iPhone Field Test gives Frequency Usage
Users of the iPhone have discovered that the phone has a very comprehensive “Field Test” mode that allows users to find out a range of information about the phone’s connection to the network. In particular, the information displayed in the Field Test mode allows users to discover exactly which tower their phone is connecting to, and which frequency band the signals are being sent on.
Here are some simple instructions to find out which frequency your iPhone is using:
1. Access the iPhone’s Field Test mode by typing *3001#12345#* in the phone’s keypad and press dial. This will bring up the Field Test menu.
2. Select the “Cell Information” menu option to display a summary of all nearby towers. The “RX” code displays the signal strength of each tower. These RX values are dBm signal strength readings, where lower values means strong signal (so -60 signifies stronger signal than -80). The towers are listed by signal strength, and the top tower is usually the tower your phone is connecting to.
3. Selecting the first tower will take you to a further menu that displays more specific information. The “Freq” value shows the frequency block that the network is using. If the Freq number is between 128 and 251, the tower is using the 850 MHz Cellular band. If the Freq number is between 512 and 810, the tower is using the 1900MHz PCS band.
May 12th, 2008 at 8:24 pm
what is the actual conversion for the frequency number and the sctual frequency
June 29th, 2008 at 7:39 am
How can we change what tower the phone is using? The strongest signal is at the bottom of the list on my phone.
July 15th, 2008 at 1:12 pm
Does anyone know how to interpret the data using the iPhone software 2.0 field test. There is a lot more information now and I can’t seem to find the frequency numbers. Anyone who is familiar with this cryptic data would be appreciated.
August 5th, 2008 at 11:09 pm
In 2.0 after a little bit of searching, feel as if i have found the equivalent.
1. Enter Field Test Mode
2. Cell Information
3. Neighbour Cells
4. Here you have the list of nearby towers, once again highest strength on top.
I use Rx Level as an indicator of signal strength. Notice upper left hand corner no longer has bars as a signal strength indicator but a number (gasp!) that appears to be indicating overall strength.
Word, no factual evidence to back up my findings but seems to make sense in my mind.
October 18th, 2008 at 4:33 am
I am try how to find a way to change the frequency on my I9 cell fone where you go to in phone menu