On a phone, particularly an iPhone, "SOS" or "SOS Only" appearing in the status bar means that your device is not connected to your usual cellular network and cannot make or receive normal calls, texts, or use data services. However, it can still make emergency calls to numbers like 911 (US), 112 (Europe), or other local emergency services

. This status typically occurs when:

• You are out of your carrier’s network coverage area or in a location with poor signal (e.g., remote areas, underground, or inside buildings with thick walls).
• Your SIM card is inactive, damaged, locked, or not properly inserted.
• Your carrier is experiencing a network outage.
• You are traveling internationally without roaming enabled or a roaming plan activated.

The SOS mode ensures that even without normal cellular service, you can still reach emergency services by connecting to any available network for emergency calls

. To fix the SOS mode, you can try:

• Moving to a location with better network coverage.
• Restarting your phone.
• Toggling Airplane Mode on and off.
• Checking for carrier settings updates.
• Resetting network settings if necessary.

If the problem persists, contacting your carrier is recommended

. Additionally, on newer iPhones (iPhone 14 and later), Emergency SOS via satellite is available, allowing emergency calls even in the most remote locations without cellular or Wi-Fi coverage

. In summary, "SOS" on your phone means limited cellular connectivity allowing only emergency calls, serving as a safety feature to ensure you can always reach help when needed.