Why does the tool show LTE when my phone's status bar shows 5G?

Some carriers use a '5G' icon to indicate 5G-ready LTE (sometimes called 5G E or 4G+), not a true 5G NR connection. The Cellular tool reads the actual radio technology from the telephony API, which is more accurate than the carrier's marketing icon.

What is a good dBm value for my signal?

For LTE: −70 dBm or better is excellent; −85 to −100 is acceptable; below −100 you'll notice slowdowns and dropped calls. For 5G NR, −80 dBm or better is a solid sub-6 GHz signal.

Does the tool need special permissions?

Yes — on Android it requests the READ_PHONE_STATE permission to access signal strength and cell details. Without it, only the carrier name and network type are available.

Can I use this to compare two SIM cards?

Yes. On a dual-SIM device you can switch the active SIM in your settings and reopen the tool to see how the signal and network type differ between your two carriers on the same device and location.

Cellular

APP

Check your carrier, network type, signal strength and cell details.

Best on the app

Cellular needs your phone's hardware

Cellular signal metrics need native phone access. Download Carbide free to use it — plus all 111 tools, fully offline.

SCAN TO INSTALL

What it does

Cellular gives you a live readout of your mobile connection: your carrier name, the network type you're on (5G, LTE, 3G, and so on), your current signal strength in dBm, and detailed cell identifiers like band, cell ID, MCC and MNC. It pulls this information directly from your device's telephony stack, so what you see is exactly what your phone is negotiating with the tower — no guessing, no averages. It's genuinely useful for understanding why your signal is weak in a particular room, comparing carriers before switching, or confirming that your device has actually registered on the 5G network you're paying for. Free, private, offline, and no account needed.

How to use the Cellular

Open the Cellular tool. It reads your telephony information immediately — no setup needed.
Check the top section for your carrier name, network type (5G/LTE/3G) and registration status.
Look at the signal strength in dBm. A value closer to 0 is stronger; typical good LTE is around −85 dBm or better.
Expand the advanced section to see the band number, cell ID, and MCC/MNC codes that identify your network operator and cell.
Move to different spots in a building and watch how the signal strength changes in real time to find the strongest reception area.

Frequently asked questions

Why does the tool show LTE when my phone's status bar shows 5G?: Some carriers use a '5G' icon to indicate 5G-ready LTE (sometimes called 5G E or 4G+), not a true 5G NR connection. The Cellular tool reads the actual radio technology from the telephony API, which is more accurate than the carrier's marketing icon.
What is a good dBm value for my signal?: For LTE: −70 dBm or better is excellent; −85 to −100 is acceptable; below −100 you'll notice slowdowns and dropped calls. For 5G NR, −80 dBm or better is a solid sub-6 GHz signal.
Does the tool need special permissions?: Yes — on Android it requests the READ_PHONE_STATE permission to access signal strength and cell details. Without it, only the carrier name and network type are available.
Can I use this to compare two SIM cards?: Yes. On a dual-SIM device you can switch the active SIM in your settings and reopen the tool to see how the signal and network type differ between your two carriers on the same device and location.

Take Carbide everywhere

All 111 tools, offline, on iOS & Android — free.