your iPhone then press Call.
- Step 2: You'll now enter Field Test mode. You'll notice a signal strength indicator on the upper left hand corner of your screen. You can toggle between signal strength bars and a number by simply taping on it. At this point, press the home button to exit the app or if you would like the feature to be permanent, continue on. Don't worry, the process is completely reversible.
- Step 3: Hold down on the Power button until you see the ‘slide to power off' bar. Do not power off the device.
- Step 4: Press down on the Home button until the app closes and you return to your home screen. (NOTE: User bladepwns reports that on iOS 7, this does not return you to the home screen. He reports that powering OFF your phone while in FIELD TEST mode will accomplish the same thing.)
That's it. Even when restarting the iPhone, the signal strength can be toggled between bars and numbers. The closer your number is to zero, the stronger your signal is.
The lower your number, the stronger your signal—but don't include the – sign when evaluating (so, if the signal says -60, that's better than -90).
To return to the default bars permanently, follow these steps:
- Step 1: Dial *3001#12345#* on your iPhone then press Call.
- Step 2: Press on your Home Button once.
This trick may come in handy when you're in a dead zone and need to know where to move to for a better signal.
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