What Does SOS Only Mean on iPhone? Here’s a Way to Fix It

iPhone ; What Does SOS Only Mean on iPhone? Here's a Way to Fix It

iPhone is always appreciated for its seamless look and advanced operating system. But, there are many iPhone settings or symbols that you might not be aware of. No matter whether you are using AT&T or Verizon, you must have seen the SOS message on your iPhone. You can also forward calls on your iPhone from AT&T. If you do not have any idea about this message, then know what does SOS only mean on iPhone.

SOS is one type of error, but to solve this error, you must figure out what is the reason for this error message. Maybe it is about any update or something related to your device. iPhone has many symbol indications as well. Likewise, a green dot in iPhone or an orange dot on iPhone.

Well, you should not worry about what does SOS only mean on iPhone. You can easily fix this in a few minutes. I have shared below all the reasons and fixes that you can try.

What Does SOS Only Mean on iPhone?

iPhone ; What Does SOS Only Mean on iPhone? Here's a Way to Fix It

Whenever your iPhone shows the message SOS Only, it means that your carrier is not unavailable in your current location, but your network is still within range. For example, if you are using a subscription with AT&T but you are in an area where only Verizon ranges, then your phone will display the “SOS Only” message. You can also use emergency SOS on your iPhone.

iPhone says SOS only allows you to do emergency calls if you feel that your current or regular network is not available. The message of “SOS Only” can vary depending on the country you’re in when traveling abroad.

Moreover, “SOS Only” can also be displayed during periods of service outages experienced by your cell phone provider.

SOS ONLY IN IOS 16

Have you ever thought of any link between Emergency SOS via Satellite calling feature and Apple’s latest feature, this SOS-only feature? The answer to the said question is both “yes and No.”

No, for the fact that the said feature is available to iPhone 14 series and maybe later as well. And yes, because iOS 16 has, by mistake, tweaked some settings in your iPhone. And it is expected that it will be rectified soon.

Why Does My iPhone Say SOS Only?

There is no single or only reason as a result of which your iPhone says SOS only. It can be caused due to any of the multiple reasons. Given below are some of the causes mentioned.

1. Weak Network Coverage: In case your iPhone has weak and unstable network coverage. This can lead to your iPhone saying SOS only.

2. Server Issues: In case there is an issue with your server. The server might face an outage or might be down. This can ultimately lead to your iPhone displaying SOS only.

3. SIM Card Issue: If your SIM card is damaged or is wrongly inserted, this can lead to displaying SOS only on your iPhone.

4. iOS Update: As and when you would update your iPhone to the latest version. In the meantime, you can notice SOS only being displayed on your iPhone.

5. AirPlane: Once you turn on flight mode on your iPhone and have forgotten to switch it back off. This will display SOS only on your iPhone.

How to Fix SOS Only on iPhone?

iPhone ; What Does SOS Only Mean on iPhone? Here's a Way to Fix It

Now that you know what does SOS mean on iPhone, you must be curious to know how to fix SOS error on your iPhone. Well. There are many easy fixes that will help you without going anywhere. I have shared below all the details of how to get rid of SOS only on iPhones.

1. Turn off Data and On

Whenever you see the SOS error, try to turn off the data and fix the issue. I have shared below some easy steps that you can try for it.

iPhone; What Does SOS Only Mean on iPhone? Here's a Way to Fix It
  1. Launch the Settings app first and click on Cellular data.
iPhone ; What Does SOS Only Mean on iPhone? Here's a Way to Fix It

2. Now, on the Cellular data, toggle it off.

iPhone ; What Does SOS Only Mean on iPhone? Here's a Way to Fix It

3. Wait for a few seconds and turn on the mobile data.

2. Enable Data Roaming

You can enable data roaming to get rid of the SOS error on your iPhone. Follow the below-given steps for it.

iPhone ; What Does SOS Only Mean on iPhone? Here's a Way to Fix It
  1. Launch the Settings app first and click on Cellular data.
  2. Now, try to drag the Data roaming toogle.
iPhone ; What Does SOS Only Mean on iPhone? Here's a Way to Fix It

3. You will notice a 5G or 4G network in the status bar of your iPhone.

3. Change the Network to 4G or LTE

iPhone ; What Does SOS Only Mean on iPhone? Here's a Way to Fix It

Signal strength and connection might be affected by 5G as it is not fully functional globally. The best thing to do if this problem persists is to disable 5G on iPhone and use 4G instead.

4. Restart Device

iPhone ; What Does SOS Only Mean on iPhone? Here's a Way to Fix It

If you have done the network changing process on your device but still it is not working, then you can restart your device to fix iPhone says SOS only. Restarting the device will help you to get the network on your phone again.

5. Try to Update Carrier Settings

iPhone ; What Does SOS Only Mean on iPhone? Here's a Way to Fix It
  1. Launch the Settings app and click on General.
    2. Now, click on the About option.
iPhone ; What Does SOS Only Mean on iPhone? Here's a Way to Fix It

3. If there is any update available, then you will see the pop-up message of the update. Click on it for Update and Install.

6. Remove SIM and Re-Insert

iPhone ; What Does SOS Only Mean on iPhone? Here's a Way to Fix It

iPhone says SOS only is not a common issue; the physical SIM card on your iPhone could sometimes cause disruption in network connectivity and lead to the SOS-only message.

The issue can be resolved with a simple reset in such a scenario. The SIM card needs to be removed from your iPhone, the device restarted, and the SIM card reinserted. It may help re-establish your network connection and prevent your device from sending SOS messages.

7. Update iOS

iPhone ; What Does SOS Only Mean on iPhone? Here's a Way to Fix It

If you have tried all the fixes from above, but still it does not work, then try to update iOS on your device. I have shared below some easy steps for how to update iOS when iPhone says only SOS.

  1. Launch Settings first on your device.
    2. Now, click on the General option.
    3. Choose Software update.
iPhone ; What Does SOS Only Mean on iPhone? Here's a Way to Fix It

4. If any update is available, then click on Download and Install.

8. Contact Service Provider

After trying all the options from above, if you still see SOS Only message near the Wi-Fi icon on your iPhone, then it clearly means your device is unable to connect to network settings. So, in this case, you need to contact your service provider without worrying about what does SOS only mean on iPhone.

Your service provider can solve the issue efficiently. They can also guide you through the troubleshooting steps. So, do not feel hesitate to contact the service team whenever you feel any kind of technical difficulties.

Wrapping Up

In conclusion, I have shared all about what does SOS only mean on iPhone. SOS only is one kind of network error. Whenever you walk in or travel to an area where your network does not support, then you will see this error message.

However, you should not worry about how to get rid of SOS only on iPhone because I have shared above all the fixes that you can try at home without going anywhere. Follow Path of EX for more technical updates. Have a great day!!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What does SOS only mean on iPhone?

Whenever your iPhone shows the message SOS Only, it means that your carrier is not unavailable in your current location, but your network is still within range.

Q2. How to get rid of SOS only on iPhone?

You can fix your SOS error by setting up a network, re-inserting SIM, turning off the data network, and updating iOS.

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