Are you frustrated by your iPhone constantly showing “SOS Only” signal and want to know how to turn it off? You’re not alone. Many iPhone users encounter this issue, which can be a result of various factors like network settings, SIM card issues, or even software glitches.
In this article, we will guide you on how to troubleshoot and resolve the “SOS Only” problem on your iPhone. We will explore different methods to fix the issue and regain full network connectivity, ensuring that you can make calls, send texts, and browse the internet without any interruptions.
Whether it’s a temporary glitch or a persistent problem, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s dive in and learn how to turn off “SOS Only” on your iPhone.
Inside This Article
- Overview of SOS Only on iPhone
- Method 1: Disable Airplane Mode
- Method 2: Check Mobile Network Settings
- Method 3: Reset Network Settings
- Conclusion
- FAQs
Overview of SOS Only on iPhone
When your iPhone displays the message “SOS Only,” it means that your device is able to connect to the emergency call function of your mobile network, but is unable to establish a regular cellular connection for voice calls, messaging, or data. This can be frustrating, as it restricts your phone usage to emergency calls only.
There are several possible reasons why your iPhone may be showing the “SOS Only” message. It could be due to issues with your cellular network provider, a weak signal in your current location, or even a problem with your iPhone’s settings. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to resolve this issue and regain full functionality on your iPhone.
In the following sections, we will discuss three methods that can help you turn off the “SOS Only” mode on your iPhone, allowing you to use all the features and services provided by your mobile network provider.
Method 1: Disable Airplane Mode
If your iPhone is stuck on SOS Only mode, the first troubleshooting step you can try is to disable Airplane Mode. Airplane Mode is designed to disable all wireless connectivity on your device, including cellular network services.
To disable Airplane Mode, follow these steps:
- Open the Control Center on your iPhone by swiping down from the top right corner on iPhone X or newer models, or swiping up from the bottom of the screen on older models.
- Tap on the Airplane Mode icon to toggle it off. The icon looks like an airplane.
Alternatively, you can also disable Airplane Mode from the Settings app:
- Go to the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Scroll down and tap on “Airplane Mode.”
- Toggle the switch next to “Airplane Mode” to the off position.
After disabling Airplane Mode, your iPhone should reconnect to your cellular network and no longer show only SOS (emergency calls only) mode.
Method 2: Check Mobile Network Settings
If you’re experiencing the “SOS Only” issue on your iPhone, it could be related to your mobile network settings. Here’s how you can check and adjust them to resolve the problem:
1. Start by opening the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down and tap on “Cellular” or “Mobile Data,” depending on your device’s settings.
3. Make sure that the Cellular Data/Mobile Data option is turned on. If it’s already enabled, try toggling it off and then back on again to refresh the connection.
4. Next, check if your carrier settings are up to date. Tap on “Cellular Data Options” or “Mobile Data Options,” and then select “Voice & Data.” Choose the appropriate option recommended by your carrier (such as 4G, LTE, or VoLTE).
5. If your carrier supports it, you can also try enabling the “Enable LTE” or “Enable VoLTE” option to ensure a stronger network connection.
6. In some cases, manually selecting the carrier can help resolve the “SOS Only” issue. Tap on “Carrier” or “Network Selection” and select your carrier from the list. If your carrier is not listed, you can try switching to Automatic or contacting your carrier for further assistance.
7. Finally, restart your iPhone to apply the changes.
By following these steps and checking your mobile network settings, you should be able to resolve the “SOS Only” issue on your iPhone. If the problem persists, you may need to contact your carrier for additional support or consider resetting your network settings as mentioned in Method 3.
Method 3: Reset Network Settings
If you’re still experiencing the SOS Only issue on your iPhone and the previous methods didn’t resolve it, you can try resetting your network settings. This can help fix any configuration issues that may be causing your iPhone to display the SOS Only message.
Before you proceed with resetting your network settings, please note that this process will remove all saved Wi-Fi networks and passwords, as well as any cellular settings you have customized. You will need to re-enter Wi-Fi passwords and configure any cellular settings after the reset. To reset your network settings, follow these steps:
- Open the “Settings” app on your iPhone.
- Scroll down and tap on “General”.
- Scroll down again and select “Reset”.
