What does SOS Mean on iPhone & How to Fix it

What Does SOS Mean on iPhone?

The “SOS Only” problem on an iPhone can interrupt your phone services. This article explains what “SOS Only” means, why it happens, and how to fix it. We’ll cover emergency services, carrier networks, and different ways to fix your iPhone so it works normally again.

“SOS Only” on an iPhone

Why Does My Phone Say SOS

When “SOS Only” shows up on your iPhone, it’s a sign that your phone is in a special mode. This mode is designed for emergencies, allowing you to call emergency services like 911 in the US, 112 in Europe, 999 in the UK, or 000 in Australia. However, while in this mode, your phone can’t do regular tasks. You won’t be able to make normal calls, send texts, or browse the internet. It’s a restricted mode that kicks in under specific conditions.

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This warning shows up at the top of your iPhone screen. It’s a safety feature, but can be confusing if you don’t know why it’s there. It’s there to help you call for help in emergencies, even if you’re not in your carrier’s area or if they have problems.

You might see “SOS Only” if you’re out of your carrier’s range, like in a remote place, during a carrier outage, or abroad. This warning means you’re limited to emergency calls and can’t use regular phone services.

When “SOS Only” shows up on your iPhone, it means:

  1. Emergency Calls Only: You can only call emergency numbers.

  2. No Regular Services: You can’t make normal calls, send texts, or use the internet.

  3. Safety Features Work: Features like Crash Detection and Fall Detection still work.

  4. Top of Screen: The warning appears at the top of your iPhone.

  5. Safety Net: It’s a safety feature for emergencies.

  6. Out of Coverage: Happens if you’re outside your carrier’s area, like in a remote place or another country.

  7. Carrier Issues: It can also appear if your network provider has problems or is doing maintenance.

  8. Reminder: It reminds you that you’re limited to emergency calls and can’t use normal phone services.

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Reasons for iPhone Stuck in SOS Mode

The “SOS Only” message on your iPhone means you’re out of your usual network’s range and in a different network area. This can happen if you travel abroad, are in a remote area, or if your carrier has problems.

This feature lets you make emergency calls even when you’re out of your network. You can call local services like police, fire, ambulance, and others in emergencies. “SOS Only” can also show up if your network is down temporarily.

It might also happen due to crowded networks, weak signals, or interference from other devices. Sometimes, it could be an issue with your iPhone itself, needing a check or fix.

When you see “SOS Only” on your iPhone, it could mean:

  1. Away from Network: If you’re in a different country or remote area, this alert might show.

  2. Call in Emergencies: You can still call emergency services in this mode.

  3. Network Trouble: Problems or maintenance by your network provider can trigger this message.

  4. Overloaded Network: Too many people using the network can overload it, leading to this alert.

  5. Weak Signal: This mode can activate in areas with bad network coverage.

  6. iPhone Issues: If your iPhone has hardware or software problems, it might show “SOS Only.” You may need to get it fixed.

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How to Fix “SOS Only” on an iPhone

How to Get Rid of SOS Only on iPhone

Here we will see how to fix no service on iPhone. If you’re having the warning of sos only on iPhone how to fix that. To resolve the “SOS Only” issue on your iPhone, follow these steps:

1. Move to an area with better coverage:

The simplest way to resolve the “SOS Only” warning is to move to an area within your carrier’s coverage range. Once you’re back in range, the warning should disappear, and you should regain access to your regular communication services.

2. Toggle Airplane Mode:

Sometimes, your iPhone may get “stuck” on the “SOS Only” warning even when you’re in an area with good coverage. To fix this, try enabling Airplane Mode by swiping down from the top-right corner of your screen and toggling the airplane symbol on and off in the Control Center. This can help reset your iPhone’s network connections.

3. Restart your iPhone:

If toggling Airplane Mode doesn’t work, try restarting your iPhone to re-establish a connection with your carrier. To do this, press and hold the side button and volume down button simultaneously until the power off slider appears on the screen. Slide the power off slider to the right to turn off your iPhone, then press and hold the side button again to turn it back on.

Read More: How to Turn Off Siri on Your iPhone or iPad

4. Check for carrier updates:

Sometimes, your carrier may release updates to improve network performance or fix known issues. To check for carrier updates, go to Settings > General > About. If an update is available, you’ll see a prompt to update your carrier settings.

5. Reset network settings:

If the “SOS Only” warning persists, try resetting your iPhone’s network settings. Keep in mind that this will erase all saved Wi-Fi networks and passwords, as well as cellular and VPN settings. To reset network settings, go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings.

6. Contact your carrier:

If none of the above steps work, it may be a good idea to contact your carrier for assistance. They can help troubleshoot the issue further and provide more information about potential outages or coverage problems in your area.

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Conclusion

The “SOS Only” warning on your iPhone can be frustrating, but understanding its meaning and the reasons behind it can help you effectively address the issue. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined above, you can quickly regain access to your regular communication services and continue using your iPhone without interruption.

Hope this article helps you in fixing the SOS Only issue on your iPhone. When you successfully fix the issue, let us know in the comments.

Happy Troubleshooting!!!

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