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how to fix sos on iphone

If your iPhone shows “SOS” or “SOS only” in the status bar, it usually means it can’t connect properly to your carrier’s network, but can still make emergency calls. In most cases, you can fix it with a few network and SIM checks.

What “SOS” on iPhone means

  • “SOS” or “SOS Only” means the phone has no normal cellular service but can still dial emergency numbers in your region.
  • It’s often caused by network outages, a SIM/eSIM issue, wrong settings, or a software glitch after an update or drop.

Fast fixes to try first

  • Toggle Airplane Mode :
    • Open Control Center → turn Airplane Mode on, wait 10–15 seconds, then turn it off.
  • Restart your iPhone :
    • Power off and turn it back on; this clears many temporary network glitches.
  • Check your location :
    • Move to an open area or near a window; basements, elevators, or rural areas can cause “SOS only” if signal is too weak.

Check SIM, eSIM, and carrier

  • Physical SIM :
    • Turn off iPhone → remove SIM tray → clean SIM gently → reinsert firmly → turn phone back on.
  • eSIM :
    • Go to Settings → Cellular / Mobile Data → make sure your eSIM line is turned on and not showing “No Service”.
  • Carrier outage or account issue :
    • Check your carrier’s service-status page or social feeds for outages in your area.
* Make sure your plan is active and bills are paid; suspended lines can show SOS only.

Fix network & software settings

  • Update carrier settings :
    • Settings → General → About; if a carrier update prompt appears, tap Update , then restart.
  • Update iOS :
    • Connect to Wi‑Fi → Settings → General → Software Update → install any available update; newer iOS often fixes network bugs.
  • Reset network-related settings (won’t erase your photos/apps):
    • Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Reset → Reset Network Settings or Reset All Settings , then test again.

When it might be hardware or serious

  • If the phone was recently dropped hard, got wet, or had an unofficial repair, the internal antenna or SIM reader could be damaged, causing persistent SOS.
  • If “SOS” stays even after:
    • force restart,
    • SIM/eSIM checks,
    • carrier status check,
    • iOS and carrier settings updates,
    • and reset network/all settings,
      then contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store or authorized repair center for diagnostics.

TL;DR: To fix SOS on iPhone, start with Airplane Mode toggle and restart, check SIM/eSIM and carrier outages, update carrier/iOS, and reset network settings; if nothing works, it’s likely a carrier or hardware issue and needs support.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.