Easy Steps to Fix 'SOS Only' on iPhone Issue

Are you experiencing the ‘SOS Only’ issue on your iPhone, and struggling to restore network connectivity? Fret not! Follow these easy steps to fix the ‘SOS Only’ issue on your iPhone and get back to uninterrupted network coverage.

Whether your iPhone is showing emergency calls only or stuck in SOS mode, these solutions will help address the issue without any hassle.

Key Takeaways

Weak or no signal can cause the ‘SOS Only’ problem on your iPhone.
Restarting, updating, or resetting your device can resolve minor software glitches causing the issue.
A loose or faulty SIM card or incorrect carrier settings can contribute to the problem.
If all else fails, do not hesitate to contact Apple support for further assistance.
Prevent future ‘SOS Only’ issues by keeping your iOS software up to date and checking carrier settings regularly.

Understanding the ‘SOS Only’ Issue on iPhone

When your iPhone displays ‘SOS Only’ on the top left corner of the screen, it means that your device is unable to connect to the cellular network. This can also appear as an ‘SOS’ mode, in which case your iPhone will only be able to make emergency calls. This issue can be frustrating, especially when you need to make urgent calls or use data.

There are several reasons why your iPhone may show ‘SOS Only.’ One common cause is a weak or no cellular signal from your service provider. Other potential reasons include a faulty SIM card, incorrect carrier settings, software glitches, or even airplane mode being enabled accidentally.

It’s essential to understand the underlying reason for the ‘SOS Only’ issue to determine the most appropriate solution. In the following sections, we’ll provide troubleshooting steps that can help restore connectivity to your iPhone.

Check Network Coverage and Signal Strength

If you’re facing the ‘SOS Only’ issue on your iPhone, it’s important to check your network coverage and signal strength. Weak or no signal can cause the ‘SOS Only’ problem. Here are the troubleshooting steps to follow:

Move to an open space: If you’re indoors, move towards a window or go outside. Obstructions like walls and trees can weaken the signal, resulting in the ‘SOS Only’ problem.
Check service status: Visit your carrier’s website or social media to see if there’s an ongoing outage in your area. You can also contact your carrier’s customer support for further assistance.
Toggle Airplane Mode: Turning on Airplane Mode and then off after a minute can help refresh the network connection. Here’s how to do it:
iOS 13 and above: Open Control Center and tap on the Airplane Mode icon. Wait for a minute and then tap on the same icon again.
iOS 12 and below: Go to Settings > Airplane Mode and toggle the switch on and off after a minute.
Reinsert SIM card: Remove the SIM card from your iPhone and then reinsert it after a minute. Make sure it’s seated securely in the SIM tray.
Reset network settings: If all else fails, resetting the network settings on your iPhone can help resolve the ‘SOS Only’ issue. This will erase your saved Wi-Fi passwords and VPN settings. Here’s how to do it:
iOS 13 and above: Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings. Enter your passcode if prompted and then tap on Reset Network Settings to confirm.
iOS 12 and below: Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings. Enter your passcode if prompted and then tap on Reset Network Settings to confirm.

Following these steps should help troubleshoot and resolve the ‘SOS Only’ issue on your iPhone. If you’re still experiencing this problem, move on to the next section to learn about restarting your iPhone.

Restart Your iPhone to Fix ‘SOS Only’ Issue

If you’re experiencing the ‘SOS Only’ issue on your iPhone, restarting your device is the first step to resolving it. This simple solution can often fix minor software glitches causing the problem.

To restart your iPhone, press and hold the power button until the slider appears on the screen. Slide the slider to turn off your device and wait a few seconds. Press and hold the power button again until the Apple logo appears on the screen. Your iPhone will restart, and you can check if the ‘SOS Only’ issue has been resolved.

If restarting your device doesn’t work, try the other solutions discussed in this article to troubleshoot and fix the ‘SOS Only’ issue on your iPhone.

Update iOS on Your iPhone

Keeping your iPhone’s software up to date is crucial for optimal performance. If your iPhone is running on an outdated version of iOS, it could cause the ‘SOS Only’ issue. To update iOS on your iPhone, follow these steps:

Connect your iPhone to a Wi-Fi network.
Go to ‘Settings’ and select ‘General.’
Select ‘Software Update.’
If an update is available, click ‘Download and Install.’
Enter your passcode if prompted.
Agree to the terms and conditions.
Wait for the update to complete and your iPhone to restart.

If the ‘SOS Only’ issue was caused by outdated software, updating iOS should resolve the problem. However, if the issue persists, move on to the next troubleshooting step.

Remove and Reinsert SIM Card

If your iPhone is still showing an ‘SOS Only’ message, it could be due to a loose or faulty SIM card. A quick fix would be to remove and reinsert the SIM card properly.

