Are you curious about the inner workings of your iPhone? Do you want to access advanced settings and features that are not available by default?
Then you might be interested in learning how to access Field Test Mode on iOS. This hidden menu allows you to see detailed information about your cellular network, signal strength, and more.
In this article, we will show you how to access Field Test Mode on iOS devices, step by step.
Table of Contents
What is Field Test Mode?
Before we dive into the instructions, let’s first explain what Field Test Mode is and why it matters. Field Test Mode is a hidden menu that is built into the iOS. It provides users with access to advanced settings and information regarding the cellular network and signal strength of their device.
By default, iOS devices display a set of bars to indicate the signal strength of the cellular network. However, these bars do not provide much information about the actual signal quality or the specific network parameters.
Field Test Mode gives you a more detailed view of the cellular network, including the frequency band, the signal strength in decibels (dB), and other technical data.
Accessing Field Test Mode on iOS 14 or later
If you have an iPhone running iOS 14 or later, here’s how you can access Field Test Mode:
- Open the Phone app on your iPhone.
- Dial 3001#12345# and press the call button.
- Your phone will automatically enter Field Test Mode.
- You should see a numerical value instead of the bars indicating the signal strength. The closer this number is to zero, the stronger the signal.
To exit Field Test Mode, simply press the home button on your iPhone.
Note that if you restart your device, the signal strength indicator will revert to the default bars.
Accessing Field Test Mode on iOS 13 or earlier
If you have an iPhone running iOS 13 or earlier, the process for accessing Field Test Mode is slightly different:
- Open the Phone app on your iPhone.
- Dial 3001#12345# and press the call button.
- Your phone will automatically enter Field Test Mode.
- At this point, you should see the signal strength indicator in decibels (dB) instead of bars.
To exit Field Test Mode, simply press the home button on your iPhone.
Using Field Test Mode on iOS
Now that you’re in Field Test Mode, what can you do with it? Here are some of the things you can check and tweak:
Signal strength
As mentioned earlier, the most obvious feature of Field Test Mode is the ability to see the signal strength in decibels (dB). This value gives you a more precise measurement of the actual signal quality than the default bars. You can use this information to determine the best location for your device or to troubleshoot network issues.
Network type and band
Field Test Mode also provides information about the specific cellular network you’re currently connected to. You can see the network type (e.g., LTE, 5G) and the frequency band being used. This information can be useful if you want to know which bands your carrier supports and whether your device is compatible with them.
Serving cell info
Another section of Field Test Mode displays detailed information about the serving cell, which is the specific cell tower your device is connected to. You can see the cell ID, the physical cell ID, and the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), among other data points. This information can help you diagnose network issues and improve your signal quality.
LTE options
If you’re using an LTE connection, you can access additional settings under the LTE section of Field Test Mode.
For example, you can force your device to use a specific LTE band or disable certain features like VoLTE or Wi-Fi calling.
FAQs
Is Field Test Mode available on all iPhones?
Yes, Field Test Mode is available on most iPhones running iOS 4.1 or later.
Will accessing Field Test Mode harm my device?
No, accessing Field Test Mode is completely safe and will not harm your device.
Can I change any settings in Field Test Mode?
Some settings in Field Test Mode are adjustable, but we do not recommend changing them unless you know what you are doing.
Will my carrier be able to tell if I’ve accessed Field Test Mode?
No, accessing Field Test Mode does not send any data to your carrier or affect your account in any way.
Are there any other hidden menus in iOS?
Yes, iOS has several other hidden menus and features that can be accessed by entering specific codes or using third-party apps.
Conclusion
Field Test Mode is a powerful tool that can give you a more detailed view of your iPhone’s cellular network and signal strength.
By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily access this hidden menu and explore its various features. Whether you’re a curious user or a network technician, Field Test Mode is definitely worth checking out.