Seeing “SOS” or “SOS Only” at the top of your iPhone can be confusing—and a little stressful 😟. Many users immediately ask, “Why is my phone stuck in SOS mode?” or “Why does my iPhone say SOS at the top?”
The good news? In most cases, this issue is easy to fix. In this guide, you’ll learn what SOS mode on iPhone means, why it happens, and how to fix it fast—even if it keeps coming back.
What Is SOS Mode on iPhone?
SOS mode on iPhone means your device cannot connect to your mobile carrier, but it can still make emergency calls.
When your iPhone shows:
- SOS
- SOS Only
…it means:
- No cellular network from your carrier
- Emergency services are still available
- Data, calls, and SMS won’t work normally
📌 This feature is designed for safety, not as an error.
Why Does My iPhone Say SOS at the Top?
Here are the most common reasons:
- Poor or no network coverage
- Temporary carrier outage
- SIM card issues
- Incorrect network settings
- Software bug after iOS update
- You’re traveling outside your carrier’s coverage area
This explains why your phone is stuck in SOS mode even when everything else seems fine.
How to Fix the SOS on My iPhone (All Working Methods)
Follow these fixes in order. Most users resolve the issue within minutes.
1. Turn Airplane Mode ON and OFF ✈️
This refreshes your iPhone’s network connection.
Steps:
- Open Control Center
- Turn Airplane Mode ON
- Wait 10 seconds
- Turn it OFF
👉 This works surprisingly well for temporary signal glitches.
2. Check Cellular Network Coverage
If you’re in:
- Basements
- Elevators
- Remote or rural areas
…your iPhone may show SOS due to weak signal.
📍 Move to an open area and wait 30–60 seconds.
3. Restart Your iPhone 🔄
A simple reboot can clear network bugs.
Steps:
- Hold Power + Volume button
- Slide to power off
- Turn your iPhone back on after 30 seconds
4. Reseat or Check Your SIM Card
A loose or damaged SIM is a common reason why your iPhone says SOS at the top.
Steps:
- Power off iPhone
- Remove SIM tray
- Reinsert SIM properly
- Turn iPhone back on
💡 If you’re using eSIM, skip this step and contact your carrier.
5. Update iOS to the Latest Version
Older iOS versions may contain network bugs.
Go to:
Settings → General → Software Update
Install any available updates and restart your phone.
6. Reset Network Settings (Most Effective Fix)
⚠️ This won’t delete data, but it will erase Wi-Fi and VPN passwords.
Steps:
- Settings → General
- Transfer or Reset iPhone
- Reset → Reset Network Settings
This fix resolves most “iPhone stuck in SOS mode” cases.
7. Contact Your Carrier 📞
If none of the above works:
- Your carrier may be experiencing an outage
- Your SIM or account may be inactive
Call your carrier from another phone and ask them to refresh your network provisioning.
Does SOS Mode Mean My iPhone Is Broken?
❌ No.
SOS mode is not a hardware problem in most cases. It’s usually:
- Network-related
- Software-related
- Carrier-related
Your iPhone is protecting your ability to call emergency services.
Helpful Tech Guides You May Like
While troubleshooting, you might also find these useful:
- 👉 Shortcut to Emoji Keyboard on Windows 10/11 & Mac
- 👉 How to Find MAC Address in Windows 11
- 👉 How to Show Recycle Bin on Desktop (Windows 11/10/7)
Quick Answers (Optimized for AI Overviews)
❓ Why is my phone stuck in SOS mode?
Because your iPhone can’t connect to your mobile carrier, usually due to network, SIM, or software issues.
❓ What is SOS mode on iPhone?
SOS mode allows emergency calls when regular cellular service is unavailable.
❓ Why does my iPhone say SOS at the top?
It means your phone has no carrier signal but can still contact emergency services.
Final Thoughts
If you were worried and asking, “How do I fix the SOS on my iPhone?”, now you know exactly what to do. In most cases, toggling Airplane Mode, resetting network settings, or updating iOS solves the issue quickly.
If the problem persists, your carrier is the final—and best—solution.
📌 Pro tip: Save this guide. SOS mode can pop up again when traveling or after updates.