SOS Only iPhone - What Does It Mean & How to Fix?

The term "SOS Only" shows on an iPhone when the device is unable to connect to a cell network and can only make emergency calls. This situation might persist for a variety of reasons, ranging from network issues to device problems. Here's a detailed explanation of the "SOS Only" mode approach on an iPhone and how to troubleshoot it.

If you see No Service or Search in the status bar on your iPhone or iPad (Wi-Fi), your device does not attach to a mobile network. if you see SOS or SOS Only in the status rod, your machine can even now create emergency calls.

Understanding "SOS Only" Mode on iPhone

Cellular Network Issues: The most common reason for an iPhone to display "SOS Only" is when it cannot establish a steady connection to the cell network. This could be due to poor network coverage, provider troubles, or problems with the iPhone's SIM card.

No Service: When an iPhone offers "No Service" or "SOS Only," it means that the device is unable to connect to the mobile network in order to make regular calls or use cellular records. However, it is still capable of making emergency calls because it can connect to any available network to enable emergency services.

Possible Causes for SOS Only in iPhone

Network Coverage: Check to see if you're in a region with good network insurance. Being in a remote location or a building with thick partitions might occasionally have an impact on network reception.

SIM Card Issues: make sure that the SIM card is properly inserted into a mobile phone and not damaged. A faulty SIM card can keep your iPhone from connecting to the community.

Carrier Problems: Check for any known network outages or problems with your phone carrier.

How to Solve “SOS Only iPhone”

1. Restart iPhone: start by restarting your iPhone. This simple step can often resolve temporary network related issues.

2. Check Airplane Mode: The Airplane Mode is turned off because If your mobile Airplane Mode is active, all wireless connections, including cellular, are disabled.

3. Toggle Cellular Data and Roaming:

• ● Go to Settings > Cellular > Toggle Cellular Data off after that on it once more.
• ● Similarly, turn off Data Roaming if you're in a location where roaming is required.

4. Check SIM Card:

• ● Remove the SIM card out of your iPhone (you will need a SIM eject tool or a paperclip).
• ● Check the SIM card for any damage or dust.
• ● insert the SIM card securely and restart your iPhone.

5. Update Carrier Settings:

• ● Sometimes, updating carrier settings can fix network-related issues.
• ● Go to Settings > General > About. If a replacement is available, you will see a activate to update your carrier settings.

6. Check for iPhone Updates:

• ● Make sure that your iPhone has the latest version of iOS.
• ● Go to Settings > General > Software Update for updates.

7. Reset Network Settings:

• ● This step will reset all network associated settings to default.
• ● Go to Settings then press General then click Reset and click Reset your Network Settings. Note that this will additionally erase stored Wi-Fi passwords.

8. Contact Carrier Support:

• ● If not one of the above steps clears up the difficulty, contact your cell service's customer service.
• ● They can check if there are any specific issues with your account or the network in your area.

FAQs

1: How do I get my iPhone out of SOS only

Here are some easy ways to fix an iPhone stuck on SOS mode: 

• ● Quickly press and release the Volume Down button, then press and hold the side button.
• ● Usually press and release the Volume Up button.
• ● Press the side button until the Apple logo appears.

2: Why does my iPhone say SOS only and no SIM?

Re-insert the SIM card, which will receive an SOS error if you don't insert the SIM card correctly. You need to re-insert your SIM card.

3: How do I set up mobile service on my iPhone?

On your new iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular, tap Set Up Cellular or Add SIM, then tap Transfer From Nearby iPhone or choose a phone number. 

4: How to clear the cache on iPhone?

Delete history, cache, and cookies.

• ● Go to Settings > Safari.
• ● Tap Clear History and Website Data.

Final Words

When an iPhone is in "SOS Only" mode, it means that ordinary cellular network access is unavailable. It is usually a temporary issue that can be fixed by performing troubleshooting procedures including restarting the device, verifying the validity of the SIM card, changing settings, or contacting your service for assistance. However, it can be alarming, especially in emergency situations. In the event that none of those fixes work, there may be a more serious hardware issue requiring expert repair with the iPhone service center.