How Do I Update My Sprint Cell Phone Towers

Where is My Closest 4G or 5G Cell Telephone Tower Located?

At Wilson Amplifiers, nosotros're asked virtually AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and other carrier cell tower maps daily by people trying to better their poor cell signal or set up a prison cell telephone signal booster.

Cellular providers don't make this task easy. They only provide coverage maps, not jail cell tower maps, then it tin be frustrating.

While information technology helps to understand the difference betwixt 4G, LTE, and 5G, this commodity will show you the top 6 tools that'll help yous find a 4G/5G cell tower near you lot. Nosotros've tested a agglomeration of methods, and these are the ones nosotros believe work all-time. They tin can all exist used to find Verizon towers, AT&T towers, T-Mobile towers, and more than.

We fix poor prison cell telephone signal! Find the correct point booster for you:

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1) Kickoff with Your Carrier's 4G/5G Coverage Map

While carrier coverage maps don't brandish prison cell tower locations, they're withal worth mentioning. If you lot know your carrier covers your area, skip to the adjacent department.

Many people assume having a nationwide carrier also means nationwide service. Just, at that place are many pockets around the United States that aren't served by sure service providers. The 5G rollout has amplified this trouble. Now, with AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile shutting downwards their 3G mobile networks… It's best to practice your homework and ostend your electric current location is covered by your carrier.

All carriers accept interactive 5G and 4G coverage maps. But put in your address or zero code and run across what networks are available near you.

If yous're subscribed to a carrier that'south not listed above, their coverage map should be available on their website.

These sites show an amorphous blob of various colors showing where coverage is supposed to be available. While you might find yourself covered, these maps are designed for marketing. They don't brandish coverage strength. Hence spotty cell signal, and why finding your cell tower can be important.

2) Try a Cell Tower Map Website

Cell belfry maps make finding your closest 4G and 5G jail cell towers easy. Past entering your zip code or accost, the interactive map volition generate prison cell tower locations near you. While like shooting fish in a barrel and transparent, at that place's no fashion to verify if it's 100% accurate.

Cellular providers don't publish official cell tower maps. They're also constantly adding and removing services on cell sites. Thus, the information may exist dated. However, they're a great place to start. When paired with other techniques (mentioned later), you can get equally accurate a film as possible.

Prison cell Belfry Map Website:

Highly Recommended

For finding towers in your area, Cellmapper.internet probably provides the best and well-nigh up-to-engagement cell belfry information. Its functional but not user-friendly blueprint takes some time to navigate. Once you get the hang of information technology, it'll provide 4G and 5G prison cell site location information. When you've found your closest tower, click it to view broadcasting patterns and detailed tower information.

Pro Tip: First, type in '310' if you lot have AT&T or T-Mobile and select which one you wish to find a tower for. If yous have Verizon, type '311' and select it. This coupled with your zip lawmaking or accost should show the towers in your area immediately.

Note: Cell Mapper does not prove betoken against geography, nor is information technology 100% authentic. It provides an approximate ray of signal per frequency. While we still recommend it equally a resource, we cannot completely vouch for the data it provides.

Good

CellReception shows cell tower maps and current user reviews in your area. They display towers registered with the FCC on Google Maps for convenient navigation. Filter by carrier and click on your closest cell site to view belfry info. Available data on cell towers seems a bit thin, though. Still, some data is better than no data. Information technology's also nice to utilize when coupled with other prison cell tower locator methods.

Okay

After entering your accost, AntennaSearch will display all towers and antennas in its database within a three-mile radius of your location. The tower and antenna info are listed by carrier or owner. You'll demand some patience to comb through and click around. The site provides insight on cell tower location, cell belfry images, and more for the technically inclined. Network data is not available on this site.

Terminal Resort

The cell tower information found on SCADACore is also sourced from the FCC website. It has over 25,000 locations with corresponding tower and radio information. You lot can pinpoint your location by entering your coordinates and zooming in. Click on the cell site closest to you for boosted location info. Tower data seems to be much thinner than that available on the websites listed above. It does not provide carrier or network information, and then nosotros only recommend this site as a terminal resort.

iii) Download an App to Find Your Cell Belfry Location

Jail cell tower locator apps are the most convenient manner to observe your closest cell tower. These apps use your location and map out nearby cellular towers. Again, information technology's hard to verify if the data is 100% accurate, just it's a prissy tool to have considering it gives y'all a full general idea of where your towers are located.

