FAQs
Signal Booster FAQ
How do I know where my carrier’s nearest cell tower is?
You can check it out through the websites like www.cellmapper.net or www.antennasearch.com
How does a cell phone signal booster work?
A cell phone booster works by pulling in weak signal, boosting it, and then rebroadcasting it inside your area in need.
How to measure signal strength in decibels on your cell phone?
Please go through the link and check it out.
https://www.signalbooster.com/blogs/news/how-to-measure-signal-strength-in-decibels-on-your-cell-phone
It is legal to use your signal booster in USA?
All FCC certified cell phone signal boosters we carry are perfectly legal to use in United States. For Canada, all IC (Industry Certified) cell phone boosters are perfectly legal to use in Canada. If not certified, a cell phone signal booster may not work as required and may damage the Carriers networks when they don’t stop if oscillation occurs. This is the reason why some uncertified signal boosters in the market are illegal.
Does a signal booster boost wifi signals?
Unfortunately, signal boosters do not improve wifi signals, only cellular signals such as 3G & 4G LTE for most major US & Canadian carriers.
How do I register my booster with my cell service provider?
FCC regulations require that anyone who operates a cell phone signal booster register the booster with their cellular carrier. Below are links to the online booster registration forms for major U.S. carriers.
AT&T
https://securec45.securewebsession.com/attsignalbooster.com/
Verizon
http://www.verizonwireless.com/wcms/consumer/register-signal-booster.html
Sprint
http://www.sprint.com/legal/fcc_boosters.html
T-Mobile
https://support.t-mobile.com/docs/DOC-9827
US Cellular
http://www.uscellular.com/uscellular/support/fcc-booster-registration.jsp/
Is there a monthly subscription fee to use a cell phone booster?
No, there is never a monthly subscription fee. Each HiBoost cell signal booster is a one-time purchase.
Does cable length between signal boosters and antennas decrease signal strength?
The answer is yes! Typically, decibel strength is decreased by 3-4 dB for each 100 ft. of cable on the 800 cellular band, and around 7 dBs on the 1800/1900 PCS band. This means that the higher the frequency, the more the signal decreases. For the AT&T and Verizon 700 LTE bands, signal strength would decrease 3-4 dBs, as on the cellular band. Signal strength would decrease for the T-Mobile AWS 4G band by 7 dB for each 100 ft. of cable length, similar to the PCS band. Should the length of cable between the cell amplifier and antenna be quite long, boosters with lower signal strength are often used in order to extend the signal along the cable line.
How did the fcc ruling affect cell phone signal boosters?
The FCC ruling made it clear that cell phone signal boosters are a legal and important part of the wireless infrastructure of the USA. All major carriers in the United States gave their consent in public, and on paper, to signal boosters. These include the top United States cellular service providers AT&T Wireless, Verizon Wireless, T-Mobile USA, and Sprint.
How long does it take to install a cell phone booster?
Every cell phone signal booster installation has its own unique set of circumstances and therefore time for installing a signal amplifier system varies greatly. However, on average, it takes between 1 to 2 hours.
HiBoost Product FAQ
Do your boosters have any safeguards for the prevention of cell tower interference?
Yes, as our booster has Automatic Gain Control (AGC). As the frequencies spike or change their amplitude, the AGC automatically adjusts so that the input signal is working properly. Because of this, the device does not see an overload on the closed-loop circuit or on input signal regardless of the fluctuations in the frequencies by the cell tower.
Is there a monthly subscription fee to use a cell phone booster?
No, there is never a monthly subscription fee. Each HiBoost cell signal booster is a one-time purchase.
Can I use my in-building solution in a vehicle (and vice versa)?
Technically, a home booster and car booster are made for their specific purpose. However,we have the booster for Vehicle ,RV and truck , you can buy it from our website directly.
Can I install this product myself? (building & vehicle)
As consumer cell phone signal boosters do not require professional installation. They’re easy to set up. But it’s perfectly fine to hire a local handyman, installer, or any profession that deals with running cable.
