Seeing "SOS" or "SOS only" at the top of your iPhone screen? It means your iPhone isn't connected to your carrier's network, but you can still make emergency calls through other networks nearby. You can't make normal calls, send texts or use mobile data until it reconnects. The good news: most of the time you can fix SOS only on your iPhone in a few minutes. This guide explains what SOS only means, how to fix it step by step, and what to do if it shows up while you're travelling.
What does "SOS only" mean on iPhone?
Apple puts it simply: if you see "SOS" or "SOS only" in the status bar, your device isn't connected to your cellular network, but you can still make emergency calls through other carrier networks (Apple: If you see SOS, No Service, or Searching).
So while your iPhone shows SOS only:
- You can call emergency numbers like 911, 000 or 112.
- You can't make normal calls, send SMS or use mobile data on that line.
- Wi-Fi still works. If you're on Wi-Fi, apps like iMessage, WhatsApp or FaceTime keep working.
Apple says this SOS feature is available in Australia, Canada and the United States. In other countries, your iPhone usually shows No Service instead. Both point to the same problem: your iPhone can't use your carrier's network right now.
SOS only vs No Service, the satellite icon and "Emergency calls only"
- SOS or SOS only: full service from your carrier isn't available, but emergency calls may go through other networks (Apple: iPhone status icons).
- No Service or Searching: your iPhone isn't connected to any cellular network.
- Satellite icon: on iPhone 14 and later, you're outside cellular and Wi-Fi coverage, and satellite features like Emergency SOS via satellite are available where you are.
- "Emergency calls only": this is the Android version of the same message. Samsung says it means the phone can't connect to your carrier's network (Samsung: Phone displays Emergency calls only).
SOS only is not the same as the Emergency SOS feature you trigger with the side button. That one calls emergency services and alerts your emergency contacts. Learn more about emergency calls on iPhone.
Why does my iPhone say SOS only?
The most common causes are:
- Weak or no coverage from your carrier where you are: inside a building, underground, in the countryside or near a border.
- A network glitch that a quick Airplane Mode toggle or restart fixes.
- Your line is turned off, or your eSIM was removed, on an iPhone with Dual SIM.
- A SIM card problem: loose, damaged or moved from another phone.
- An account problem: unpaid bill, line not active yet, or your phone blocked by the carrier.
- A carrier outage in your area.
- Roaming is off or not included when you're abroad.
- Old software or old carrier settings.
How to fix SOS only on iPhone
Try these steps in order. After each one, check if your carrier's name and signal bars are back. Depending on your region, the menu is called Cellular or Mobile Service. The steps are the same.
1. Move to a spot with better coverage
Go outside, near a window or to higher ground, then wait a minute. If SOS only goes away, the problem was coverage, not your phone. Check your carrier's coverage map if it keeps happening in the same place.
2. Turn Airplane Mode on for 15 seconds
Open Settings, turn on Airplane Mode, wait at least 15 seconds, then turn it off. This makes your iPhone search for your network again. Apple recommends this as the first fix (Apple). More about what Airplane Mode does.
3. Restart your iPhone
On iPhone X and later, press and hold either volume button and the side button until the power-off slider appears. Drag the slider and wait 30 seconds. Then press and hold the side button until you see the Apple logo. On iPhone SE (2nd or 3rd generation) and iPhone 8 or earlier, use the side button only (the top button on the oldest models) (Apple: Restart your iPhone).
4. Check that your line is turned on
Go to Settings > Cellular and tap your line. If you see Turn On This Line, tap it. If your line isn't listed at all, your eSIM may have been removed, or your SIM card isn't detected. Contact your carrier to set up an eSIM again or get a new SIM card.
5. Remove and reinsert your SIM card
Using a physical SIM? Turn off your iPhone, eject the SIM tray, check the card for damage and put it back in. If the SIM is damaged, doesn't fit the tray, or you moved it from another phone, ask your carrier for a new one (Apple). Using only an eSIM? Skip this step.
6. Update iOS and your carrier settings
- Connect to Wi-Fi.
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update and install any update.
- Go to Settings > General > About. If a carrier settings update is available, you'll see an option to install it.
Just put in a new SIM card? Your iPhone needs the carrier settings for that new carrier, so this step matters. On iOS 18 or later, the Apple Support app can also run extra diagnostics.
7. Set Network Selection to Automatic
If you once picked a network by hand, your iPhone stays on it and loses signal when that network is out of reach. Go to Settings > Cellular, tap your line if you have two, then Network Selection, and turn on Automatic (Vodafone Australia: Select network on iPhone). If you don't see this option, skip this step.
8. Reset Network Settings
Still stuck? Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings. This doesn't delete your photos or apps, but it removes saved Wi-Fi networks and passwords and VPN settings. Apple also says it may turn off Data Roaming, so turn it back on if you're abroad (Apple: Reset iPhone settings).
9. Contact your carrier
If SOS only stays after all this, the problem is often on the carrier's side. Apple suggests asking your carrier to:
- check that your account is active and in good standing,
- confirm there's coverage where you are and no outage,
- check that your phone isn't blocked or barred from their network, and that it's set up with the right plan,
- tell you if your country requires IMEI registration for an iPhone bought abroad.
If your carrier says your account and network are fine, your iPhone may have a hardware problem. Contact Apple Support or an Apple Authorized Service Provider.