Recommended Cell Tower Location and Coverage Quality Apps:

Network Cell Info Lite

Highly Recommended
For Android

Network Cell Info Lite is our best recommendation, but is only for Android. This app not only shows your nearest cell tower, but volition show its ID number too as requite you accurate dB and dBm readings showing your cellular signal forcefulness. dBm can be used every bit a direct measurement of bespeak forcefulness, which is far more reliable than the bars on your phone. Our professional installers use this app more than whatever other.

weBoost

Recommended
For Android | For iPhone

Wilson Electronics, a leading signal booster manufacturer, understands the importance of finding your nearest cell belfry. They've developed a convenient app for both Apple and Android devices. It uses your carrier'southward network and your location to provide accurate results.

To find your nearest belfry, tap find on the bottom menu. The cell tower indicator volition show you lot where to indicate your outside antenna for all-time results. Information technology doesn't get easier than that.

The weBoost app tin also help you install your weBoost booster and measure your indicate strength. A weBoost device is not required to use the prison cell tower finder or point measurement features.

OpenSignal

For Android | For iPhone

Open point uses crowdsourced and FCC tower location data to provide the all-time results. While available on iOS and the Google Play Store, OpenSignal is our 2nd-best prison cell belfry locator app recommendation for Android users. It features an arrow widget that points in the direction of the tower y'all are connected to and a cell tower map.

During testing, those features did not piece of work on most iPhones. Nevertheless, it does have upwards-to-date coverage heatmaps that piece of work on both operating systems. This will help give you a improve thought of weak and proficient coverage areas near you lot (more so than your carrier'due south coverage map). You besides accept the pick to test your data speed, which can help iPhone users observe the general direction of their closest prison cell tower.

LTE Discovery

For Android

LTE Discovery is powerful, in-depth, and user-friendly enough. While it doesn't testify yous exact cell tower locations, it has an arrow feature that points in the direction of the cell tower y'all're connected to. It as well displays dBm readings, frequency band info, and much more.

Cellular Network Signal Finder

For iPhone

Cellular Network Signal Finder pinpoints and identifies all carrier towers effectually you. The app programmer strives to provide up-to-engagement tower location data and encourages users to report missing towers. You can tap on cell sites near you for additional information, but free data is limited.

Prison cell Antennas

For iPhone

The Cell Antennas app doesn't have the best ratings, but it's ane of the few iPhone cell tower locator apps that works. It as well doesn't have excessive in-app purchase pop-ups. Cell tower location data is sourced from the FCC, so information technology may not be upwards to date. However, something is ameliorate than nothing. When yous open up the app, information technology automatically uses your location to display nearby prison cell towers.

While these apps don't exactly show yous how to boost network indicate on Android or iPhone, they help in decide the full general location of your tower and provide information about the quality of bespeak strength in your area.

iv) Use Your Smartphone's Antenna to Find Your Cell Tower Location

Of class, your telephone needs a signal to piece of work, so why not reverse engineer the process to see where the closest prison cell tower is at?

Merely first, a brusque and informative explanation about cell phone bespeak strength.

Prison cell telephone signals are measured in dBm (decibel-milliwatts). They're basically radio waves, the AM/FM kind. All cellular devices operate within this standard: -l dBm to -120 dBm.

-50 dBm is considered full strength (total bars). -120 dBm is considered a dead zone (no service).

All the same, it's upwards to each carrier to define which dBm range correlates to the number of bars.

There's no industry standard for dBm point forcefulness and the number of bars. What's 1 bar on T-Mobile could be 3 confined on AT&T or 2 bars on Verizon, DESPITE receiving the verbal aforementioned indicate and performing at the exact same speeds.

Your number of bars is subjective across all carriers and devices.

But dBm readings are non subjective. They're pure science and math. The closer y'all are to -50 dBm, the better your indicate. The closer to -120 dBm, the worse your betoken. Most smartphones have the native power to display dBm readings.

How to Access Your dBm Betoken (Field Examination Mode):

For iPhone Users

Starting with iOS xi and 12, Apple has hidden dBm readings in the iPhone field test mode. However, depending on your iPhone chipset (Intel or Qualcomm) and your carrier (Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile), you lot may exist able to detect your dBm readings through this workaround.

For iOS 15:

Dial *3001#12345#*
Your dBm may be visible on the dashboard'southward RSRP department. If not…
Tap the three lines on the top right corner.
Tap Cell Info.
Your dBm is read as rsrp.

For iOS 13 & fourteen:

Punch *3001#12345#*
Tap the three lines on the peak right corner.
Tap on Serving Prison cell Meas.
Your dBm is read as rsrp0 or rsrp1.

For iOS eleven & 12:

AT&T or T-Mobile iPhone with Intel chipset

Dial *3001#12345#*
Tap LTE.
Tap Serving Cell Meas.
Your dBm is read as rsrp0.

Verizon or T-Mobile iPhone with Qualcomm chipset

Dial *3001#12345#*
Tap 1xEV-DO.
Your dBm is read as RX AGC0.