I have an existing tv antenna on the roof of my home. can i connect the cable to that antenna?
Sorry that you can’t connect the cable to the TV antenna due to two reasons.
1. The TV antenna has different frequencies from the cellular frequencies. so the TV antenna doens’t support the booster frequencies.
2. Our standard kit has been certified and approved by FCC and won’t allow to use un-authorized antenna.
What is a splitter and which types of configurations will require it?
A splitter is an accessory that allows for additional inside antennas.
Typically, a splitter is used to take one cable run and split it into two, three, even up to four cable runs, which means one line is able to do 4 inside antennas.
However, this also means that the signal strength is also being split across the cable runs and antennas. So it’s highly dependent on having enough boosted signal to make sure there’s enough broadcasting range for all additional inside antennas.
Will the Hiboost cell phone booster work with Mexican network?
This product is designed and licensed by the FCC and IC for North American carriers. We also have consumers from Mexican. Please contact technical support for further information before purchase at 972-870-5666. Thanks.
Will this work in the asia pacific countries?
Most likely not. Every country assigns different radio spectrum for cellular communications. The products we sell in North America are specifically designed to cover the five radio bands used here. Even if our product does cover the band you need in another country, it may also unlawfully amplify other radio signals not used for cellular communications. Also, realize that the importation of unauthorized radio equipment to some Asian countries is illegal and can lead to very hefty fines and confiscation of the equipment. It is best to check with your carrier to see if they offer a solution. If they cannot help you then it would be wise to find a licensed professional in that country who you can consult with. Please call our technical support department at 972-870-5666 if you have further questions.
Is it FCC certified?
Yes, all signal boosters at Hiboost are FCC certified..
If I haven't registered the signal booster with my carrier, could I still use it?
You could use it for a limited time but if you use it for longterm, you would need to regester it at your carriers as it’s required by FCC.
Will this work with the upcoming 5G network?
You will need to confirm the frequency of your carriers’ 5G network.
You will need to confirm the frequency of your carriers' 5G network?
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Is your signal booster compatible with all carriers ?
Yes, this is a FCC Licensed Class B. It covers all carriers.
Which bands do your signal booster support?
It supports Band 4、5、12、13、2/25
Does this work for data or only voice?
Hiboost works for both data and voice.
Does this just boost cell signal or internet signal or both?
Hiboost signal booster is used to amplify singal. It does not amplify internet signals like wifi and bluetoooth.
Will it boost the signal on my verizon jet pack wifi that i use for my computer?
Yes it will boost the signal of your Verizon Jet Pack if the booster is installed correctly. If you have any installation questions please call our customer support line. 972-870-5666
Will it help with boosting signal for streaming?
Yes, this product will provide faster download and upload speeds
Does this just boost cell signal or internet signal or both?
The product supports cell signal amplification only.
Do you need WiFi for this to work?
You do not need Wi-Fi for this to work. The LCD display on the front of the unit is all you need to properly adjust and set up the booster. If you have any questions or need additional information please contact customer support at 972-870-5666. Thank you HiBoost Technical Support.
Do you have to connect this to your internet modem?
No, you do not connect to any internet device. It boost the cell phone signal and bring inside for better data and voice quality and speed.
Does this device have to be associated with an account to work?
No, it can be used as long as it’s being correctly installed and registered.
Will this work on a home with a metal roof and does it need wifi?
It will work on metal roof or any other kind of roof. It doesn’t require Wifi to work. All you need is good cell phone signal outside the building.
Will the signal go behind the indoor antenna through some drywall, or does the signal only go the direction the indoor antenna is facing.?
If you have the Flat Panel One directional antenna, then it will only amplify what is in front of it. If you get an Omni directional Antenna, then you can install it on your ceiling and it will amplify around the location like donut. If you have any other questions, please call us at 972-870-5666. Thank you!
Do I have to add something with this for a complete signal boosting solution?