Firstly, turn off your iPhone and locate the SIM card tray. The SIM card tray is usually located on the top or side of your iPhone, depending on the model.

Next, use a paperclip or SIM ejector tool to eject the SIM card tray. Once the tray is out, gently remove the SIM card and inspect it for any damage or deformities. You can do this by looking for any scratches, cracks, or dents on the SIM card.

If your SIM card looks fine, reinsert the SIM card into the tray. Make sure the SIM card fits snugly and is correctly aligned with the tray. Now, insert the SIM tray back into the iPhone until it clicks into place.

Finally, turn on your iPhone and check for network connectivity. This simple fix should resolve the ‘SOS Only’ issue on your iPhone. If not, try the other solutions listed in this article.

Reset Network Settings

If your iPhone is still showing ‘SOS Only’ even after trying the previous troubleshooting steps, resetting network settings may solve the issue.

This step removes all your network settings, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections, and sets them back to their default values. This means you’ll need to re-enter passwords for Wi-Fi connections and Bluetooth devices after the reset.

Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
Tap on General, then scroll down and select Reset.
Select Reset Network Settings.
Enter your passcode if prompted, and confirm the action by tapping Reset Network Settings again.

After the reset, your iPhone will automatically restart and you should have cellular connectivity once again. Try making a call or sending a text message to confirm that the ‘SOS Only’ issue has been resolved.

Keep in mind that this step will not erase any of your data or media files on the device. However, you will need to reconnect to Wi-Fi and other devices after the reset.

Disable Airplane Mode

Accidentally enabling Airplane Mode can restrict cellular connectivity on your iPhone. If your iPhone is showing the ‘SOS Only’ issue, check if Airplane Mode is turned on. To disable it, open the Control Center by swiping down from the upper-right corner of the screen. Look for the airplane icon and tap it to turn off Airplane Mode.

If the airplane icon is not present in the Control Center, follow these steps:

Go to the Settings app on your iPhone.
Tap on Airplane Mode to toggle it off.

After turning off Airplane Mode, wait for a few seconds and check if the ‘SOS Only’ issue has been resolved. If not, move on to the next troubleshooting step.

Remember, disabling Airplane Mode is a quick and easy fix for the ‘SOS Only’ issue on an iPhone. Ensure that it’s turned off and give your device time to reconnect to the cellular network.

Check Carrier Settings on Your iPhone

If you’ve tried all the previous steps and the ‘SOS Only’ issue still persists, it may be due to incorrect carrier settings on your iPhone. You can check and update these settings by following these simple steps:

Make sure your iPhone is connected to a Wi-Fi or cellular network.
Go to the Settings app and select ‘General’.
Select ‘About’.
Look for the ‘Carrier’ option. If an update is available, you’ll be prompted to download and install it.
If there is no update available, try resetting your network settings (as mentioned in section 7).

After updating your carrier settings, restart your iPhone and check if the ‘SOS Only’ issue is resolved. If not, you may need to contact your carrier or Apple Support for further assistance.

Restore iPhone to Factory Settings

If none of the previous steps have fixed the ‘SOS Only’ issue on your iPhone, restoring your device to its factory settings may be necessary. This will erase all data and settings from your iPhone, so it’s crucial to back up your data first.

To back up your iPhone, connect it to your computer using a USB cable and open iTunes. Click on the iPhone icon, then click on ‘Back Up Now.’ Once your data is backed up, follow these steps to restore your iPhone to factory settings:

Go to the ‘Settings’ app on your iPhone.
Tap on ‘General.’
Scroll down to the bottom and tap on ‘Reset.’
Select ‘Erase All Content and Settings.’
Enter your passcode if prompted.
Confirm the action by tapping on ‘Erase iPhone.’

Your iPhone will restart and begin the process of erasing all data and settings. Once it’s complete, you’ll see the ‘Hello’ screen, which means your iPhone has been restored to its original factory settings.

If the ‘SOS Only’ issue continues after restoring your iPhone, it may be a hardware problem, and you should contact Apple Support for further assistance.

Contact Apple Support

If you’ve tried all the previous steps and still see the ‘SOS Only’ issue on your iPhone, it’s time to reach out to Apple Support. They will be able to assist you in resolving the issue or provide further guidance on possible hardware problems.

To contact Apple Support, you can visit their official website and choose the best way to get in touch with them – phone, chat, or email. You can also schedule an appointment at an Apple Store near you to get your iPhone checked by a specialist.

Don’t hesitate to seek help from Apple Support. They have the necessary expertise to diagnose and fix your iPhone’s problems.

