Your iPhone status bar is not just a strip at the top of your screen; it is a quick dashboard that keeps you updated about what’s going on in your phone. Normally, you will find Wi-Fi, cellular signal, and a battery icon. However, you may also see unusual text messages like SOS Only, No Service, or Searching.
These might be confusing signals, but they are indicators of the network connectivity of your phone. Here’s what they mean, and how to fix them.
What does “SOS Only” mean on iPhone?
When your iPhone displays “SOS Only,” it means that you have not connected with the cellular network of your carrier. You can use the service to contact the police, fire, or ambulance, but regular calls or texts will not work. You should note that you should be within the regions supported, like U.S., Canada, or Australia.
On the other hand, No Service or Searching means that your iPhone (or iPad with Wi-Fi + Cellular) is not connected to anything at all, not even emergency calls will work.
How to get your iPhone out of SOS Mode
Sometimes your iPhone will still be in SOS mode once you have returned to an area with a strong carrier signal. If that happens, here are a few fixes to try:
1. Toggle Airplane Mode
- Open the Settings app.
- Turn on Airplane Mode.
- Wait about 15 seconds.
- Turn Airplane Mode off again.
This forces your iPhone to reconnect with your carrier.
2. Restart Your Device
If Airplane Mode is not working, try restarting your iPhone or iPad. A simple reboot can fix temporary connection issues.
3. Update iOS
Use the latest version of iOS on your iPhone. Updates often include network and connectivity fixes.
4. Check for Carrier Outages
Your carrier may be experiencing an outage. Visit their official website, check from Downdetector.com, or look at social media updates to confirm it.
5. Enable Data Roaming (When Abroad)
If you are traveling internationally, you may need to turn on roaming
- Go to Settings > Cellular Data > Cellular Data Options
- Toggle Data Roaming on.
6. Check Dual SIM Settings
If you are using a dual-SIM iPhone, one of your carrier lines might be disabled.
- Go to Settings > Cellular
- Select the line you want to check
- Toggle it back on if it’s disabled.
Emergency SOS: What you need to know
Another feature of Apple is the Emergency SOS, which allows you to get help whether you are outside carrier coverage.
- Emergency SOS via satellite automatically turns on when you are unable to reach a carrier on iPhone 14 and later. Your iPhone will guide you on where to point your phone and help you send an emergency text.
- For manual activation of Emergency SOS, press and hold the side button + volume button until the slider appears.
- After making an SOS call, your emergency contacts (if set up) will receive a text message with your location, unless you choose not to share it.
These settings can be changed through Settings > Emergency SOS.
