What Does “SOS Only” Mean on iPhone and How to Fix It

Quick Tips

• It usually occurs due to faulty or weak network coverage. So, try moving to an area with better coverage, enable/disable Airplane mode, or switch to LTE.
• For many users, disabling and enabling automatic network selection has worked like a charm. So try it.
• If nothing else works, reset network settings to get rid of bugs or connection-related issues behind the issue.

What Does SOS Only Mean on iPhone

The simplest explanation is that you are outside the coverage area. If your iPhone is unable to connect to a cellular network properly, you’ll either see,

• A No Service or Searching error in the status bar, or,
• An SOS or SOS only at the top-right corner in iOS 16 and the top-left corner in iOS 15 and earlier. (Only available in the United States, Canada, and Australia)

Both options indicate that you can’t make or take phone calls, send messages, or use cellular data. However, you can use the emergency SOS service to make a call to 911 or the concerned authorities.

Note: If you’re seeing the No Service error, here’s how to fix the No Service error issue.

Why Does My Phone Say SOS Only

Your iPhone might be stuck in SOS mode due to,

• Faulty or weak network coverage.
• Carrier issues/
• SIM card isn’t inserted correctly, or it is broken or damaged somehow.
• A bug in iOS.
• Airplane mode is active.

Now that we know the common causes, let’s move on to the fixes for the SOS only error.

Basic Fixes

• Move to a place with better network connectivity – If you’re in an area with low or no network coverage, there’s nothing you can do to fix SOS only on iPhone. The only solution is to move around or go to a place that has better connectivity.
• Enable and disable Airplane mode – Your iPhone might be stuck in the SOS-only state due to a network error. When you enable and disable Airplane Mode, it attempts a fresh connection, mostly fixing up the error.
• Check for carrier outages – Maybe your SOS only error is due to server/network issues from your network carrier. If you can access the web, go to Downdetector and search if others are facing similar issues. If so, all you can do is wait for them to fix it.
• Enable data roaming – The culprit behind the SOS only on iPhone might be the disabled data roaming option. So, if you’re traveling, check this setting before moving on.
• Restart iPhone – Resetting the caches can resolve any bug or settings errors, allowing a stable network connection and fixing the issue at hand.
• Re-insert SIM – While this doesn’t happen often, the physical SIM card could disrupt the network connectivity. And a simple reset will help you get rid of SOS-only on your iPhone.
• Update iOS – You could be seeing the SOS symbol because of a software issue. Gratefully, you can easily resolve it with an OS update. So, check if an update is available and install it.

Fix 1. Switch to 4G or LTE

5G is still not fully functional across the globe and it might affect your signal strength and connection. So, it’s wiser to disable 5G on iPhone and stick to 4G if this problem persists.

Fix 2. Update Carrier Settings

Provided by the carrier, these settings are designed to improve cellular connectivity and overall performance. Although usually done automatically, you can also check and manually update carrier settings on your iPhone.

Step 1: In Settings, go to General. Tap About.

Step 2: If an update is available, a pop-up will appear; click Update to install.

If you’re setting up an eSIM or did one recently, you might need to manually download the new carrier settings. Once updated, the network bars should return to the status bar, otherwise, try out the next step.

Fix 3. Disable and Enable Automatic Network Selection

This setting ensures that you’re connected to the right network (carrier), allowing a stable network connection. Turning it off and on pushes the device to re-establish the connection with the network, helping you turn off SOS only on the iPhone.

Step 1: Go to Settings → Cellular/Mobile Data.

Step 2: Select Network Selection. Toggle off the switch next to Automatic.

Step 3: After a few seconds, toggle it back on.

Fix4. Reset Your Network Settings

If the above methods didn’t get rid of SOS only on iPhones, it’s time to try the ultimate troubleshooting step. Why is resetting your network setting ultimate?

Because it will erase stored Bluetooth devices, Wi-Fi passwords, VPN configurations, and more. So, jot down all the necessary details before you proceed with this method.

Step 1: Launch Settings → General. Scroll down and select ‘Transfer or Reset iPhone’.

Step 2: Here, select Reset.

Step 3: Tap Reset Network Settings. Enter the passcode if prompted.

Step 4: Tap Reset Network Settings again to confirm the action.

We’ve covered almost all facets. However, if you still see SOS or SOS only next to the Wi-Fi icon, only your carrier can help you out of the situation. So, get on a call with them and get this thing fixed.

If even this effort doesn’t yield some fruitful results, try contacting Apple Support for a solution.