When your iPhone displays "SOS" or "SOS Only," it means your device is not connected to your usual cellular network, but it can still make emergency calls. This status indicates that normal calls, texts, and data are unavailable because your carrier's signal is out of range or there is a network issue, but your phone can connect to other available networks or use satellite technology to contact emergency services

. Key points about SOS on iPhone:

• SOS means no regular cellular service: You cannot use your iPhone for regular communication, but emergency calls (like 911 in the U.S.) are still possible

• Emergency calls via other carriers: If your carrier is unavailable but another network is reachable, your iPhone can use that network to place emergency calls

• Satellite Emergency SOS (iPhone 14 and later): Newer iPhones can use satellite connectivity to contact emergency services when no cellular or Wi-Fi network is available, even allowing emergency texts and iMessages via satellite with iOS 18 or later

• Causes: SOS mode can appear due to being in a coverage gap, carrier outages, or cellular data being disabled

• How to fix: Try moving to a different location, toggling cellular data off and on, or restarting your iPhone to reconnect to your network

In summary, seeing "SOS" on your iPhone means your phone has lost connection to your carrier but can still reach emergency services through alternative networks or satellite, ensuring you can call for help even in poor signal conditions