How to Fix SOS Only on iPhone: 7 Easy Solutions That Actually Work

April 25, 2025 By admin No Comments 5 minutes

While “SOS Only” might seem to be a glitch that may make you regret spending an arm and a leg on iPhone, it’s only an indication that you’ve entered a region where signals aren’t available. For example, you might be out for a hike, and you see a SOS on iPhone. However, even if you’re back somewhere with full signal availability, the SOS will still be on.

Despite running here and there to find a stable connection, if the SOS remains enabled, it’s time to find the quick fixes to it. That said, this guide covers brief tutorials on how to fix SOS only on iPhone.

Note: While SOS mode only on iPhone is a result of the unavailability of a cellular network connection, you can still use a VPN to help in specific situations indirectly. For example, you can connect to a reliable VPN, like FastestVPN to bypass VoIP services or leverage WiFi calling through a VPN.

What Is SOS Only on an iPhone?

“SOS Only” on iPhone appears when your device can’t connect to the carrier’s network but still enables you to make emergency calls, like 911 and others. But it might not only be your network issues causing an SOS on iPhone; there are more reasons for it. Here are 5 common reasons for SOS only on iPhone:

1. Network Issues: No signals in the region enable SOS only.
2. No Coverage or Roaming: The SIM may not have roaming agreements or coverage in the area.
3. Incorrect Settings: Issues in the network settings or outdated carrier settings updates.
4. SIM Card Issues: Missing, damaged, and inaccurate SIM insertion.
5. Account Issues: The account was suspended with the carrier service.

What Are the Problems With SOS Mode on iPhone?

Simply put, once you’re stuck with it, regaining a network connection is worse than finding a pink quencher. Meaning once SOS on iPhone is enabled, the phone won’t regain the network connection even if you’re in an area with full signals. For example, someone else in the same area might have the network, but you won’t.

However, there are more problems that you might face once the SOS on iPhone is enabled:

1. No Cellular Data

Internet services requiring cellular data won’t work, making apps dependent on network connectivity inaccessible.

2. Limited Communication

Sending and receiving messages will be limited. And making emergency calls won’t always be possible.

3. Phone Use Interruption

An unexpected SOS on iPhone can interrupt your phone use. Meaning, the missed calls list might take days to scroll. Or, if you use your phone for work, too, then there might be a significant productivity disruption.

4. Battery Drain

You’ll notice the battery dropping quicker than usual. This is due to the phone constantly searching for a stronger network signal.

5. Potential SIM Card or Carrier Issues

If you notice the SOS mode consistently enabling, it might indicate SIM card problems or service provider-related issues.

How To Fix SOS Only on iPhone

Is your iPhone stuck in SOS mode? Here are 7 ways for SOS only on iPhone how to fix:

1. Be In an Area With Cellular Network Coverage

Go to an area with better cellular network coverage. Or, you can ask the people around to confirm network availability.

2. Restart Your iPhone

Despite moving to an area with network coverage, if you’re still struggling with the SOS being enabled, then restarting the phone might help. Here’s how to restart your iPhone (for iPhone X onwards):

• Hold the volume button (either high or low) and the power button.
• You’ll see the power off slider appear on the screen.
• Drag the slider in the opposite direction of the icon.
• Wait for at least a minute. Press and hold down the power button.

3. Turn Mobile Data off and On

After restarting your phone, turn the mobile data off and on. Here’s how to do that:

• Swipe down the quick access settings.
• Find the mobile data option.
• Turn it off and then back on.

4. Switch the Cellular Line off and On

Here’s how to turn the cellular line off and on:

• Go to Settings > Cellular.
• Navigate your phone number.
• Turn the cellular line off and on.

You can also remove and insert the physical SIM to fix SOS only on iPhone.

5. Update the Carrier Settings

There might be a carrier update that you’re unaware of. Here’s how to update the carrier settings to fix SOS only on your iPhone:

• Go to Settings.
• Navigate General > About.
• Check if there’s any update. If there is, then select Update.

6. Reset the Network Settings

Note: This tutorial for “how to fix SOS only on iPhone” will reset all your WiFi network settings. Only proceed with this if none of the above-mentioned steps work.

• Go to Settings > General.
• Find Transfer or Reset iPhone and select Reset.
• Choose Reset Network Settings.

Final Note

This guide walked you through “how to fix SOS only on iPhone” and brief steps to fix it. However, if you’re constantly seeing the SOS warning on your iPhone, then that might be an indication that the area you’re living in has poor cellular data coverage. For this, it’s best to switch to a better phone plan that offers a network in the area where you live.