If your iPhone screen shows “SOS” or “SOS Only” in the status bar, it means your device isn’t connected to your cellular network. While you can still make emergency calls, you won’t have access to data services or regular calls. Here’s a guide on how to fix SOS on iPhones:
What Is Apple’s SOS Mode?
SOS mode (also known as Emergency SOS Mode) activates when your iPhone or iPad with Wi-Fi + Cellular can’t connect to a cellular network. You’ll see it in the top part of your iPhone screen when there’s no service or limited coverage. You can still make emergency calls with SOS mode.
How To Get Rid Of SOS Mode
First, check for dust or debris in your SIM tray. Use a small flashlight to inspect it, then gently clean it with a soft toothpick. You can also use compressed air. These small obstructions can sometimes block proper SIM card contact and prevent the phone from being able to contact your carrier’s network.
Check If Your Phone Is In Range Of A Cellular Network
If you see SOS or No Service, your iPhone may be in an area with poor cellular network coverage. Try moving outdoors or to a higher level in your building.
If you’re travelling internationally, make sure data roaming is turned on. Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Data Roaming. Some regions require your device to register its IMEI before connecting.
Method One: Turn Your Cellular Data On & Off
Open Settings > Cellular, then toggle Cellular Data off and on again. This can help your device reconnect to your carrier if there was a temporary signal drop.
Method Two: Restart Your iPhone
Press and release the Volume Up, then Volume Down, and hold the Side Button until the Apple logo appears. A simple restart often fixes temporary software glitches that interfere with network connections.
Method Three: Check On Your SIM Card
Remove the SIM using a SIM eject tool, then reinsert it. If you’re using a physical SIM card, inspect it for damage. If you have an iPhone with Dual SIM, toggle one cellular line off and back on under Settings > Cellular.
Method Four: Update Your Carrier Settings
Carrier settings updates can help your iPhone or iPad connect more effectively to your network. To check for one, go to Settings > General > About and wait a few seconds. If an update is available, tap Update.
Method Five: Update Your iPhone
Software updates fix bugs that may cause network issues. Go to Settings > General > Software Update and install the latest version. After updating, toggle your cellular line off and back on if you use an eSIM.
Method Six: Reset Network Settings
If your device isn’t connected to any network after trying everything above, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings. This erases saved Wi-Fi passwords and network settings to give your phone a clean start.
iPhone Still Stuck In SOS Mode? We Can Help
If your iPhone is stuck in SOS mode and refuses to reconnect even after all the steps mentioned above, there may be carrier issues or internal hardware damage. Our certified technicians at Cell Mechanics can help determine the source of the problem and perform additional diagnostics that may restore your connection. Visit us today for professional iPhone repair in Winnipeg.