The WiFi symbols on your cell phone: what they mean and which ones can cause you to spend mobile data without knowing it

Although some change depending on the cell phone manufacturer or the version of the operating system, most respond to common standards both in Android as in iPhone. Therefore, knowing its meaning can avoid headaches, especially when an application stops working or the phone starts consuming mobile data without the user noticing.

The best known on mobile devices, regardless of their class and brand. On the screen, it appears with several curved waves that represent the strength of the wireless signal.

The more bars appear illuminated, the better the quality of the connection between the phone and the router. However, a strong signal does not always mean that the Internet works correctly: the computer may be connected to the router, but that could not having access to the service provider’s network.

It is one of the warnings that generates the most confusion among users, because some manufacturers replace the exclamation mark with an “X”.

This exclamation point next to the Wi-Fi symbol means that the phone managed to connect to the router, but that does not have access to the internet. Although there is a wireless connection, the device cannot browse, use applications or load web pages normally.

Las causes They can be diverse: a drop in service from the Internet provider, a problem with the fiber optics, a modem failure or even an unpaid bill that left the home without service.

Likewise, on certain models it may also indicate that the wireless network was completely lost and the device is trying to reconnect.

In public networks this symbol may also appear when there is still no complete the authentication process. It is common in airports, hotels, universities or cafeterias, where it is first necessary to accept the terms of use from a browser before gaining access to the Internet.

To solve it, the first thing is to check if the problem comes from the router or the Internet provider.

A good practice is to check if other devices in the house have also lost connection. If the problem only affects the cell phone, it can be solved by deactivating and activating the WiFi again or restarting the device.

If the entire network is without Internet, it is advisable to check the lights on the router, restart it and check that the cables are correctly connected. If the problem persists, it is probably a service failure and the operator will need to be contacted.

On public networks, before assuming that there is a problem, it is advisable to open a browser and try to access any web page. In many cases the authentication portal that enables Internet access will automatically appear.

It is the usual indicator in home or business networks and indicates that only authorized users who know the access code will be able to connect.

On some phones, especially Android, small up and down arrows appear over the WiFi symbol.

Before getting alarmed, keep in mind that they do not represent a problemThey simply indicate that the device is currently sending and receiving data, for example during a download, a video call, or while streaming videos.

On the most modern cell phones and tablets you can see a small number next to the network icon. But it is not about the signal strength, but about the generation of the wireless technology used.

WiFi 6 is characterized by offering faster speed, lower latency and better performance when many devices are connected at the same time.

WiFi 7the latest generation, further improves speed and responsiveness for demanding applications such as online gaming, virtual reality or 8K video streaming.

To take advantage of these benefits, both the modem and the phone must be compatible with that standard.