If your iPhone suddenly says “SOS” or “SOS Only” in the status bar, it means you’ve lost cellular service. However, you can still make emergency calls. This usually happens when your carrier is down, you’re in a dead zone, or there’s a SIM or settings issue. In these instances, you can check your network signal, perform a hard reset, update your carrier settings, or in worse cases, reset your network settings. Let’s take a closer look at the solutions.
How To Fix iPhone Stuck in SOS Mode (SOS only)
1. Check if Your Internet Service Provider Is Down
If you use AT&T, you can visit AT&T’s official website and look for any service status or outage information. Simply select the state, service, and zip code to find out if it’s down. You can follow the same steps for your internet service provider, by going to their official page. Simply google “Is [insert ISP] down?”.
2. Check Your iPhone’s Cellular Settings
Time needed: 3 minutes
By turning Automatic under Network Selection, you allow the iPhone to reconnect to your carrier’s network without manual input. You’ll find this helpful while traveling, updating your device, or switching SIMs.
- Go to Settings.
- Tap Cellular > Network Selection.
- Check if the toggle next to Automatic is grayed out or green.
If it’s grayed out, toggle it on.
After toggling the Automatic network selection on, your iPhone should be able to automatically connect to the proper cellular network. But of course, that will still depend on whether you are in a location covered by your cellular service provider.
3. Restart Your iPhone
If your cellular and network settings are fine, try rebooting your device first. It should clear hidden bugs and minor glitches that are stopping you from making and receiving calls or text messages.
- Press then quickly release the Volume Up button.
- Press then quickly release the Volume Down button.
- Press and hold the Side button.
- Then, when the Apple logo appears release the side button.
4. Check for a Carrier Settings Update on Your iPhone
Outdated carrier settings can break the link between your iPhone and your network provider. These settings control how your device handles calls, messages, mobile data, and even emergency features like SOS. If something goes wrong, your iPhone may struggle to connect properly.
- Make sure that your device is connected to a Wi-Fi or cellular network.
- Tap Settings > General > About. You will see an option to update your carrier settings, if available.
- To see the version of carrier settings on your device, tap Settings > General > About, then look next to Carrier.
5. Turn Your Cellular Connection Off and On Again
Go to Settings > Cellular and check to see if your cellular connection is turned on. If it is off, turn it back on. Then check to see if you have service.
6. Reset Your Network Settings
Try resetting your network settings as a last resort. It wipes out all saved Wi-Fi networks, Bluetooth pairings, VPN setups, and APN settings. If your iPhone is stuck in SOS Only mode and you’ve ruled out other causes, e.g., carrier outages or incorrect settings, it resolves underlying configuration errors you can’t easily pinpoint.
- Go to Settings.
- Tap General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Next, tap Reset > Reset Network Settings.
Overall, seeing SOS or SOS only on your iPhone is not a big issue if you know what to do. Should the above troubleshooting steps fail, however, I suggest contacting your carrier or Apple Support. They can help you assess whether the issue is with your handheld or SIM.
