How to Fix an iPhone Stuck in SOS Mode
If your iPhone displays “SOS” even in an area with good coverage, don’t worry—it’s fixable! Here’s how to resolve it.
You might have encountered the “SOS” message while in a remote area, signaling you can only make emergency calls. But when this status lingers even after returning to a place with coverage, it’s frustrating. Fortunately, you can fix this.
What is Apple’s Emergency SOS via Satellite?
Emergency SOS via satellite is a feature on the iPhone 14 and newer models, allowing you to contact emergency services even without cellular or Wi-Fi service. The “SOS” in the corner indicates you’re using satellite technology to connect with emergency services, but it’s different from the regular Emergency SOS that needs cellular service.
Why Does My iPhone Stay in SOS Mode?
Your iPhone may struggle to reconnect to the network, even after returning to an area with service. Here’s how to fix it.
How to Fix Your iPhone When It’s Stuck in SOS Mode
- Check Coverage Area:
Ensure you’re in a place with cellular service. Ask around if others are connected. - Toggle Cellular Data:
Go to Settings > Cellular and toggle Cellular Data off and on. - Restart Your iPhone:
For iPhone X and later, press and hold the volume button and the side button to turn off the phone. Wait 30 seconds and power it back on. - Check for Carrier Settings Update:
Go to Settings > General > About to check for any updates. - Turn Your Cellular Line Off and On:
Go to Settings > Cellular and toggle your line off and on. If using a physical SIM, remove and reinsert it. - Update Your iPhone:
Go to Settings > General > Software Update to check for any software fixes. - Reset Network Settings:
Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings. Warning: this resets Wi-Fi networks, passwords, and cellular settings. - Contact Your Carrier:
If issues persist, contact your provider to check for outages or account problems.
Important Points:
- Emergency SOS via Satellite: Available on iPhone 14 and newer, it allows communication without cellular service but can cause the SOS mode to remain active.
- Steps to Try:
- Check service coverage and make sure you’re in a connected area.
- Toggle Cellular Data to refresh the connection.
- Restart your device to refresh its settings.
- Check for carrier or software updates to address bugs.
- Reset network settings if nothing works.
- Travel Tip: For international travel, enable data roaming under Settings > Cellular > Data Roaming.
Follow these steps to restore your regular network service and get rid of the SOS mode. If the problem continues, contact your carrier for further assistance.
