iPhone 15 Pro Max Best possible solution for poor signal for iPhone 15 Max Pro...? Antenna, other...?

[Turnpike]

I use an iPhone 15 Pro Max as a hotspot for a certain work project, and some days I'm on it for an hour and it barely gets a signal, but if I move it a few feet it makes a great connection and works again until a bit later and it doesn't again. Everything here works great, always a great signal on the other (Verizon) phones I use for work but this one while using it as a hotspot, I get a lot of what seems to be poor connections. Cellular works great, it's the ability to use it as a hotspot that seems limited. No other apps on the phone other than factory apps, the Apple computer also has very little on it, no games, movies, or browsing other than emails and text documents.

Is there an antenna or something else I can plug in, use with it, something that clearly works (not the stick-on antenna's people use, etc) that makes a real difference in the connection required for hotspot usage?

Any suggestions in improving the connection or magnifying the signal so I have a better hotspot experience, I'm super interested in them. Thanks!

 

[MacCheetah3]

Have you tried limiting to LTE?

Use 5G with your iPhone - Apple Support

iPhone 12 models or later work with the 5G cellular networks of certain carriers. Learn how to use 5G cellular service.

support.apple.com

Next… An idea I thought of somewhat jokingly: use a half cylinder, cone, or bowl object to direct the signal — think satellite dish. Interestingly enough, I came across the following article, although, it does note the limitation:

Homemade Cell Phone Signal Booster: 4 Genius DIY Hacks

What do your old iron hangers and kitchen aluminum foil have in common? They can help with your weak cell signal. Everyday household items have fascinating properties that enable them to improve cell signals. Aluminum foil, for example, can reflect cell signals to your device or spaces within...

www.wilsonsignalbooster.com

Aluminum’s signal reflecting quality is a well-studied and understood topic. Unlike the previous homemade GSM booster, which relies on passing a signal from an existing outside antenna to a homemade inside antenna, an aluminum cell signal enhancer uses reflection to channel and focus cell signals.

A well-positioned aluminum foil around your cell phone can reflect cell signals to your device or other spaces in a building, amplifying connectivity. However, maximal amplification needs a smooth surface for uniform reflection and direction of the cell signals.

As such, using wrinkled aluminum foil for your signal booster won’t be very effective. Considering how easily aluminum foil wrinkles, the need for a smooth surface creates a major drawback for this hack.

The third option I can think of is more of an alternative than solution… Figured I’d at least toss the idea out there… A dedicated mobile hotspot:

The Best Mobile Hotspots of 2024

Take the web with you anywhere!

www.howtogeek.com

 

[now i see it]

In my experience, a reliable hotspot isn’t possible on any iPhone for any long period of time. iOS disconnects it. Likely your flakey hotspot isn’t an antenna or signal strength issue, but an intentionally built in “feature” of iOS.

The only way I could maintain a consistent hotspot was to also connect an android phone to the hotspot to keep the connection alive.

 

[goodthymes]

flakey hotspot isn’t an antenna or signal strength issue, but an intentionally built in “feature” of iOS.

What a bizzare thing to say. Using hotspot regularly on a work issued iphone 12 (Verizon) regularly for hours, VPN to corporate network for everything including filesharing/MS Office suite/Teams, never had a problem. Going on 4 yars on the same phone. Before that it was an iPhone 6 Plus, same experience.

 

[4sallypat]

Because my work requires me to connect, I used to use my work iPhone with WeBoost cell booster w/ external antenna on my vehicle.
https://www.weboost.com/boosters/vehicle-car

Now with my new EV, I have a built in vehicle hotspot that works better using the external sharkfin antenna without having to get a 3rd party cell boost adapter.

 

[Turnpike]

Because my work requires me to connect, I used to use my work iPhone with WeBoost cell booster w/ external antenna on my vehicle.
https://www.weboost.com/boosters/vehicle-car

Now with my new EV, I have a built in vehicle hotspot that works better using the external sharkfin antenna without having to get a 3rd party cell boost adapter.

Did the WeBoost make a huge difference from what you noticed?

 

[4sallypat]

Did the WeBoost make a huge difference from what you noticed?

Yes WeBoost works great in rural areas where signals normally drops off. The key is to place the roof mounted magnet antenna as high up as possible.

 

[Turnpike]

Have you tried limiting to LTE?

Use 5G with your iPhone - Apple Support

iPhone 12 models or later work with the 5G cellular networks of certain carriers. Learn how to use 5G cellular service.

support.apple.com

Next… An idea I thought of somewhat jokingly: use a half cylinder, cone, or bowl object to direct the signal — think satellite dish. Interestingly enough, I came across the following article, although, it does note the limitation:

Homemade Cell Phone Signal Booster: 4 Genius DIY Hacks

What do your old iron hangers and kitchen aluminum foil have in common? They can help with your weak cell signal. Everyday household items have fascinating properties that enable them to improve cell signals. Aluminum foil, for example, can reflect cell signals to your device or spaces within...

www.wilsonsignalbooster.com

The third option I can think of is more of an alternative than solution… Figured I’d at least toss the idea out there… A dedicated mobile hotspot:

The Best Mobile Hotspots of 2024

Take the web with you anywhere!

www.howtogeek.com

I'm going to try this! I thought turning OFF LTE gave me a slower speed but better connection... never thought to try it like that. Thanks for the input!