iPhone users are facing an issue with their device, with their iPhone showing SOS mode. Many users took to Twitter to vent their frustration as they were seeing the cellular service status bars disappear and be replaced by ‘SOS’ or ‘SOS Only’.
They were left wondering: What does “SOS” mean on iPhone? and Why is my iPhone showing SOS?
If you are also facing the same SOS issue with your iPhone then this article is for you. Read on to learn all about What does SOS on your device mean and Why is your iPhone showing SOS.
Reasons iPhone showing SOS
If you see ‘SOS’ or ‘SOS Only’ in your iPhone’s status bar, it means the iPhone is not connected to a cellular network. It is usually seen when you are in an area with poor network connectivity. It happens if you are in a basement, tunnel or rural area. However, you can continue to make emergency calls from the iPhone.
iPhone Showing SOS- Fixes
Here are some solutions to solve the SOS error in iPhone.
The best way to fix the iPhone showing an SOS issue is to move to an area with strong network coverage. If you’re in the basement of a building, an elevator, a tunnel or a remote rural location, you will face this error. Try moving to an area that’s within the network coverage range.
Turn Off/On Cellular Data
You could be facing the iPhone showing an SOS issue due to a network error. Try to disable and then enable Cellular Data to fix the error.
Go to your iPhone’s Settings and tap on Cellular Data. Toggle the switch-off button.
Wait for some time and then Toggle on the cellular data button. Check if the error is resolved.
Enable Roaming on iPhone
If you are out of the city or country then try turning on roaming on your device to solve the iPhone showing SOS issue.
- Go to the settings on your device and go to cellular data.
- Tap on the Celluar Data Options and turn on Data Roaming on your device.
- With data roaming enabled, your network provider will deliver a cellular connection and help you turn off SOS Only on your iPhone.
Reset iPhone Network Settings
Reset the network setting on your iPhone to fix the SOS issue but do be careful as it will completely erase your saved data, passwords and all other network settings.
- Open Settings and tap on General.
- Select Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Click on Reset and tap on Reset Network Settings.
- Enter the passcode.
- Click on Reset Network Settings.
Turn on/off Airplane Mode
Another simple fix to solve the issue is to switch off the airplane mode on your device.
- Open Control Center and tap on the Airplane icon.
- After some time, toggle it off and check if the iPhone showing SOS issue has been resolved.
- For iOS 17 you can toggle system settings from Spotlight search. Locate the Airplane mode and turn the toggle on.
Update iPhone
You can resolve the SOS issue in your iPhone by updating the device.
- Go to Settings and tap on General.
- Select Software Update.
- If any update is available, then you need to tap on Download and Install it..
Hope the above solutions have helped resolve the SOS error in the iPhone. If there are any other ways to resolve the issue do share with us in the comment section.