How often should you reset your cell booster?

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Reset your cell phone signal booster? What has the world come to? Don’t you have enough to do? OK, before I answer this simple question, I need to explain why it’s even a possibility.

What a cell phone signal booster is, and what it does

A cell phone signal booster takes weak signal from outside, amplifies it massively, and pumps it throughout a building. It also does the reverse: it takes the signal from your phone, amplifies it, and pushes it through a large antenna on your roof. It does this so fast and so well that the only thing you notice is better service, clearer calls, and faster browsing.

The really amazing thing is how a cellular booster can do all these things. The answer is pretty simple really: It’s a purpose-built computer as powerful as your PC or phone. It does this one task, and it does it very well. But all computers are prone to occasional hiccups. You may find that you don’t need to reboot your PC very much these days, but it does happen. The same with your phone. Every so often, you have to take a moment, breathe, and give these devices a little kick to get them going.

How to tell that you need to restart your cell booster

It’s pretty easy to tell that your cell booster needs to be restarted. Often times you’ll get some sort of visual indicator, like a red light. (See the picture above.) If you see a red light on your booster, it generally means that it’s stopped working. If you haven’t made any changes to the way it’s installed, a reboot can fix this. The red light is an indication that something is keeping the booster from working the way it should. Sometimes a change in the way the cell towers work mean that the booster’s getting more signal than it was before. (That’s a good thing, honestly.) There can be problems with wiring, and all sorts of other things, but the first step is always going to be a simple reboot.

How to reboot your cell booster

Rebooting your cell booster is easy. In most cases, the hardest thing will just be remembering where you put it. It’s so reliable that you may have lost track of it. Once you find it, unplug its power cable carefully. Wait for a count of ten. Then plug it back in. Really that’s all there is to it. The reboot is nearly instantaneous and you should have full cell boost within 30 seconds.

If that doesn’t work…

There might need to be other steps to take. Here are a few:

  • Check all cables and connections to make sure they are in good shape.
  • Check that the indoor antenna is at least 15 feet from the outdoor antenna. Reposition the antennas if you need to.
  • Make sure there is plenty of ventilation around the booster. It’s tempting to put it in a drawer, but that’s not the best choice.

If none of those steps work, call the experts! We’ll tell you what else can be done for your specific cell booster. We can also recommend upgrades and replacements if need be. As reliable as these devices are, they do not last forever unfortunately.

To get the support you need, just call the experts at Solid Signal! The number is 888-233-7563. When you call, you’ll reach and expert at our Detroit-area offices. Call during East Coast business hours, or fill out the form below and we’ll get back to you at a time that’s convenient to you!

About the Author

Stuart Sweet
Stuart Sweet is the editor-in-chief of The Solid Signal Blog and a "master plumber" at Signal Group, LLC. He is the author of over 10,000 articles and longform tutorials including many posted here. Reach him by clicking on "Contact the Editor" at the bottom of this page.