While it is possible to install a working system from the kit provided, it is sometimes necessary to purchase a mast to mount the outdoor antennas on, and I would always recommend installing a lightning arrestor on the outdoor antenna. Please call customer support if you have any further questions. 972-870-5666
Is it difficult to install it ? can get support installation from seller ?
Hi , FCC & IC Certified, 3 years warranty. This product requires an installation. HiBoost provides various US-based tech-support – online app chat & ticket, phone and email, Our training and technical support center is based in Irving, Texas and phone support is available M-F 9-5 Central Time Zone. 972-870-5666. Thank you HiBoost Technical Support
How far apart do the antennas need to be? Could this work in a room?
The two antennas need to be separated in height. The antennas usually require about 20 feet of vertical separation.
What is the maximum length of coax that can be ran to the exterior antenna?
It depends on the outside signal strength.
If outside signal is weak, it’s better to use the cable included in the kit and not to use extra cables. If the signal strength is relatively strong, you can run about 10-25 feet coax cable to the exterior antenna.
I have a wireless access point on the ceiling , is there a certain distance the booster needs to be from the access point ?
No, they won’t affect each other. But if you would like to connect your booster via Wi-Fi network, the booster should be installed within the range, the closer to the access point the better
Once the Antenna is in place on the rooftop, do I need to run a plug or cord of somesort through the house?
You need to connect the indoor antenna via the cable provided and the outdoor antenna via the cable provided to the booster unit. If you would like us to walk you through the installation process over the phone we would be more then happy to help. Our technical support office is in Irving, Texas and is open M-F 9 am to 5 pm, Central Time Zone. Tel: (972) 870-5666
At my house I only have 0-1 bar of service. Will this phone signal booster work for me?
Yes, but it may not give you good coverage. Please contact technical support for more information. 972-870-5666
Do you have to connect a cable from the outside antenna to the inside devices?
The outside antenna is connected to the amplifier located inside the building. There are two antennas. One outside the building and one inside the building. They are both connected to the amplifier using coaxial cable.
I am currently using a weboost in an outside office building. Can I use the hiboost inside my home without any interference between the two?
Yes
I am an underground miner in California. I’m curious if I can use this repeater underground?
Yes, contact us if you need any technical assistance.
Will the distance between the outdoor antenna and indoor antenna influence the coverage?
Yes. The indoor and outdoor antennas must be physically isolated in order for the booster to work correctly. The booster’s coverage will be reduced or the booster will shut down if the antennas are too close to one another.
What is a lightning surge protector?
The type of booster you need depends on multiple factors including
coverage area, indoor environment and outside signal strength.
Follow our easy selection matrix found HERE to determine which cell phone
signal booster will work best for you.
What is a signal gain?
If a booster provides a maximum of 60 dB gain, then the boosted signal coming out of the unit is 60 dB stronger than the unboosted signal that went into the unit. Gain represent the relative level of signal boost you are providing. A booster with a higher gain value will in turn provide a higher boosted signal and will also enable a cell phone signal booster to cover a larger area than most lower gain units. Our Signal Supervisor app helps you easily install your booster so you can make sure you are getting the most gain out of your install.
What is the difference between dB and dBm?
dBm is the power ratio in decibels (dB) of the measure power referenced to one milliwatt. dBm is used to define signal strength in electronic equipment such as our HiBoost amplifiers. You can think of the dBm as the amount of power an amplifier or antenna’s capable of producing or how much signal is at a site.
dB is the relative number of the amount of increase or decrease in signal. It is a logarithmic calculation. If an outside signal is negative 90 dBm and our booster is 60 dB then our radiated signal will be negative 20 dBm.
How do I measure signal strength using my phone?
Android and IOS devices have a field test mode you can use on your phone in order to measure signal strength. Look at our How to guide for more information.
What is a lightning surge arrester or protector?
Lightning strikes can happen anywhere and at any time. Since the donor antenna is elevated to a point lightning can easily strike it, a lightning surge protect is important to have to protect your amplifier system. If lightning current passes through the cable, the lightning is discharged before it causes damage to your equipment. They have an easily replaceable gas discharge element and they cause very low loss so you don’t have to worry about them affecting your signal.