Remember, fixing the ‘SOS Only’ issue may involve some troubleshooting, but it’s a common problem that many iPhone users face. Stay patient, follow the steps described in this article, and reach out to Apple Support if needed.

Preventing Future ‘SOS Only’ Issues

Experiencing the ‘SOS Only’ issue on your iPhone can be frustrating, but there are steps you can take to prevent it from happening again in the future. Here are some tips:

1. Keep Your iPhone Up to Date

Make sure to regularly update your iPhone’s software to ensure it’s running smoothly. An outdated operating system can cause connectivity issues, including the ‘SOS Only’ problem. To check for updates, go to Settings > General > Software Update.

2. Protect Your iPhone

Loss of cellular connectivity can also happen if your iPhone is damaged. Protect your device with a sturdy case and screen protector. Be careful while handling your device, and avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures or water damage.

3. Check Network Coverage

Before traveling to a new location, check the network coverage of that area to avoid losing cellular connectivity. You can check your carrier’s coverage map or use third-party apps to determine the strength of network signals.

4. Contact Your Carrier

If you’re frequently experiencing the ‘SOS Only’ issue, contact your carrier to discuss the problem. They may be able to provide specific solutions or offer a replacement SIM card if the issue persists.

5. Use Wi-Fi Whenever Possible

Using Wi-Fi for data-intensive activities like streaming can preserve your cellular data and reduce the chance of connectivity issues. Make sure to connect to a secure network.

By following these tips, you can help prevent future occurrences of the ‘SOS Only’ issue on your iPhone.

FAQ

Q: What does the ‘SOS Only’ issue on my iPhone mean?

A: The ‘SOS Only’ issue on your iPhone typically indicates a problem with network connectivity. It can result in emergency calls only or your device being stuck in SOS mode.

Q: How can I check my network coverage and signal strength?

A: To check your network coverage and signal strength, you can go to the Settings app on your iPhone and navigate to the Cellular or Mobile Data section. Here, you’ll find information about your network connection and signal bars.

Q: How do I restart my iPhone?

A: To restart your iPhone, simply press and hold the power button until the “Slide to Power Off” option appears. Slide the power button to the right to turn off your device. Wait a few seconds, then press and hold the power button again until the Apple logo appears to turn your iPhone back on.

Q: How do I update iOS on my iPhone?

A: To update iOS on your iPhone, go to the Settings app and select General. From there, tap on Software Update. If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to download and install it.

Q: How can I remove and reinsert the SIM card on my iPhone?

A: To safely remove and reinsert the SIM card on your iPhone, you will need a SIM card removal tool or a small paperclip. Locate the SIM card tray on the side or top of your device, insert the tool or paperclip into the small hole next to the tray, and gently push to eject the tray. Remove the SIM card, inspect it for any damage or debris, then reinsert it carefully into the tray and push the tray back into the iPhone.

Q: How do I reset network settings on my iPhone?

A: To reset network settings on your iPhone, go to the Settings app and select General. Scroll down and tap on Reset, then choose “Reset Network Settings.” You may need to enter your passcode to confirm the reset. Please note that this action will remove all saved Wi-Fi networks, passwords, and VPN settings from your device.

Q: How can I disable Airplane Mode on my iPhone?

A: To disable Airplane Mode on your iPhone, open the Control Center by swiping down from the top-right corner (iPhone X or newer) or swiping up from the bottom (iPhone 8 or older) of the screen. Look for the Airplane Mode icon, which looks like a small airplane, and tap on it to toggle it off.

Q: How do I check and update carrier settings on my iPhone?

A: To check and update carrier settings on your iPhone, go to the Settings app and select General. Scroll down and tap on About. If an update for your carrier settings is available, you will see a pop-up notification. Follow the prompts to install the update.

Q: How can I restore my iPhone to factory settings?

A: To restore your iPhone to factory settings, go to the Settings app and select General. Scroll down and tap on Reset, then choose “Erase All Content and Settings.” Before proceeding, make sure you have a recent backup of your data. Follow the on-screen instructions to confirm the reset and erase all data on your device.

Q: How can I contact Apple Support for help?

A: To contact Apple Support for assistance with the ‘SOS Only’ issue on your iPhone, you can visit the Apple Support website or call their customer service hotline. The website provides various support options, including live chat, phone, and email support.

Q: What can I do to prevent future ‘SOS Only’ issues on my iPhone?

A: To prevent future ‘SOS Only’ issues, ensure that you have a strong network signal and reliable coverage in your area. Keep your iPhone’s software up to date by regularly installing iOS updates. Avoid tampering with carrier or network settings unless necessary, and handle your SIM card with care to prevent any damage or disconnection.