While you wait: use Wi-Fi Calling
On Wi-Fi, you can still call with your number if your carrier supports Wi-Fi Calling. Go to Settings > Cellular > Wi-Fi Calling and turn on Wi-Fi Calling on This iPhone. Apple says that if cellular service isn't available, emergency calls might also use Wi-Fi Calling (Apple: Wi-Fi Calling). Here's more on how Wi-Fi Calling works.
iPhone says SOS but the SIM card is in
If your SIM card is in the phone but you still see SOS only, check these:
- The line is new or just moved: a new SIM or number transfer may not be active yet. Wait a little, restart, and ask your carrier if it's still not working.
- The SIM is damaged or from another phone: ask your carrier for a replacement.
- "No SIM" or "Invalid SIM" also shows: your iPhone doesn't read the card. See what an invalid SIM card means.
- The SIM is from another carrier: if your iPhone is locked to its original carrier, it won't work on another network. Check Settings > General > About > Carrier Lock. "No SIM restrictions" means it's unlocked. Read what a carrier-locked phone means.
- Your account is suspended: for example after an unpaid bill. Only your carrier can check this.
eSIM showing SOS only
An eSIM can show SOS only for the same reasons as a SIM card. A few checks are specific to eSIM:
- In Settings > Cellular, make sure the eSIM line is on.
- With two lines, check which one shows SOS. Your other line can still work for calls or data.
- Don't delete the eSIM to start over. Once erased, you usually need a new eSIM from your carrier.
- Just installed it? The carrier may still be activating it. Restart and give it a few minutes.
More fixes in our guide to an eSIM that's not working.
SOS only when travelling abroad
Abroad, your home line can show SOS only or No Service even when the local network is fine. Here's what to check:
- Roaming isn't on your plan: ask your carrier if international roaming works in that country, and turn it on before you leave if needed.
- Data Roaming is off: for the line you use abroad, go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options and turn on Data Roaming. With two lines, tap the line first (Apple). Step by step: how to turn on data roaming.
- The wrong line is set for data: using a travel eSIM? Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data and choose the travel eSIM. Keep Data Roaming on for the travel eSIM and off for your home line to avoid roaming charges.
- Your plan doesn't cover that country: a travel eSIM only connects in the countries listed in its plan. Check its coverage before you cross a border.
- Your phone is stuck on one network: set Network Selection to Automatic, or pick another local network that your plan supports.
Apple suggests a travel eSIM as one option abroad. You can use it alone or next to your home line, and iMessage and FaceTime keep working with your home number (Apple: Use eSIM while traveling). Your iPhone must be unlocked to use one. If your eSIM stops working during your trip, see what to do when your eSIM stops working abroad.
Want to keep your home line off roaming and still get online when you land? A data-only travel eSIM connects to local networks in the countries its plan covers. You can install it on Wi-Fi before you fly.
Europe, USA and Asia plans shown · data-only eSIMs, no phone number · Find the eSIM for your destination
Need a number for calls and texts during a trip to Europe? Travel Basic+ from Bouygues Telecom comes with a French +33 number, with calls and SMS in Europe.
Off the grid: Emergency SOS via satellite
If there's no cellular network and no Wi-Fi at all, iPhone 14 and later can text emergency services via satellite. Apple says to first try calling your local emergency number, because the call might go through even without your carrier. If it doesn't, your iPhone offers Emergency Text via Satellite. You need to be outside with a clear view of the sky (Apple: Emergency SOS via satellite). Satellite features aren't available in every country, so check before you go hiking or travelling.
FAQs
What is SOS only on iPhone?
It means your iPhone isn't connected to your carrier's network, but you can still make emergency calls through other networks. You can't make normal calls, send texts or use mobile data on that line until it reconnects. Apple shows SOS in Australia, Canada and the United States. Elsewhere you usually see No Service.
How do I fix SOS only on my iPhone?
Turn Airplane Mode on for 15 seconds and off again, then restart your iPhone. Check that your line is on in Settings > Cellular, reinsert your SIM, and install any iOS and carrier settings update. If it doesn't go away, contact your carrier to check your account and coverage.
How do I get my iPhone out of SOS mode?
You can't turn off or remove the SOS only label in Settings. It's a status, and it goes away once your iPhone reconnects to your carrier, so use the fixes above. If you mean the Emergency SOS button shortcuts, you can change those in Settings > Emergency SOS.
Why does my iPhone say SOS when the SIM card is in?
Your SIM may not be active yet, damaged, or blocked by your carrier, your account may be suspended, or your iPhone may be locked to another carrier. Reinsert the SIM, restart, and check Settings > General > About > Carrier Lock. Then ask your carrier.
Can I use mobile data or send texts in SOS only mode?
Not on the line that shows SOS. You can still use Wi-Fi, and Wi-Fi Calling if your carrier supports it. If you have a second line, like a travel eSIM, it can still work.
Why does my iPhone say SOS only abroad?
Usually because roaming isn't included in your plan, Data Roaming is off, or your carrier has no partner network there. Ask your carrier about roaming, or use a travel eSIM for data and set it as your cellular data line.
Does SOS only mean my SIM card is broken?
Not usually. Most of the time it's coverage, a setting or your account. If another SIM works in your iPhone and yours doesn't, ask your carrier for a new SIM.