Existing users, 
Boosting iPhone signal strength … with scotch tape
Posted 14 February 2008 @ 11am in Troubleshooting
Low and/or fluctuating signal strength collectively represent one of the most frustrating issues affecting iPhone owners. It can cause poor reception, dropped calls and other afflictions. The problem can be exacerbated by firmware updates, as recent reports have shown.
We’ve covered a number of procedures for boosting signal strength, including resetting the iPhone, dangling a USB cable off the device and buying a signal booster. We’ve also noted the following: if your iPhone’s SIM card is not seated properly, signal strength can suffer. As such, re-seating the SIM by pushing a straightened paper clip into the small hole on the top of the device to open the SIM tray, making sure the SIM Card is properly in place, then re-inserting the SIM tray can prove effective or boosting signal strength. You should also check for debris inside the tray or SIM card slot, removing it by blowing into the slot or using compressed air.
Rooted in the notion that improper SIM contact can result in a weak signal, we’ve now received reports that attaching a small piece of scotch tape to the outer side of the iPhone’s SIM card (the side that does not have metal contacts) can result in a surprising boost.
iPhone Atlas reader Jeggrey Swiger recently wrote:
“I found that a small piece of scotch tape under the SIM Card had put enough pressure on the Contact to give a great increase in signal strength.”
We certainly can’t recommend this procedure, as it might void your iPhone’s warranty. But if you’ve already cleaned debris and made sure your SIM card is properly seated, a piece of scotch tape may very well provide the added pressure needed for proper contact and a strong signal.
Feedback? info@iphoneatlas.com.
Print This Post
4 Comments
Posted by N8NOE1
14 February 2008 @ 4pm
After testing on the Way home, It seems the Tape behind the SIM is doing the Job for me. I put the tape on the tray and NOT the SIM itself, so it’s easy to remove if needed. In Testing (Field-Test Mode, *3001#12345#* ) I found the Signal Stronger and more consistent. Again, This must be enough to make good contact as the tape is just .002″ thick. I also took a NEW and SOFT Eraser I use to clean some Electronic parts with and got any oil from my fingers off the card when I did this.. Just a thought and I SURE hope this helps someone Else..
Posted by richard192
18 February 2008 @ 12pm
While scotch tape and even duct may work wonders, a simpler fix would be to simply remove and insert the SIM card and holder 3 or 4 times to and from the phone. (Remember to power off first)
This “rubbing” action will help remove oxidation and /or corrosion, resulting in a better electrical connection.
Posted by garrison Gunter
2 June 2008 @ 10am
OK So I tried it out… I have a full strength signal here in my office so I was curious to see how it would affect the cell signal strength in db’s in the field test tool. I’ll list my field test results as follows- first column is the db rating prior to using a piece of the shieldzone sticker that comes with the fill shieldzone pack for the iphone followed by the db’s after the sticker was applied to the back of the sim. (I cut out a piece of the sticker that was unprinted and fit it to the sim card) NOTE: I also used a new “Pink Pearl” eraser to rub off any surface oxidation prior to reinsertion.
-75 -66
-79 -74
-82 -74
-84 -75
-86 -78
-88 -80
-92 -83
Smaller numbers are better (since they are in (-) negative format- the closer to zero you are the better. It looks like I have increased my signal by 10pts average, not bad. Another thing to test- just to see how sensitive the radio in the phone is- is to cover the back and bottom of your phone with your hands (cupping the phone)- you’ll notive that the numbers will go up (lose signal) about 30 pts. Having the radio on the bottom is a bit tricky since many of us are used to holding the phone at the bottom…
Posted by Floyd1989
12 July 2008 @ 11pm
The tape worked for my Edge network connection!! I now have 5 bars when I only had between 0 and 3 bars. A quick story… My wife and I both have iPhones. She has the old one and I now have the new one. Well I noticed a signal strength problem right away. At home I never had a signal strength problem I usually had between 3 to 4 bars. When I got my new I phone in 3G it would fluctuate from no service to 3 bars tops, usually no bars in 3G mode. It is still doing the same now, but when I switch to Edge I have between 4 and 5 bars, the strongest Edge signal that I have ever had from my two old iPhones. Needless to say I have been staying in the Edge mode until something is figured out. Thanks for the tip