- Tap on “Reset Network Settings”. You may be prompted to enter your passcode.
- Confirm your decision by tapping “Reset Network Settings” again.
Your iPhone will now reset its network settings. This process may take a few minutes, and your device may restart once the reset is complete. Once your iPhone has restarted, try checking for cellular signal again. Hopefully, the SOS Only issue will be resolved, and you’ll be able to connect to your network without any problems.
If the SOS Only problem persists even after resetting your network settings, it may be worth contacting your cellular service provider for further assistance. They may be able to troubleshoot the issue or provide additional guidance to help resolve the problem.
Conclusion
In conclusion, knowing how to turn off SOS Only on your iPhone can be incredibly helpful if you find yourself in a situation where your device is constantly in SOS mode. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily disable the SOS Only feature and regain full functionality of your iPhone without any interruptions.
Remember, while SOS mode is a crucial feature for emergencies, it can sometimes be triggered accidentally or due to network issues. By being aware of how to disable this mode, you can ensure that your iPhone operates smoothly and without any unnecessary limitations.
So, whether you are experiencing signal problems or simply want to turn off SOS Only on your iPhone, the instructions provided in this article should give you the necessary guidance. By taking control of your device’s settings, you can have a seamless and uninterrupted mobile experience.
FAQs
1. How do I turn off SOS Only mode on my iPhone?
Turning off SOS Only mode on your iPhone is easy. Simply follow these steps:
- Go to the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Scroll down and tap on the “Cellular” or “Mobile Data” option, depending on your iOS version.
- Next, tap on “Cellular Data Options” or “Mobile Data Options”.
- Look for the “Enable 4G” or “Enable LTE” setting. Tap on it.
- Here, you’ll find the “Voice & Data” options. Make sure “Voice & Data” is selected instead of “Data Only” or “LTE Only”.
By following these steps, you can successfully turn off SOS Only mode and enable regular voice and data services on your iPhone.
2. Why is my iPhone only showing SOS Only?
If your iPhone displays SOS Only and you are unable to make regular phone calls or access cellular data, it means that your iPhone is not connected to a mobile network. There are a few possible reasons for this:
- No active SIM card inserted: Make sure you have a valid SIM card inserted in your iPhone.
- Weak or no cellular signal: If you are in an area with weak signal coverage or no cellular signal, your iPhone may display SOS Only.
- Carrier issues: Occasionally, there may be temporary service outages or carrier-related issues that can cause your iPhone to show SOS Only.
If none of these reasons apply, you may want to try restarting your iPhone or contacting your carrier for further assistance.
3. Can I still make emergency calls in SOS Only mode?
Yes, even in SOS Only mode, you can still make emergency calls. SOS Only mode essentially limits your iPhone’s functionality to emergency calls only. This is a safety feature that allows you to call emergency services even when you don’t have regular cellular network access.
4. How do I fix SOS Only on my iPhone after changing SIM cards?
If you recently changed your SIM card and your iPhone is now showing SOS Only, try the following steps:
- Restart your iPhone: Sometimes a simple restart can help your iPhone recognize the new SIM card properly.
- Check SIM card compatibility: Ensure that the new SIM card is compatible with your iPhone and supports your carrier’s network bands.
- Activate the new SIM card: If your new SIM card requires activation, make sure you have completed the activation process correctly.
- Contact your carrier: If the issue persists, reach out to your carrier’s customer support for further assistance in troubleshooting the SOS Only issue.
5. Why is my iPhone stuck in SOS Only mode?
If your iPhone is stuck in SOS Only mode and you are unable to regain regular cellular network access, there could be several possible reasons:
- Software issues: A software glitch or an iOS update could cause your iPhone to get stuck in SOS Only mode. Try restarting your iPhone and check for any pending software updates.
- Hardware issues: A faulty SIM card slot or antenna could be preventing your iPhone from connecting to the mobile network. In such cases, it may require professional repair.
- Carrier restrictions: In some rare instances, your carrier may have placed restrictions on your account, limiting your iPhone’s network access. Contact your carrier for assistance.
If you have tried troubleshooting steps without success, it is advisable to contact Apple Support or visit an authorized service center to further diagnose the issue.
