It’s one of those little iPhone moments that can make your stomach drop — you look at the top of your screen and see “SOS Only”. No calls, no texts, no mobile data.
The good news? In most cases, you can fix it yourself in just a few minutes.
Here’s what’s going on, and the exact steps to get your iPhone out of SOS mode.
What “SOS Only” Means on iPhone
When your iPhone says “SOS Only,” it means it’s not connected to your carrier’s regular network, but you can still make emergency calls.
Common causes include:
- Weak or no signal in your location
- SIM card problems
- Carrier network issues
- Outdated carrier settings
- Temporary iOS glitches
7 Ways to Fix an iPhone Stuck in “SOS Only”
1. Check Your Signal Area
If you’re in a basement, elevator, or rural area, you might simply be out of range. Move to an open space or near a window and see if your signal returns.
2. Toggle Airplane Mode
Turning Airplane Mode on and off can refresh your connection.
- Open Control Center (swipe down from top-right on iPhone X+ or up from bottom on older models).
- Tap the airplane icon on, wait 10 seconds, then turn it off.
3. Restart Your iPhone
A quick reboot often clears network glitches.
- iPhone X or later: Hold the side button + volume button until the slider appears.
- Older models: Hold the power button until the slider appears.
4. Update Carrier Settings
Your carrier may have released a network fix.
- Go to Settings → General → About.
- If prompted, tap Update.
5. Reinsert or Replace the SIM Card
- Power off your iPhone.
- Remove the SIM tray with a SIM eject tool or paperclip.
- Check for dust or damage, then reinsert.
6. Reset Network Settings
This refreshes all cellular, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth settings.
- Go to Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Reset → Reset Network Settings.
7. Check for a Carrier Outage
If multiple people in your area have no service, it’s likely a carrier outage. Check your provider’s website, app, or social media for updates.
When to Get Professional Help
If none of these fixes work:
- Call your carrier to make sure your account is active and there’s no block.
- Visit an Apple Store or authorized repair center to test your device hardware.
FAQs About iPhone “SOS Only” Mode
1. Why is my iPhone stuck on “SOS Only”?
This usually means your phone can’t connect to your carrier’s network. It can be caused by poor coverage, SIM card issues, outdated carrier settings, or a temporary network outage.
2. Does “SOS Only” mean my phone is broken?
Not necessarily. In most cases, it’s a temporary network or SIM card issue that you can fix with the steps above.
3. Can I still call people when my iPhone says “SOS Only”?
You can only make emergency calls (like 911 in the U.S.) until your phone reconnects to your carrier’s network.
4. Will resetting network settings delete my data?
No. It only clears saved Wi-Fi passwords, Bluetooth pairings, and network preferences. Your photos, apps, and messages will remain untouched.
5. How do I prevent “SOS Only” from happening again?
Keep your iOS and carrier settings up to date, make sure your SIM card is in good condition, and avoid areas with known weak coverage when possible.