How much separation is required between the outdoor and indoor antennas?
Our recommended distance is a minimum of 20 ft between both boosters and that distance be more vertical than horizontal. If you are in a space limited area it is quite possible you can provide a blockage of signal by using certain materials between the two antennas.
How do I know which booster I need?
You can follow our selection matrix found here to determine which cell phone signal booster is best for you.
Which carrier bands do HiBoost amplifiers work on?
HiBoost amplifiers will work on any US and Canadian carrier network. Our boosters are designed to work with them all so even if you switch networks a year from now, you know we have you covered.
Shipping/Refund/Return
Where do you currently ship to?
HiBoost ship products to anywhere in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
What is the return policy?
If for any reason the performance of any product is not acceptable, the product may be returned to the reseller within 30-days with proof of purchase. Please contact the HiBoost customer support.
How long will it take to get my order?
Normally delivery takes about 2-5 business days. As soon as we receive an order from you, it’s immediately redirected to our shipping department, where your booster is carefully packed. Order preparation takes about 1 day. After that our express courier picks up your product and delivers it directly to your door.
How do I buy a product from your online store?
Making a purchase in our online shop is extremely easy. First, choose a product you’d like to buy, then click on “Add to Cart” button and make a payment. As soon as we receive your payment, we’ll send you a confirmation e-mail and ship the product to your delivery address. From the moment you make an order on the website and get in into your hands just 3-5 business days will pass!
What is the warranty policy?
HiBoost signal boosters and kits are warranted for 3 years. HiBoost will repair or replace the unit and will cover the cost of delivery for consumers located within the continental U.S and Canada.
Customers can choose to return the signal boosters and kits directly to the manufacturer at the purchaser’s expense with a dated proof of purchase and a Returned Material Authorization (RMA) number supplied by HiBoost. RMA numbers may be obtained by contacting customer support at 972-870- 5666 or support@hiboostusa.com
This warranty does not apply to any signal boosters or kits determined by HiBoost to have been subjected to tampering, misuse, abuse, neglect, or mishandling that alters or damages physical or electronic properties.
HiBoost is not liable for any Signal Supervisor application network connectivity issues. The cell phone signal booster relies on a strong, continuous and reliable connection to the internet in order to communicate with the cell phone application. For all Signal Supervisor Application related issues, please check your network strength and call our technical support.
Failure to use a surge-protected AC power strip with at least a 1000 Joule rating will void your warranty. Damage caused by lightning is not covered by this warranty.
All HiBoost products that are packaged with other HiBoost accessory products are intended for resale and used as a single integrated system. Such product kits are required to be sold to the end-users or subsequent re-seller as packaged.
How do I cancel an order?
Users can cancel their current order through our online store, or give customer support a call at (972) 870-5666.
After-Sales Technical Support
How do I know where my carrier’s nearest cell tower is?
You can check it out through the websites like www.cellmapper.net or www.antennasearch.com
Why am I not receiving a boosted signal for the advertised coverage area?
Under best case scenarios, a signal booster is able to provide advertise coverage. However, for the majority of people, most are not under best conditions.
Several factors such as outside signal strength, building material, internal interference, and even weather can affect the boosted signal coverage.
We have a HiBoost 10K Smartlink (I think). Is it possible to add another indoor antenna for a second area?
Yes, Hiboost support multi indoor anntena if you have transmitter, cables and antenna.
Could I improve performance by using two orthogonal yagi antennas and a signal splitter?
Yes, especially if you are trying to pull in signal from two different towers
I purchased a 4 plus that has the indoor antennas, can I add an extra antenna onto it?
Yes
What do the lights on the booster signify? What does the messages on the screen signify?
The indicator lights mainly refer to the the signal booster’s working status, warning or signal transmition. The indicating information is used to help installation and use of the booster.
