How to Get iPhone Out of SOS Mode: 8 Easy Ways to Fix

Getting your iPhone out of SOS mode requires a force restart, cellular settings adjustment, or network reset. SOS mode appears when your iPhone loses cellular connection but can still make emergency calls. It’s usually caused by weak signals, software glitches, accidental button presses, or SIM issues. Below are proven fixes for how to get iPhone out of SOS mode.

What SOS Mode Means

When "SOS" or "SOS Only" appears in your iPhone’s status bar, it means:

  • Your phone can’t connect to your cellular network.
  • You can only call emergency services (like 911).
  • Texting, internet, and normal calls won’t work.

This isn’t a permanent error—it’s often fixed in minutes using the steps below.

How to Get iPhone Out of SOS Mode

Try these solutions in order, starting with the simplest:

1. Force Restart Your iPhone

Works for: Software glitches or accidental SOS triggers.

  • iPhone 8 & newer:
    Quickly press/release Volume Up → Quickly press/release Volume Down → Hold Side Button until Apple logo appears (≈15 sec).
  • iPhone 7/7 Plus:
    Hold Volume Down + Sleep/Wake Button until Apple logo appears.
  • iPhone 6s or older:
    Hold Home + Sleep/Wake Button until Apple logo appears.
    Tip: Try 2-3 times if it fails. No data is lost!

Detailed steps for all models: How to Force Restart Any iPhone

2. Toggle Airplane Mode

Fixes: Temporary network errors.

  1. Open Control Center (swipe down from top-right corner).
  2. Tap the Airplane icon to turn it on.
  3. Wait 10 seconds → Tap again to turn it off.

3. Reset Cellular or eSIM

Use if: You have no signal in a coverage area.

  • For physical SIM:
    Go to Settings > Cellular → Toggle Cellular Data off → Wait 5 sec → Toggle on.
  • For eSIM (iPhone 14/15 in U.S.):
    Settings > Cellular → Tap your eSIM → Toggle Turn On This Lineoff → Wait 5 sec → Toggle on.

4. Update Carrier Settings

Fixes: Outdated network configurations.

  1. Go to Settings > General > About.
  2. Wait 15 seconds. If a carrier update pops up, tap Update.

5. Reset Network Settings

Use for: Persistent SOS mode after restart.

  1. Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset.
  2. Tap Reset Network Settings.
    Note: This erases saved Wi-Fi passwords.

Network settings explained: iPhone Wi-Fi Settings Guide

6. Reinsert Your SIM Card

For iPhones with physical SIMs only:

  1. Eject the SIM tray (use a paperclip).
  2. Remove the SIM card → Inspect for damage.
  3. Reinsert it firmly → Restart your iPhone.

7. Update iOS

Fixes: Bugs causing SOS mode.

  1. Settings > General > Software Update.
  2. Install any available updates.

8. Factory Reset (Last Resort!)

Use only if nothing else works:

  1. Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings.
  2. Set up your iPhone as new or restore from a backup.
    Warning: Back up data first!

Why Your iPhone Gets Stuck in SOS Mode

Cause How to Identify
Weak signal SOS appears in basements/rural areas
Software bug SOS persists after moving to strong signal
Accidental activation SOS turns on after pressing buttons
SIM/eSIM failure SOS shows with "No SIM" error
Carrier outage SOS appears for all users on your network

How to Prevent Accidental SOS Mode

  1. Disable "Call with Hold":
    Settings > Emergency SOS → Turn off Call with Hold and Release.
  2. Turn off "Call with 5 Presses":
    In the same menu, disable Call with 5 Button Presses.
  3. Avoid button combos: Don’t hold Side + Volume buttons together.

Customize settings: Ultimate iPhone Settings Guide

When to Contact Apple or Your Carrier

Reach out if:

  • SOS mode continues after trying all 8 fixes.
  • Your iPhone was physically damaged (water, drops, etc.).
  • Your carrier confirms an account issue (e.g., suspended service).

Visit an Apple Store for hardware diagnostics or a carrier store for SIM/network issues.

FAQ: Fixing iPhone SOS Mode

1. Will fixing SOS mode delete my photos or data?

No. Force restarting, toggling airplane mode, resetting network settings, or updating iOS/carrier settings won’t erase anything. Only a factory reset ("Erase All Content") deletes data—always back up first!

2. Why did SOS mode turn on accidentally?

You likely triggered it by:

  • Holding the Side + Volume buttons together (default for emergency calls).
  • Pressing the Side button 5 times rapidly.
    Fix: Disable these shortcuts in Settings > Emergency SOS.

3. SOS mode won’t turn off even with full signal. Why?

This means a software or carrier issue:

  • Update iOS (Settings > General > Software Update).
  • Update carrier settings (Settings > General > About → wait 15 sec).
  • Reset network settings (erases Wi-Fi passwords only).

4. Do I need a SIM card to fix SOS mode?

Only for older iPhones:

  • Physical SIM: Reinsert it (eject tray → inspect for damage).
  • eSIM (iPhone 14/15): Toggle it off/on in Settings > Cellular.

5. When should I call Apple or my carrier?

Contact them if:

  • Hardware damage (dropped/water-exposed phone).
  • SOS persists after all 8 fixes.
  • Your carrier confirms an account problem (e.g., unpaid bill).

Conclusion

Getting your iPhone out of SOS mode is usually quick and safe. Start with a force restart (Volume Up → Volume Down → hold Side button)—it fixes most issues in seconds. If that fails, reset network settings or update your carrier software. Always disable accidental triggers in Settings > Emergency SOS to prevent future problems.

If SOS mode still won’t disappear, your carrier or Apple Support can diagnose hardware/account glitches. For more iPhone troubleshooting, explore our Ultimate Settings Guide or learn to block spam calls if SOS disrupted your service.