For whatsoever iPhone pre-iOS 11

Dial *3001#12345#*
Swipe downwards notifications bar.
Your dBm is in the upper left-hand corner of the screen.

If yous're unable to notice any of these options during your field examination fashion procedure, you well-nigh likely have an incompatible carrier and chipset. The next best method is performing a speed test around areas inside and outside your dwelling. You can use the OpenSignal app for this.

Once nosotros cleft the code on iPhone dBm readings, we'll update you as soon as possible. In the concurrently, yous can ask Apple to make dBm info easily bachelor for all iPhones. Possibly if enough people attain out, their next software update will include an improved filed examination mode.

For Android Users:

Field test style on Android varies by telephone model and Android Os version. However, it's generally constitute under the Settings menu.

Typical sequence:

Tap Settings
Tap About Phone
Tap Status or Network
Tap SIM Status
Your dBm is under Signal Strength

Once you lot have field exam style or your speed tester set, walk effectually within and outside the perimeter of your home. Make note of which areas get the best dBm reading or the fastest speeds. This shows yous the full general management of your cell tower and which rooms inside your abode have the best reception.

5) Update Your Telephone to New Prison cell Towers

Usually, your phone is connected to the nearest prison cell belfry. Notwithstanding, information technology's possible your carrier has installed a new tower in your area, added an antenna to a nearby tower, or recently configured their towers. Performing a tower update is uncomplicated, but it varies for each carrier and device.

AT&T Belfry Update

For iPhone

In that location are three basic methods to update the latest AT&T jail cell belfry on your iPhone:

Turn Network Off and Dorsum On

Tap the "Airplane" icon to turn it on and and then tap it once more to turn it off to reconnect to the network. This is far and away the simplest method.

Download iPhone Carrier Update

Connect your iPhone to your Wi-Fi network or the AT&T network. Swipe up on the iPhone screen to show the iPhone Control Center and then tap the "Wi-Fi" icon to turn it on.
Tap the "Settings" icon on your iPhone's dwelling house screen and then tap the "General" selection.
Tap "Nigh" and then tap "Install" to install a carrier update for your iPhone if an AT&T carrier update is available.

Restart iPhone

Should these fail, effort the standard off and on again strategy.

For Android

There are iii bones methods to update the latest AT&T jail cell towers with your Android device:

Turn Network Off and Back On

Swipe down from the meridian of the screen to show your device'due south Quick Settings menu. Tap the "Airplane" button to turn information technology on. Await x seconds and then tap the "Aeroplane" button once again to turn it off. Your Android telephone will reconnect to the AT&T network. This is the fastest, simplest method to find the latest AT&T towers if you think you tin observe anything new.

Update Android Device

You can update your Android'south carrier settings by updating to the newest version of the Android OS available for your device.

Tap the "Settings" icon on your Android phone and and so tap "Most device."
Tap the "Software Update" selection and then wait for your AT&T Android phone to search for an update.
Tap "Install Now" to install the update on your Android device. Look for the update to download and install on your device. One time the update has installed your Android will be using the newest carrier settings and the newest AT&T towers.

Restart Android Device

Should these fail, try the standard off and on again strategy. It usually works.

Verizon Tower Update

Updating to the latest Verizon jail cell towers is a snap and can be done in several ways.

Restarting your device unremarkably causes the location memory of your telephone to reset, causing it to accomplish out to the nearest towers. If there's a tower that's popped up recently, your phone volition discover it.

Alternatively, you can simply dial "*288" and select "2" when prompted. This will cause your phone to update to local Verizon towers, which can take up to ii minutes.

A final method is to punch "*22899" and press "Send." A musical ringtone will play, and a recorded vocalism will instruct you to hold while your phone is beingness programmed. A few seconds later, yous should hear a few beeps, and "Programming Successful" will appear on your display. Your Verizon jail cell towers are at present updated.

T-Mobile Belfry Update

To update your T-Mobile towers, you can try the AT&T method above, or this culling restart method:

Power off your device
Remove your SIM card
Wait a minute or so
Insert SIM card and ability your phone back on
Your phone should automatically perform a T-Mobile tower update.

US Cellular Tower Update

The best method for US Cellular customers to update their prison cell tower is the restart method. Either go into Airplane mode on your phone (described higher up), or power your device off, remove your SIM carte du jour, wait a minute, replace it, and power the device back on.

6) Use a Signal Meter to Notice Your Cell Tower Location (All-time Result)

Using field test mode, apps, and websites are generally a practiced way to locate your closest jail cell tower. Notwithstanding, if you're an installer, contractor, or pro who actually wants to be accurate, then getting a signal meter is a no-brainer.

Information technology'south a handheld device that pinpoints all 4G frequencies & bands, displays signal force in dBm, and accurately gives cell tower direction within a 45 to ninety-caste spread. To get the same data, but for 5G cell towers, a 5G signal meter is a must.

