SOS only iPhone, SOS stands for that your device is not connected to any network. This problem is only faced by iPhone users. The sign SOS only on the top of the screen is a very bad sign for users.
Introduction
“SOS only” means that you are outside the normal operating range for your phone provider, to fix this problem you need to move back into your coverage area. After that, if you also see that it is still there then try toggling airplane mode on and off or restarting your iPhone.
Explanation
If you see “SOS Only” on your iPhone on the top of your phone screen you will face trouble in making calls, sending messages, and accessing the internet. Here we will discuss how to get these things back.
What does “SOS only” mean?
The “SOS” warning appears only in the carrier field, at the top of the screen of your iPhone. It means that the calls you can make are only emergency calls. There are some numbers from different countries that you can make calls on your iPhone while on SOS.
| Countries | Numbers |
| United States | 911 |
| Australia | 000 |
| United Kingdom | 999 |
| Europe | 112 |
Normal calls to standard numbers cannot work and you aren’t able to send messages. Data services that connect to the internet also did not work. Your phone is only limited to calling the police, ambulance service, fire, coastguard, mountain rescue, or likely emergency services.
If you have an iPhone additionally with Crash detection or Apple Watch with Fall Detection or other similar emergency services, these will still work as normal while you see the similar “SOS Only” warning.
Why does iPhone say “SOS Only”?
SOS means the carrier your iPhone commonly uses is out of range but you are in range of different networks. For example, if you are subscribed to AT&T but are in an area where it is only covered by Verizon, you will see the SOS-only warning on your iPhone.
This means you can still call for help but outside of normal cell phone range. It only appears when you are traveling abroad depending on which country you are calling from.
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Different ways to fix “SOS Only” issues
How to fix SOS only iPhone? There are a lot of ways to fix SOS errors in your iPhone. These steps help you to get rid of the SOS Only error.
By enable roaming on iPhone: When you got prepared to travel outside the town, state, or even country, turn on roaming on your iPhone.
- Open the settings app and then go to cellular data
- Click the cellular data option and then toggle on Data Roaming
With this, the network provider can provide a network and help you turn off SOS Only on your iPhone. Maybe some service providers charge you extra for roaming.
By updating the carrier setting: The carrier provides an update to enhance connectivity and overall network performance. The update usually takes place automatically, you can still check and update carrier settings on your iPhone. Mainly this issue can bring back 5G on your iPhone.
By switching to 4Gor LTE: Are you enjoying 5G on your iPhone? Well, that might be the reason why your new iPhone says there is no network service after it activates. Because 5G is relatively new and cellular companies are optimizing their infrastructure; that’s way staying in 4G mode is better than the 5G option until it is widely available.
By Re-insert SIM Card: Although it is rare, network connectivity is also caused by a Physical SIM card. In this type of case, you can take the SIM out, put it back inside, and see if that helps. However, if you are using eSIM on your iPhone, don’t try to reset it until your carrier advises.
Turn on & off airplane mode
The method is very helpful and lets you quickly restart your wireless connection apart from Bluetooth. This can help you to turn off SOS Only iPhone.
- Open Control Center and then tap the Airplane icon After some time, turn it off and check the issue that it is still there are not.
- Besides this, you can also do the same by going to settings and turning on Airplane mode.
If you are using a 3G network
With the improvement of the 4G network and the arrival of the 5G network, many cellular service providers have shut down their 3G services. Hence these devices might see SOS Only;
- iPhone5c, iPhone5s, and earlier
- iPad 2 and earlier
If you are using iPhone 6 and iPad 3rd generation, it’s time to update your device.
Method to reset network settings on your iPhone
How to fix SOS only iPhone? Since non of the methods helped you to turn off SOS Only on your iPhone, then erase all the connections it made.
Perform the following steps to erase all the saved data related to connected Bluetooth devices, VPN configuration, WIFI passwords, and all other network settings, including SOS Only.
- Open settings and tap on General
- Scroll down and select Reset iPhone
- Select Reset and select Reset Network Settings
- Give the passcode
- Now, select Reset Network Settings
These all methods help you to solve SOS Only problem.
FAQS
Why does my phone say SOS only at the top of my iPhone?
The SOS status on the top of your screen shows that your iPhone is not connected to any network.
How to get rid of SOS only?
There are many ways to get rid of SOS only on your iPhone.
- By Reset your iPhone
- By Re-Insert SIM card
These methods help you to get rid of SOS-only iPhones.
How to fix no service on your iPhone?
Some steps to fix this problem are given below.
- First of all, check your coverage area
- If you see SOS only or SOS on your phone
To solve these problems the thing you need is to reset your mobile network or use Airplane mode. It can help you to fix the overall problem.
Can I still use my iPhone if it says SOS only?
Yes, you can still use your iPhone if it says SOS only. You can still make emergency calls, and you can also use Wi-Fi if you’re connected to a Wi-Fi network. However, you will not be able to use cellular data or make non-emergency calls.
Why does iPhone have SOS only?
The “SOS only” feature on iPhone is designed to ensure that you can always make emergency calls, even if your iPhone is not able to connect to a cellular network. This is very important in areas with poor cellular coverage or if your SIM card is damaged.
Conclusion
SOS Only iPhone is commonly seen in the iPhones of those people who travel a lot abroad. The reason is very simple that your iPhone is not connected to all networks all over the world. That’s why, when you travel from one place to another you see SOS Only notification on the top of your iPhone screen. To solve this error you can use several methods. The best among all is to turn on/off airplane mode on your iPhone or reset your network settings. These all methods help you to solve the issue.