If you look at your phone and see that it is in SOS-only mode, there’s a good chance it’s not your fault.
SOS and SOS Only on iPhones are modes that activate when your phone loses connection to the cellular network. One of the most common causes of this is, of course, an outage on your cellular provider.
According to Downdetector, AT&T has received around 4,600 user reports of outages across the United States at the time of this article’s publication, with more reports coming in every minute. Exactly how widespread the current outage is remains unclear.
Here’s how to check if AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile are experiencing outages.
AT&T outage map
AT&T customers can learn about cell phone or Internet outages. They can also sign up to receive text message alerts about outages.
The map can help you confirm that any problems are due to a power outage in the area.
➤ Latest AT&T outage map from Downdetector
Verizon outage map
Verizon customers must log on to Verizon’s website to check outages. They can check repair status and find troubleshooting information. The website also provides an outage map.
➤ Latest Verizon outage map from Downdetector
T-Mobile outage map
T-Mobile provides a troubleshooting website for customers experiencing issues. T-Mobile’s coverage map does not show outages.
➤ Latest T-Mobile outage map from Downdetector
Down Detector Failure Map
DownDetector.com provides regularly updated information on service outages from multiple providers.
Why does my iPhone show “SOS” or just “SOS”?
When iPhones are not connected to a cellular network, the user is usually notified by a message in the phone’s status bar. These messages usually say “No Service” or “Searching,” but your phone may also say “SOS” or “SOS Only.”
When your phone goes into SOS mode, you can still make emergency calls. When you make an emergency call using your iPhone, it automatically dials the local emergency number and shares your location information with emergency services.
Additionally, you can add emergency contacts in your phone’s settings under the Medical ID options. When you add an emergency contact, they will be notified of your location via text message after an emergency call ends.
How to disable your phone’s SOS mode
In many cases, if your phone is in SOS mode, external circumstances beyond your control may be to blame. However, there are some troubleshooting steps you can perform yourself:
- Make sure you are in an area with cellular coverage
- Turn your mobile data off and on again:
- Go to Settings
- Turn cellular data off and then on again.
- If you are traveling internationally, make sure your phone is set up for data roaming:
- Go to Settings
- Tap Mobile
- Cellular data options
- Turn data roaming on/off
- Try restarting your device
- Check your network operator settings for an update
- Make sure your device is connected to Wi-Fi or a cellular network
- Open Settings and navigate to General > About. If an update is available, you’ll see it here
- Turn your mobile phone connection off and on again
- Open settings
- Tap Cellular and check if your cellular connection is turned on
- You don’t see a mobile number in the settings? Set up an eSim or reinsert your physical SIM card.
- Reset your network settings
- Open settings
- Tap General > Transfer or reset (device) > Reset > Reset network settings
- note: This will reset your previously used Wi-Fi networks and passwords, cellular settings, VPN and APN settings
- Update your iPhone to the latest version of iOS
- Connect your device to the power supply and connect to the Wi-Fi.
- Go to Settings > General and then tap Software Update.
- Select the update you want to install
- Contact your mobile operator
- If all else fails, contact your carrier to see if there are any outages in the area, make sure your account is active and in good standing, and that your device is not blocked from receiving cellular service.
How to enable Wi-Fi calling
Here’s how to enable Wi-Fi calling on your iPhone:
- Navigate to Settings
- Tap Phone
- Then tap Wi-Fi Calling
According to Apple, emergency services may require you to enter or confirm your address.
Once Wi-Fi calling is available, you’ll see “Wi-Fi” in the status bar when you view Control Center.
If cellular service is available, iPhone uses it for emergency calls. If you turn on Wi-Fi Calling and cellular service isn’t available, emergency calls may be made using Wi-Fi Calling.
The location of your device may be used to assist in response efforts if you