Signal meters are a worthwhile investment for professionals in telecommunication or those who want a bulletproof setup.

How to Notice Your Closest 5G Towers

Virtually of our tips piece of work all-time for finding 4G prison cell towers. With 5G being so new and constantly growing, pinpointing 5G towers is a scrap more complicated since the engineering science isn't fully deployed yet.

Equally of right now, the all-time you can practise is effigy out where 5G is available. If y'all accept a 5G phone and 5G is enabled, the 5G icon on the status bar is usually a tell-tale sign that information technology is. Wherever the signal is strongest shows yous the general direction of the tower. If the icon isn't visible or yous don't have a 5G device, your carrier's 5G coverage map, Ooklas 5G map, and OpenSignal's coverage maps are great resources. Though, they won't display the exact tower location.

To some extent, Cellmapper.internet can help you locate nearby 5G prison cell sites. Choose your carrier, select 5G, and enter your address. We constitute that T-Mobile's 5G tower map has the most data. For AT&T and Verizon, 5G cell site info is very thin. You'll mostly see different shades of green squares. They represent the strength of the point devices in that area received from nearby towers. While 5G towers may not exist labeled on the map, information technology's safety to assume that one is nearby. As infrastructure expands, 5G tower location info volition continue being fleshed out.

One thing to note: Knowing where your closest 5G belfry is located tin can assistance you become better 5G point, merely it's not a crucial step for most bespeak booster installations. As of 2022, nigh signal boosters simply heave 4G/LTE signals for 4G/LTE/5G devices, and so you don't accept to worry about finding your closest 5G tower.

How Do Cell Towers Work?

Cell towers, as well known as jail cell sites or base transceiver stations, are designed to send and receive radio frequency signals. They typically consist of multiple antennas that are programmed to broadcast specific 4G, LTE, and 5G frequencies in a specific direction. These frequencies vary across carriers.

Your cellular-enabled devices pick up your carrier'due south frequencies allowing you to make calls, ship texts, and browse the web. If the prison cell belfry does not comprise antennas that circulate your carrier'southward frequencies, or those antennas face away from you, your connexion volition exist wonky even if you live right next to an obvious cell belfry.

To learn more nigh cell towers, visit "Jail cell Towers: Everything Yous Ever Wanted to Know."

To acquire more than most frequency bands, visit "Cellular Frequency Bands past Provider."

How Far Tin Cell Towers Accomplish?

Jail cell tower accomplish is a tricky thing. In that location are many variables that impact cell belfry range, such as:

Cellular frequency
Antenna top
Transmission ability
Weather conditions
Obstructions

The number ane contributor, though, is cellular frequency wavelengths. Lower frequencies accept longer wavelengths, so they can travel farther distances. Higher frequencies have shorter wavelengths, allowing faster speeds and greater chapters at the cost of a shorter range.

In general, though, 4G cellular towers have a range of about 10 miles. Of course, distance volition vary from low to high 4G frequency bands. When it comes down to 5G, altitude is significantly different beyond 5G bands.

5G Frequency Band	Deployment	Cell Belfry Altitude
5G Low-Band 600 MHz-1 GHz	Nationwide	Similar reach equally 4G towers with slightly faster speeds
5G Mid-Band (Includes C-Band) 1-half dozen GHz	Metro Areas	Between .5 to half-dozen miles
5G High-Band (aka Millimeter-Moving ridge) 24-47 GHz	Dense Urban	Upwards to 1,500 sq ft

Need to Become the Best Signal from Your Closest Cell Tower? A Signal Booster Tin Help

If you're suffering from dropped calls, unsent emails, excruciatingly ho-hum information, and poor signal, you basically take two options: depend on a landline WiFi connection or BOOST your cellular point.

Cell phone boosters are powerful devices that communicate with your nearest cell tower, pull in the signal, amplify it, and then rebroadcast the additional signal throughout your domicile or office. Now that yous know how to notice your closest prison cell tower, installation is going to be much easier.

Here's a quick signal booster rundown:

Boosts 4G LTE signal for all phones, hotspots, and carriers.
Legal and FCC-approved devices.
Flexible solutions: 1-2 rooms up to 7,500 for homes, up to 100,000 sq ft for enterprise models.
Better talk, text, and faster net. Reliable connectedness & service.
Complete kit, easy install, no monthly fees.
More confined or YOUR Money BACK.

We fix poor cell telephone signal! Find the right signal booster for you:

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Almost The Author of This Article

Senior Copywriter - Wilson Amplifiers

Alex has been studying all things point boosters for the past 5 years. His technical knowledge is matched merely by his writing prowess. In his spare fourth dimension, he enjoys long walks, stimulating conversation, collecting video games, and trying unusual recipes.