How to fix “SOS only” on iPhone: Quick solutions that work

What is “SOS only” mode on iPhone?

When your iPhone displays “SOS” or “SOS only” in the status bar, it means the device can’t connect to your mobile carrier’s network. However, you can still make emergency calls using a satellite connection or any available network.

This feature is especially useful in emergencies—such as when you're lost in a remote area or experience a signal outage due to a storm or natural disaster. It allows you to stay connected with emergency services even without regular cellular coverage.

Why does an iPhone go into “SOS only” mode?

If your iPhone is stuck in SOS mode and can’t connect to the network as usual, it may be caused by one of the following issues:

• You accidentally triggered the Emergency SOS screen by pressing and holding the volume button and the side button for about 2 seconds.
• A software glitch is disrupting the system’s normal operation.
• Incorrect network settings are causing connection errors.
• Wi-Fi issues are interfering with the device’s ability to switch between connections.
• The device has been jailbroken, which may lead to instability and network problems due to tampering with the built-in security system.

What happens when your iPhone is stuck in SOS only mode?

When your iPhone shows “SOS only” in the status bar, it means the device can’t connect to your mobile carrier’s network. This often happens when you travel outside of your provider’s coverage area, such as in rural regions or foreign countries. It can also occur if your carrier is experiencing temporary network outages or disruptions.

In “SOS only” mode, features that rely on cellular service—like making calls, sending text messages, or using Apple Maps—won’t work. However, your iPhone can still make emergency calls using satellite connections or by accessing other available carrier networks. It can also share your location with emergency services when needed.

Although cellular data won’t be available in this mode, you can still access the internet if you’re connected to Wi-Fi. That means you can continue to use apps like FaceTime, WhatsApp, and Messenger for calls and messages, and browse the web or use social media without interruption.

How to fix “SOS only” on iPhone

If your iPhone keeps showing “SOS Only,” it means your device can't connect to your mobile network. Don’t worry — here are some straightforward yet effective ways to troubleshoot the issue.

Check your cellular or Wi-Fi connection

First, make sure you're in an area with cellular coverage and that your Wi-Fi signal is strong enough. Try turning Wi-Fi off and on again, or move to a spot with better reception. If you're on home Wi-Fi, restarting your modem or router can also help.

Turn Airplane Mode on and off

Turning Airplane Mode on and off is a quick trick to reset your network connection. Enable it for a few seconds, then turn it off — this forces your iPhone to reconnect to both cellular and Wi-Fi networks.

Force restart your iPhone

A force restart can refresh your system and fix temporary software glitches that may be causing the issue. The method depends on your iPhone model, so check Apple’s support page for step-by-step instructions.

Remove and reinsert the SIM card

Your SIM may not be seated properly or may have dust buildup. Power off your iPhone, take the SIM out, clean it gently, and reinsert it before turning the device back on.

Reset network settings

If none of the above steps work, try resetting your network settings. This will erase saved Wi-Fi networks, Bluetooth pairings, and cellular settings. After resetting, reconnect to your networks manually.

Update iOS or carrier settings

Software updates often include bug fixes and improvements, including those related to connectivity. Also check if there’s a carrier settings update available — installing both can stabilize your network connection.

Try recovery mode if nothing works

Still having trouble? You might need to restore your iPhone using Recovery Mode. Be warned: this will erase all data, so make sure to back up your phone first. Apple provides detailed recovery instructions on its website.

Contact your carrier if the issue persists

If you’ve tried everything and the issue remains, it could be a problem with your mobile account or the carrier's network. Reach out to your provider for assistance.

Traveling? Make sure your plan covers roaming

If you're overseas, make sure your current plan includes international roaming. Without it, your iPhone won’t be able to connect to local networks and will default to “SOS Only.”

How to prevent your iPhone from going into SOS mode again

To avoid your iPhone getting stuck in “SOS only” mode, make sure you're using a mobile carrier with strong, reliable coverage. Regularly check your signal strength, clean and reinsert your SIM card if needed, and keep your iOS updated to ensure smooth performance.

When traveling abroad, the easiest solution is to use an international eSIM from The Bitjoy. It only takes a few minutes to activate, you can keep your physical SIM in place, and enjoy internet access at a lower cost than roaming. Compared to buying a local prepaid SIM, The Bitjoy is much simpler and more flexible.

Common questions about iPhone stuck in SOS only

If your iPhone keeps showing “SOS Only” and you're not sure why, the following questions and answers will help you understand what’s going on and how to fix it.

What does “SOS only” mean on iPhone?

When your iPhone displays “SOS Only,” it means the device can’t connect to your carrier’s regular mobile network. This prevents you from making calls, sending texts, or using cellular data. However, you can still make emergency calls through any available network, or via satellite if your iPhone supports it. Essentially, this mode indicates a serious connectivity issue that limits your phone’s basic functionality.

Can a bad SIM card cause SOS mode?

Yes, a damaged or improperly inserted SIM card is a common reason for an iPhone getting stuck in “SOS Only” mode. If the SIM isn’t making proper contact with the device, your iPhone won’t be able to establish a mobile connection. Try removing and reinserting the SIM card carefully. If the issue continues, request a replacement SIM from your carrier to rule out hardware problems.

Will updating iOS fix the issue?

Updating iOS can help resolve temporary software glitches that may be causing the “SOS Only” status, but it’s not a guaranteed fix. While system updates often include bug fixes and performance improvements, the root cause may lie in hardware issues or network problems beyond your iPhone’s control. Updating is still a useful troubleshooting step, but don’t rely on it as the only solution.

Do I need to contact my carrier?

If you’ve restarted your iPhone, checked or replaced the SIM, and updated iOS—and the “SOS Only” message still appears—it’s time to contact your mobile provider. They can investigate local network outages, check your account status for service interruptions, and offer further technical support. Reaching out to your carrier is essential when self-troubleshooting doesn’t resolve the issue.

Still struggling with the issue after trying every step in this guide on how to fix the “SOS only” on iPhone? It might be time to contact your mobile carrier for further support. And if you frequently travel abroad and want to avoid mobile connection problems, using an international eSIM from The Bitjoy is a smart choice—easy to set up, cost-effective, and reliable wherever you go.

Read more :

Are eSIMs safe for banking or a risk you should know about?

EID Number Explained: How It Works and Where to Find It on Your Device