If your iPhone displays “SOS Only” in the status bar, it means your device is not connected to your usual cellular network but can still make emergency calls. This issue can be frustrating, especially when you need your phone for calls, messages, and internet access.
In this guide, we'll cover:
What "SOS Only" means
The most common reasons why your phone displays SOS Only
Effective fixes for this issue
Preventive measures to avoid it in the future
What Does “SOS Only” Mean on iPhone?
Apple’s “SOS Only” mode appears when your phone cannot connect to your carrier but can access other networks only for emergency calls. It can happen due to network problems, SIM card issues, software glitches, or even carrier-related issues.
Top Reasons Why Your Phone Says “SOS Only”
To understand why your phone is stuck in “SOS Only” mode, let’s look at some common causes:
Cause | Description |
Poor Network Coverage | Your carrier may have weak or no signal in your area. |
Carrier Settings Are Outdated | An outdated carrier settings update can cause network disruptions. |
SIM Card Issues | A damaged, misplaced, or inactive SIM card can lead to no service. |
Account or Billing Problems | Unpaid bills or a suspended account can cause service issues. |
Software Glitches | A bug in iOS or a misconfigured network setting can prevent connection. |
Hardware Damage | Physical damage to your iPhone’s antenna or SIM tray can result in SOS mode. |
How to Fix “SOS Only” on iPhone? (Step-by-Step Solutions)
Here are practical solutions to resolve the SOS issue:
1. Check Your Network Coverage
✔ Move to an open area with better network reception.
✔ Check your carrier’s coverage map to ensure service availability.
2. Enable & Disable Airplane Mode
✔ Open Settings → Toggle Airplane Mode ON
✔ Wait for 15 seconds → Toggle Airplane Mode OFF
🔹 This forces your phone to reconnect to the network.
3. Restart Your iPhone
✔ iPhone X & Later: Press and hold Power + Volume Down until the slide to power off appears.
✔ iPhone 8 & Earlier: Hold the Power button, then slide to turn off.
🔹 Restarting refreshes your device’s network settings.
4. Update Carrier Settings
✔ Connect to Wi-Fi
✔ Go to Settings → General → About
✔ If an update is available, tap Update
🔹 Carrier settings updates improve network performance.
5. Reinsert Your SIM Card
✔ Turn off your iPhone
✔ Use a SIM ejector tool to remove the SIM
✔ Clean the SIM tray and reinsert it properly
🔹 If your SIM is damaged, contact your carrier for a replacement.
6. Reset Network Settings
✔ Go to Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone
✔ Tap Reset → Reset Network Settings
✔ Enter your passcode and confirm
🔹 This will reset Wi-Fi, VPN, and cellular settings but won’t delete your data.
7. Check for iOS Updates
✔ Open Settings → General → Software Update
✔ Download and install any available updates
🔹 A bug fix in a newer iOS update can resolve SOS-only issues.
8. Contact Your Carrier
✔ Check for account suspensions or unpaid bills
✔ Ask if there are network outages in your area
✔ Request a new SIM card if needed
🔹 Carriers can manually refresh your connection.
9. Visit an Apple Store
If none of the above fixes work, hardware damage (antenna issues) might be the cause.
✔ Schedule a Genius Bar appointment at an Apple Store
✔ Request a diagnostic test
Preventive Measures to Avoid “SOS Only” Mode
To prevent this issue in the future, follow these best practices:
✅ Keep your iPhone updated: Always install iOS and carrier updates.
✅ Maintain your SIM card: Check for damage or dirt buildup.
✅ Avoid unpaid bills: Keep your cellular account in good standing.
✅ Use a protective case: Prevent accidental damage to network components.
✅ Travel with a backup SIM: If you’re in a different country, use a local SIM.
Final Thoughts
Experiencing “SOS Only” mode on your iPhone can be stressful, but with the right troubleshooting steps, you can quickly fix it. Whether it’s network issues, SIM problems, or a simple glitch, following this guide will help you restore your connection.
💡 Did this article help? Share your experience in the comments below!
FAQs
Toggle Airplane Mode, restart your phone and check your SIM card. Update carrier settings and reset network settings if needed. Contact your carrier if the issue persists.
It can happen due to poor network coverage, a damaged SIM card, carrier issues, or a software glitch.
You can’t manually turn it off. Move to a better coverage area, restart your phone, check SIM card and carrier settings, or reset network settings.
Possible reasons include no network signal, a faulty SIM card, account suspension, or an iOS bug. Contact your carrier or visit an Apple Store if needed.