What is the difference between signal boosters and DAS systems?
A DAS system is a network of antenna notes that are connected to a single common source. This system will generally provide larger buildings or areas with a boosted signal. If you have a large area and want it covered, reach out to us and we will help you.
I have green lights on my booster but it’s not working. What do I do?
Solid green lights indicate your booster is functioning properly and there are no issues with installation. Check your signal gauges through our Signal Supervisor app to look at the strength. In some cases, you may have to fine tune adjust your outdoor antenna. Making small movements left/right could increase signal depending on where your cell phone tower is located.
My booster is in a warm environment. Is it ok?
We use carrier grade technology and innovative housing for our boosters. They can operate in high degree temperatures of 150 degrees Fahrenheit. If you feel like your booster is overheating and not providing any signal improvement, please contact us at 972-870-5666 or online at support@hiboostusa.com
Why does the 4K Smart Link have F-connectors instead of N-connectors? Will this cause signal loss?
We have made some improvements to the 4K Smart Link that enhance performance and minimize noise. We have additionally modified these F-Connectors from 75 Ohm to 50 Ohm which negates any signal loss between cable and connector. Overall enhancements to the 4K Smart Link have actually resulted in increased gain of 3-5dB.
Can I use a Cell Phone Signal Booster in a car with 12v DC power?
Yes, it can be used. Our vehicle boosters will come equipped with the proper car adapter.
My ALC is flashing on the screen, what do I do?
The ALC or Automatic Level Control will automatically adjust the gain on a booster based on the current signal environment. If you ALC is flashing, this just indicates the automatic gain control is working properly.
I have my booster installed, but my signal didn’t seem to improve. What do I do?
Make sure you don’t have any flashing alarm or ISO lights. Make sure your antennas are separated by a minimum of 20 feet. Look to see if any of your cellular bands are turned off. Adjust your outdoor antenna to fine tune your equipment. If you are still having trouble, please feel free to contact us.
My ISO is flashing on my LCD screen. What does that mean?
If you have a blinking ISO, then you have some oscillation between the outdoor antenna and the indoor antenna. Make sure that they are separated by 20ft minimum, and vertical distance is more important than horizontal distance.
Can I use a Yagi Directional antenna on my RV?
Yes, you can. In fact, we recommend our booster kits that come equipped with direction Yagi antenna’s. If your RV is stationary, then you can perform a 1 time setup. If you travel from site to site, you will have to setup the Yagi antenna each time you change locations. This antenna is not built to work while the RV is in motion.
Can I use the signal bars on my phone to optimize my Yagi antenna placement?
The type of booster you need depends on multiple factors including coverage area, indoor environment and outside signal strength. Follow our easy selection matrix found on the homepage to determine which cell phone signal booster will work best for you.
Can the indoor signal be split between two antennas?
You can buy a coupler to attach two indoor antennas to provide more coverage. We recommend this only on our 15k series and up. We do have a plus series that will provide this feature automatically as it has a built-in antenna and a port for an additional antenna. There might be some installs where it is desirable to split the total coverage area into two smaller coverage areas.
I seem to have less coverage than before I installed the booster. What do I do?
If you seem to have less coverage, this can be caused by several different issues. First check your connectors are firmly tightened. Check to make sure you have ample distance between the outdoor and indoor antenna. Make sure they are not pointing at each other and that your outdoor antenna isn’t pointed across your building. Check the gains on your booster and make sure the ALC is flashing and it is adjusting. In some cases, you may need to manually adjust the gains, or you may need to adjust your outdoor antenna.
How do I know my booster is working at optimum performance?
Using the Signal Supervisor app, you can connect to the booster and determine if the booster is working optimally. You can also use the LCD display to read the live status of the booster.
Will the magnet antenna work with aluminum or fiberglass?
The best option is to attach a double-sided adhesive like 3M on the magnet antenna so that it can attach to the vehicle. We strongly recommend a soft install first to make sure the location of the antenna will work properly before using a permanent adhesive for mounting the antenna.