Why Does My iPhone Say “SOS Only” and How to Fix It?
If you’ve ever looked at your iPhone and noticed that it says “SOS Only,” you’re probably wondering what it means and how to fix it. This issue can be frustrating, especially when you need your phone to stay connected, but don’t worry – it’s usually a simple fix.
In this article, we’ll explain what “SOS Only” means, why it appears on your iPhone, and step-by-step solutions to get your phone back to normal.
What Does “SOS Only” Mean?
When your iPhone shows “SOS Only,” it means your device can only make emergency calls. Essentially, it’s telling you that while you can’t make regular calls or use cellular data, the phone is still able to contact emergency services (like 911 in the U.S.) through available networks.
This message typically appears when your phone can’t connect to your carrier’s network, but it’s still able to connect to any available network for emergency purposes. It’s not a sign that your phone is broken, but it does indicate that there’s an issue with your cellular connection.
Why Does My iPhone Say “SOS Only”?
Most US mobile carriers are having trouble connecting, according to user data submitted to the website DownDetector. Sal Castaneda, a KTVU reporter, reported on X, formerly known as Twitter, that Verizon is going through an outage that is impacting every city in California.
There are several reasons why your iPhone may display “SOS Only.” Here are the most common causes:
- Weak or No Signal
One of the most common reasons for “SOS Only” is that your phone is in an area with no signal or a very weak signal from your carrier. This can happen in remote areas, basements, or places with lots of interference. - Network Issues
Sometimes, your carrier’s network may be experiencing problems or outages in your area. This can prevent your iPhone from connecting to the network and lead to the “SOS Only” message. - SIM Card Problems
A damaged or improperly inserted SIM card can cause your iPhone to lose its connection to the carrier’s network, resulting in the “SOS Only” message. - Software Glitch
Occasionally, a software bug or glitch can cause your iPhone to display “SOS Only” even if there’s no issue with your cellular connection. - Carrier Settings Issue
If your carrier settings are outdated or corrupted, your phone may struggle to connect to the network, triggering the “SOS Only” message.
How to Fix “SOS Only” on Your iPhone
Now that you know why your iPhone might display “SOS Only,” let’s dive into the solutions. The good news is that most of these fixes are simple and quick to try. Here are some steps to help you get your phone back to full connectivity:
1. Check Your Signal
First, make sure you’re in an area with a good signal. If you’re in a remote location or a basement, try moving to a higher floor or an open area to see if your connection improves.
2. Restart Your iPhone
Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve connectivity issues. Hold the power button (and volume button on iPhones without a home button) to power off your phone, then turn it back on after a few seconds.
3. Check for Network Outages
Check if your carrier is experiencing any service disruptions in your area. You can visit your carrier’s website or check social media for any outage updates. If there’s a network outage, your only option is to wait until the issue is resolved.
You can download the most recent version of the Apple Support app to run further diagnostics on iPhone models running iOS 18, which can help identify the problem’s origin.
4. Toggle Airplane Mode
Turn on Airplane Mode for about 30 seconds and then turn it off again. This can help your phone reconnect to available networks and resolve any temporary connectivity problems.
To do this:
- Open the Control Center (swipe down from the top-right corner or up from the bottom, depending on your iPhone model).
- Tap the Airplane Mode icon. Wait a few seconds, then tap it again to turn it off.
5. Remove and Reinsert Your SIM Card
A faulty or improperly inserted SIM card can cause connection issues. Try removing your SIM card and reinserting it carefully. Make sure it’s clean and properly seated in the tray.
How to remove the SIM card:
- Locate the SIM tray (usually on the right side of your iPhone).
- Use a paperclip or SIM ejector tool to pop the tray open.
- Remove the SIM card, inspect it for damage, and reinsert it properly.
6. Update Your iPhone’s Carrier Settings
Your carrier may release updates to improve network connectivity and fix bugs. To check for updates:
- Go to Settings > General > About.
- If there’s an update available, you’ll see a prompt to update your carrier settings.
7. Update Your iPhone’s Software
Software bugs can cause all sorts of issues, including connectivity problems. Check for any available iOS updates and install them to ensure your device is running the latest version of the operating system.
To update your iPhone:
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
- If an update is available, tap Download and Install.
8. Reset Network Settings
If none of the previous steps worked, resetting your network settings can often fix connectivity problems. This will reset Wi-Fi networks, Bluetooth connections, and cellular settings to their defaults, so you’ll need to reconnect to Wi-Fi and re-enter any Bluetooth devices.
To reset network settings:
- Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
- Enter your passcode and confirm the reset.
9. Contact Your Carrier
If your iPhone still displays “SOS Only” after trying all the above steps, it’s time to contact your carrier. There may be an issue with your account or the network in your area. Your carrier’s customer support team can help diagnose and resolve the issue.
Final Thoughts
Seeing “SOS Only” on your iPhone doesn’t always mean something is seriously wrong – it’s usually a sign of a network or connection issue that’s preventing your phone from making regular calls or using data. By following the troubleshooting steps above, you should be able to get your iPhone back to full functionality in no time.
If none of the solutions work, don’t hesitate to reach out to Apple Support or your carrier for further assistance. They can help pinpoint the exact cause of the problem and guide you toward a resolution.
Stay connected, and remember: help is just a call (or text) away – once your iPhone is back to normal!
