How-to

How to Fix “SOS Only” on an iPhone?

By Rossana Cavallo

Posted on January 30, 2025

The “SOS Only” message on your iPhone indicates that your device cannot connect to your carrier’s network. This leaves your phone limited to emergency calls. Below is a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to identify and resolve the issue efficiently. Each section is designed with a technical approach, making it highly detailed and user-friendly.

What Does “SOS Only” Mean?

When your iPhone displays “SOS Only,” it means that while your device cannot connect to your cellular network, it retains access to emergency services like 911. This problem can arise due to weak signal strength, SIM card misalignment, network outages, outdated carrier settings, or software issues.

For instance, traveling to areas with poor network coverage, using a faulty SIM card, or skipping essential iOS updates could all trigger this problem. Identifying whether the issue is with your phone, carrier, or surroundings forms the first step in troubleshooting.

Steps to Fix “SOS Only” on an iPhone

Step 1: Check Cellular Signal and Coverage

Network coverage issues are one of the most common reasons for the “SOS Only” message. Begin by inspecting the signal bars on the top-right of your screen. If the bars are absent or minimal, your location may have weak coverage.

To resolve this

Relocate: Move to an area known for better coverage, like open spaces or urban centers.
Check Carrier Outages: Use a secondary device to visit your carrier’s website and verify if there are network outages in your area.
Refresh Connection: Toggle Airplane Mode on, wait 10 seconds and turn it off again to reset your network search.
Inspect Physical Barriers: Certain materials like concrete or metal can block signals. Move closer to windows or outdoors for better connectivity.

Step 2: Restart Your iPhone

Restarting your iPhone is an essential troubleshooting step to clear temporary glitches that can interrupt network connections. This action effectively refreshes system processes.

Steps to restart

Press and hold the Side Button (or the Side Button + Volume Down for newer models) until the power slider appears.
Slide to turn off the device.
Wait for 30 seconds to ensure all processes stop.
Turn the device back on by pressing and holding the Side Button again.
Restarting often resolves minor bugs or errors that may not require additional troubleshooting. If the issue persists, proceed to the next steps.

Step 3: Update Carrier Settings

Outdated carrier settings can cause compatibility issues, leading to “SOS Only” errors. Carrier settings updates include essential updates that improve connectivity, roaming, and cellular data configurations.

Follow these steps

Navigate to Settings > General > About.
Wait for a few seconds; if an update prompt appears, tap Update to install the latest settings.
Restart your phone to apply the update completely.
Test the network by checking if your iPhone reconnects to your carrier.
Ensuring carrier settings are up-to-date helps your iPhone stay compatible with network advancements and infrastructure upgrades.

Step 4: Check and Reinsert the SIM Card

A SIM card acts as the bridge between your iPhone and your carrier’s network. Physical issues like dust, scratches, or misalignment can cause connectivity problems.

Steps to inspect and reinstall your SIM card:
Power off your iPhone completely.
Remove the SIM tray using a SIM ejector tool or a paperclip.
Examine the SIM card for visible damage, such as scratches or bends. Use a microfiber cloth to clean the SIM card if dust is present.
Reinsert the SIM card securely, ensuring it’s aligned correctly.
Turn the device back on and check if the network connection is restored.
If the problem persists, consider testing the phone with another SIM card to determine if the issue lies with the card itself.

Step 5: Reset Network Settings

Sometimes, incorrect or corrupted network settings can lead to persistent issues. Resetting the network settings restores all configurations to default values.

Here’s how to reset Network Settings:

Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset.
Select Reset Network Settings. Enter your device passcode if prompted.
Be aware that this will erase stored Wi-Fi networks, passwords, and VPN configurations.
After the reset, reconnect to your Wi-Fi and test cellular connectivity.
This step is highly effective for resolving configuration conflicts that can interfere with your iPhone’s ability to connect to networks.

Step 6: Update iOS

iOS updates are critical for addressing software bugs and introducing compatibility improvements. Neglecting updates can lead to unresolved issues, including “SOS Only” errors.

Steps to update:

Open Settings > General > Software Update.
If an update is available, tap Download and Install.
Ensure your device is connected to Wi-Fi and has sufficient battery life during the update.
Once installed, restart your phone to finalize the process.
Updating your iOS ensures optimal performance and resolves known bugs that may affect network connectivity.

Step 7: Test with a Different SIM Card

Testing another SIM card can help isolate the problem. If the alternate SIM works, the issue likely lies with your original SIM card or carrier.

Steps to Test with a Different SIM Card:

Turn off your iPhone and remove the current SIM card.
Insert a functional SIM card from a different carrier.
Turn the device back on and observe if it connects to the network.
If the alternate SIM works, contact your carrier for a replacement.
This step is particularly useful for determining whether the problem is hardware or account-related.

Step 8: Contact Your Carrier

If earlier steps fail, contacting your carrier is essential for further troubleshooting. Your carrier can verify account status, network outages, and SIM card functionality.

Key Actions to Contact Your Carrier:

Confirm that your account is active and all bills are paid.
Report any ongoing outages or technical issues in your area.
Request carrier-specific troubleshooting steps or configurations.
Obtain a replacement SIM card if necessary.
Your carrier’s technical support can provide insights and solutions that might not be accessible through standard troubleshooting.

Step 9: Perform a Factory Reset

A factory reset is the most comprehensive solution for software issues. It erases all data and restores the phone to its original settings.

Steps to Perform a Factory Reset:

Back up your device using iCloud or iTunes.
Navigate to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings.
Confirm your action and enter your passcode when prompted.
After the reset, restore your data from a backup or set up the device as new.
This process ensures all potential software conflicts are eliminated.

Step 10: Inspect for Hardware Issues

Hardware issues, such as damaged antennas or internal components, can prevent network connections. A professional inspection is necessary for such problems.

Steps to Inspect for Hardware Issues:

Visit an Apple Store or authorized service provider.
Request a diagnostic test to identify hardware malfunctions.
If needed, proceed with repairs or replacement parts.
Addressing hardware problems is essential for restoring full functionality to your iPhone.

FAQs

Can “SOS Only” appear due to a temporary outage?

Yes, temporary outages in your carrier’s network can result in the “SOS Only” message. If other devices on the same network also experience connectivity issues, it’s likely a carrier problem. Contact your provider or wait for the service to be restored.

What should I do if replacing the SIM card doesn’t resolve the issue?

If replacing the SIM card doesn’t fix the problem, consider checking for hardware issues. You may need to visit an Apple Store for diagnostics or contact your carrier to verify if your account is correctly configured.

Can software bugs cause “SOS Only” to appear?

Yes, software bugs can interfere with network connectivity. Updating your iPhone to the latest iOS version often resolves such issues by fixing bugs and improving compatibility.

Is a factory reset the only solution for persistent “SOS Only” errors?

A factory reset is a last-resort solution for persistent errors. It eliminates any software conflicts causing the issue. Always back up your data before performing a factory reset, as this process erases all content and settings.

Conclusion

Addressing the “SOS Only” issue on an iPhone requires systematic troubleshooting, from basic checks to advanced technical fixes. By following these detailed steps, you can identify and resolve the root cause effectively. For persistent issues, professional assistance from Apple or your carrier ensures a reliable solution. Stay proactive with updates and maintenance to avoid similar problems in the future.