Overview
- An Android Carrier Config flag called KEY_INFLATE_SIGNAL_STRENGTH_BOOL appears in Google’s public source code despite lacking official documentation.
- The feature is reportedly disabled by default but can be enabled by operators via an over-the-air configuration update.
- Coverage cites AT&T and Verizon as using the setting, and Android code references additional providers including Xfinity Mobile, Tracfone, Spectrum Mobile, and Bluegrass Cellular.
- Inflated bars risk misleading users about connection quality, continuing a trend since 2017 when Android allowed carrier-set thresholds and reduced visibility of raw dBm readings.
- Because the mechanism sits in open-source Android, similar configurations could be adopted in other markets, though users can still check actual signal strength in Settings under SIM status (dBm).