Why Does My Phone Keep Going Into SOS Mode? Causes & Fixes

Why does my phone keep going into SOS mode? Learn the common causes and quick fixes to resolve this frustrating issue with ease.

A couple of weeks ago, I was on an important phone call when my iPhone suddenly lost signal and switched to “SOS only.” I had no idea what was going on. Was my phone broken? Was there an issue with my carrier? Or did I accidentally mess up a setting that caused my phone to go into SOS mode? 

It was so frustrating! I spent hours scrolling through forums and trying every possible fix before I finally figured out the problem, and, thankfully, the solution. If you’ve been struggling with phone SOS mode, don’t worry. This guide will help you fix it without wasting hours or making a trip to your carrier’s store. 

Let’s get into it.

What Is SOS Mode on a Phone?

Before we talk about how to fix SOS mode, let’s quickly explain what it is.

If you’re using an iPhone (or some Android models), SOS mode pops up when your phone loses connection to your carrier’s network. The good news is you can still make emergency calls, like 911 in the U.S.

Basically, you won’t be able to make regular calls, text, or use mobile data, but emergency services will still work.

This usually happens in areas with weak reception, but if your phone keeps switching to SOS mode in places where you normally have a good signal, there could be another issue.

Why Does Your Phone Keep Going Into SOS Mode?

Through my research and personal troubleshooting, I found that there are several reasons why your phone might keep getting stuck in SOS mode. Some are simple, while others require a bit more digging.

Let’s go through them one by one.

1. Poor Network Coverage (The Most Common Culprit)

If you’re in an area with weak or no signal, your phone can’t connect to your carrier’s network. Instead of showing “No Service,” iPhones display SOS or SOS only.

This is common when:

• You’re in a rural area or a location with poor cell tower coverage.
• You’re inside a building with thick walls (like a basement or an elevator).
• You’re traveling and your phone is struggling to find a stable network.

How to Fix It

• Move to a different location, preferably outdoors or near a window.
• Try toggling Airplane Mode (turn it on for 10 seconds, then off).
• Check your carrier’s coverage map to see if you’re in a low-signal area.

2. Network Outages (A Carrier Issue, Not Your Phone’s Fault)

Sometimes, the problem isn’t on your end, it’s your carrier. If your network provider is experiencing an outage, your phone might be stuck in SOS mode until service is restored.

How to Check & Fix It

• Go to your carrier’s website or Twitter page, they usually post updates about outages.
• Ask a friend on the same network if they’re having issues too.
• Try a different SIM card (if possible) to see if the problem is with your carrier.

If it’s a carrier issue, there’s not much you can do except wait. But at least you’ll know it’s not your phone’s fault.

3. SIM Card Issues (A Surprisingly Common Reason)

Your SIM card is the bridge between your phone and your carrier’s network. If it’s damaged, loose, or not inserted correctly, your phone might struggle to connect, leading to SOS mode.

How to Fix It

• Remove your SIM card and check for dust or damage.
• Reinsert it carefully and make sure it sits properly in the tray.
• If you have an eSIM, try resetting it in your phone’s settings.

Fun fact: I once had this issue after switching to a new phone. Turns out, my SIM card was slightly misaligned. A quick reinsert fixed everything.

4. Software Bugs or Glitches (Especially After an Update)

Sometimes, a software glitch can mess with your phone’s ability to connect to the network. This can happen after an iOS or Android update.

How to Fix It

• Restart your phone (seriously, this fixes more issues than you’d think).
• Check for new updates, sometimes, a follow-up patch resolves connectivity bugs.
• Reset network settings (go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings).

This last step will erase saved Wi-Fi passwords, so make sure you have them written down beforehand.

5. Carrier Settings Update (The One Fix Most People Overlook)

Your carrier occasionally pushes small updates to improve network connectivity. If you haven’t installed the latest carrier settings, your phone might struggle to connect properly.

How to Fix It

• Go to Settings > General > About, if an update is available, you’ll see a prompt.
• Tap Update and restart your phone.

This is a super quick fix, but it has solved SOS mode issues for many users.

6. Hardware Problems (Worst-Case Scenario)

If you’ve tried everything and your phone still keeps entering SOS mode, there might be a hardware issue, like a faulty antenna or internal damage.

What You Can Do

• If your phone recently took a hard fall, check for physical damage.
• Try another SIM card to see if the issue persists.
• Visit an Apple Store or repair center for a professional diagnosis.

I know people who have had to replace their phones due to persistent SOS mode issues, but this is rare. Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.

How to Prevent Your Phone from Going Into SOS Mode Again

Now that we’ve covered the causes and fixes, let’s talk about prevention. After dealing with this issue myself, here’s what I do to avoid SOS mode in the future:

1. Keep my phone updated, both iOS and carrier settings.
2. Check coverage maps before traveling to avoid dead zones.
3. Use Wi-Fi calling whenever I’m in a low-signal area.
4. Keep my SIM card in good condition (no dust, no damage).
5. Monitor my carrier’s service updates so I know if there’s an outage.

Key Takings

• SOS mode means your phone has lost connection to your carrier’s network, but emergency services are still accessible.
• Poor signal, carrier issues, SIM card problems, software bugs, and hardware damage can all cause this issue.
• In most cases, you can easily fix it by moving to a better location or updating your phone’s software. If that doesn’t work, there might be a more serious underlying problem.
• To prevent SOS mode from happening again, keep your phone updated and in good condition, and always have a backup plan for emergencies.

Useful Articles

1. If you see SOS, No Service, or Searching on your iPhone: This official Apple Support article explains why your iPhone might show “SOS only” and provides steps to reconnect to your cellular network.
2. How to Fix iOS 17 SOS Only on iPhone: A detailed guide on fixing the “SOS only” issue after an iOS update, including solutions like resetting network settings and checking carrier updates.
3. How to Fix It When Your iPhone Has No Service: This article covers common reasons for the “No Service” issue and offers practical troubleshooting tips to restore connectivity. Let me know if you need anything else.