BlogsFix: 'SOS Only' issue on iPhone: 4 ways to fix it

Fix: ‘SOS Only’ issue on iPhone: 4 ways to fix it

Learn how to fix the "SOS Only" issue on iPhone and restore your network connectivity.

Imagine that you are traveling through a beautiful setting and that you want to share some photos of your trip with the people you care about. When you take your iPhone out of your pocket, the only thing that appears on the Status bar is the word “SOS.” This is extremely frustrating, and it looks like you have a challenging day ahead of you. if you want to know ho to Fix ‘SOS Only’ issue on iPhone.

In this guide, we will discuss what an SOS-only iPhone is as well as the reasons why this appears to be the case. In addition to that, we will demonstrate for you some efficient solutions that you can use to get rid of the predicament. So, let’s begin with the fundamentals, shall we?

What Does SOS Only Mean on iPhone?

It is natural for humans to be curious about things they have never experienced or encountered. When your iPhone displays the message “SOS Only,” you will be unable to make regular calls, send or receive SMS messages, or access cellular data. This will effectively block all of your network services.

In iOS 16, the SOS Only button is located in the top-right corner of the control center, whereas in earlier versions, it was located in the top-left corner. You can still make calls to the appropriate authorities by using Emergency SOS. On the other hand, as of the time of publication, this service is only offered in the countries of the United States of America, Europe, Canada, and Australia.

Why does iPhone say SOS / SOS Only?

  • Insufficient cell signal: The iPhone may not be able to connect to your carrier’s network if it is in an area with poor or no cellular network coverage.
  • Problems with mobile networks or carriers: When there are problems with your cell phone provider or their network, the iPhone may show the “SOS Only” message in the status bar.
  • about SIM cards: If the iPhone’s SIM card is broken or not in the right place, it might not be able to connect to the carrier’s cellular network.
  • Problems with iOS software: Software problems rarely make it hard for an iPhone to connect to a cell network.
  • Random glitch: The SOS message can sometimes show up because of a random glitch with the device, network, cell tower, or another factor.

Fix: ‘SOS Only’ issue on iPhone

Turn off and Turn On Airplane mode

  1. Open your iPhone’s settings.
  2. Flip the switch to the right of “Airplane Mode” to “On.”
  3. When you click the toggle switch to the right of “Airplane Mode,” a popup will ask you to turn on “Airplane Mode.”
  4. Now wait a second, then tap the toggle switch again to turn it off.

Restart Your iPhone

  1. Start by holding down the Power button and either the Volume Up or Volume Down button at the same time for a few seconds.
  2. The power menu will then show up on the screen.
  3. To turn off the iPhone, swipe the Slide to Power Off option on the power menu screen.
  4. Let at least 30 seconds pass before you move on to the next step.
  5. Press and hold the power button for a few seconds after the short pause to restart the iPhone.

Switch to 4G or LTE

  1. Open your iPhone’s Settings app.
  2. From the options, choose Mobile Service.
  3. Go to Options for Mobile Data.
  4. Choose Voice & Data from the list of Mobile Data Options to switch from 5G to 4G or LTE.
  5. To use VoLTE when on 4G, flip the switch next to it.

Update Carrier Settings

  1. Activate Settings.
  2. Scroll down and touch General.
  3. Select About.
  4. Scroll down until you see Carrier.
  5. You will see an Update button next to the carrier if a new update is available. Tap Update to put the new settings for your carrier into place.

FAQs

Why does my iPhone keep going to SOS mode?

Generally speaking, iPhone stuck on emergency SOS mode is because of some wrong operations we make. For example, if we press the volume up & down with the power button, you will enter SOS mode. Freshening or rooting iPhone may get iPhone stuck into emergency SOS mode also.

What is SOS only on iPhone IOS 16?

If your iPhone or iPad (Wi-Fi + Cellular) shows No Service or Searching in the status bar, it isn’t connected to a cellular network. If you see “SOS only” or “SOS” in the status bar, you can still use your device to make emergency calls.

George Southwell
George Southwell
George Southwell is a seasoned content editor at Bollyinside, renowned for his expertise in simplifying complex tech topics. Specializing in "Tips and Tricks" articles, he excels in breaking down iPhone, Android, hardware, and software insights. George's insatiable curiosity fuels his hobby of testing the latest tech updates, keeping him on the cutting edge.
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