If your iPhone shows "SOS Only," it means it can only make emergency calls because it is not properly connected to your cellular carrier's network. Here are the steps to fix this issue:
How to Fix "SOS Only" on iPhone
- Toggle Airplane Mode : Swipe down from the top-right corner to open Control Center, turn on Airplane Mode for about 15 seconds, then turn it off. This refreshes your cellular connection
- Restart Your iPhone : Perform a normal restart or a force restart (quickly press and release volume up, then volume down, then hold the side button until the Apple logo appears). This reloads the phone's software and can fix temporary glitches
- Update Carrier Settings : Go to Settings > General > About and wait about 30 seconds. If a carrier update prompt appears, tap to update. This ensures your phone has the latest network settings from your carrier
- Reset Network Settings : Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings. This clears saved Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth connections but can resolve network configuration issues causing "SOS Only"
- Update iOS : Check for the latest iOS update under Settings > General > Software Update and install it if available. Software updates often fix bugs affecting network connectivity
- Check SIM Card : Remove and reinsert your SIM card to ensure it is clean and properly seated. A dirty or damaged SIM can cause connectivity problems
- Contact Your Carrier : If none of the above steps work, the issue might be on your carrier’s end, such as account problems or network outages. Contact them to verify your account status and request assistance
Additional Notes
- "SOS Only" means you can only dial emergency numbers; normal calls, texts, and data won't work until the issue is resolved
- Wi-Fi Calling can be enabled under Settings > Phone > Wi-Fi Calling to make calls over Wi-Fi if supported by your carrier, which can be a workaround during outages
Following these steps should restore normal cellular service on your iPhone and remove the "SOS Only" message.