Seeing “SOS Only” on your iPhone screen is a pain. No calls, no texts, no internet – just emergency calls. But don’t worry. This guide will walk you through how to fix it. What does “SOS Only” mean? It means your iPhone can’t connect to your cellular network. You can still make emergency calls (thank goodness!). But, regular calls, texts, and data are a no-go. Why is this happening?
Let’s find out:
- No Signal: You might be in a dead zone with weak or no cellular coverage.
- Software Glitch: Sometimes, your iPhone’s software just needs a little nudge.
- SIM Card Issues: Your SIM card could be damaged, not installed properly, or needs a refresh.
- Carrier Settings: Outdated settings can mess with your connection.
- iPhone Needs a Reboot: Like us, iPhones sometimes just need a restart.
Okay, how do I fix it?Let’s try these solutions one by one:
1. Check Your Surroundings:
- Find Open Space: Buildings, mountains, and even trees can block signals.
- Check Coverage Map: Look at your carrier’s website to see if you’re in a coverage area.
2. Restart Your iPhone:
- iPhone X or newer: Hold down the side button and either volume button until the slider pops up. Slide to turn off. Then, press and hold the side button again until you see the Apple logo.
- iPhone SE (2nd gen), 8, 7, or 6: Hold down the side (or top) button until the slider appears. Slide to turn off. Then, press and hold the side (or top) button again until you see the Apple logo.
3. Airplane Mode On/Off:
- Open Control Center: Swipe down from the top-right corner (swipe up from bottom on older iPhones).
- Tap the Airplane Icon: Wait a few seconds, then tap it again to turn Airplane Mode off.
4. Give Your SIM Card Some Attention:
- Turn off your iPhone.
- Open the SIM tray: Use the SIM eject tool (or a paperclip) to pop open the tray.
- Reseat the SIM: Take out the SIM card and put it back in, making sure it’s sitting flat.
- Turn your iPhone back on.
5. Update Carrier Settings:
- Connect to Wi-Fi (if you can).
- Go to Settings > General > About.
- Check for Updates: If a carrier settings update is available, you’ll see a prompt. Tap “Update.”
6. Reset Network Settings (Last Resort!):
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset.
- Tap “Reset Network Settings.”
- Enter your passcode (if asked). This will erase saved Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth connections.
7. Phone a Friend (Your Carrier):
- Contact your carrier: If nothing else worked, they might be having network issues.
8. Software Update Check:
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
- Install Updates: If an update is available, download and install it.
Still Seeing “SOS Only”?If these steps didn’t work, it might be time for the pros:
- Visit an Apple Store: They can check for hardware problems.
- Contact Apple Support: They can give you more help over the phone or online.
Remember, “SOS Only” is usually an easy fix. With a little troubleshooting, you’ll be back to calling, texting, and browsing in no time!
Having other issues with your iPhone? Check out our guide on how to fix common iPhone problems.
