The Best Fluffy Pancakes recipe you will fall in love with. Full of tips and tricks to help you make the best pancakes.
Check out your iPhone screen now. Do you see “SOS Only” text glaring back at you? It is not a comforting sight at all and especially when you are about to make a call or send a message. So, what does this warning mean? Is your iPhone stuck in SOS mode? Let us try to understand here what does SOS means on iPhone and how to turn off SOS on iPhone.
Decoding the “SOS Only” Signal
The text “SOS Only” on your iPhone reveals a significant limitation in the functionality of your device. It means that your device can only make emergency calls like 911 in the United States, 112 in Europe or 999 in the United Kingdom.
Dilemma of Restricted Connectivity
When your iPhone is displaying the text “SOS Only,” it is a clear indication that you are now beyond the coverage area of your regular carrier network. Amid such circumstances, you lose access to some of the phone features. You will not be able to make regular calls. You simultaneously cannot send text messages. You can even not be able to use data services to browse the internet. This means the iPhone stuck in SOS mode.
Navigating the Causes Behind iPhone Stuck in SOS Mode
Let us try to understand why iPhone stuck in SOS mode and why it is crucial to resolving the issue efficiently. The warning basically arises when your device is within the range of an alternative carrier network but is not capable of accessing its designated network. If your phone is subscribed to AT&T and finds itself within an area served by Verizon, the “SOS Only” message is displayed.
“SOS Only” can also pop up during international travel as all the countries may not have dedicated network coverage. Additionally, the message comes to display when the mobile service provider encounters temporary outages.
How to Turn Off SOS on iPhone
Now, let us find out how to fix SOS on iPhone. Escaping the message requires a strategic approach. Do know that the warning is not a malfunction. It is rather a safety mechanism even though it can be inconvenient. Here are some steps to follow to restore regular connectivity:
Relocate to Your Carrier’s Coverage Area
Yes, this is the most important step. It is a straightforward solution to remove “SOS Only” message. Move within the range of your primary carrier network. Shifting your location can swiftly resolve the issue and restore full functionality to your iPhone.
Utilize Airplane Mode
Sometimes, toggling Airplane Mode on and off can do the magic. Your iPhone will come back to normalcy. Access the Control Center of your device by swiping down from the top-right corner of the screen. Tap the airplane symbol thereafter to activate Airplane Mode. It is suggested to wait for a couple of seconds and then toggling it off. Observe if the “SOS Only” warning vanishes.
Perform a Restart
If still you are unable to fix the phone to normalcy, a classic reboot might work. Restart your iPhone to initiate a fresh connection attempt with the carrier network. This may resolve the issue and “SOS Only” message may disappear.
Verdict
We tried to understand what does SOS only mean on iPhone and also how to fix SOS on iPhone. Yes, it is true that encountering the warning may be discomforting, but if you are armed with the knowledge of its implications and potential remedies, you can handle the issue with confidence. Some of the simple ways discussed here are adjusting location, toggling Airplane Mode or performing a quick reboot. Hence, restoring normal connectivity is within your reach. So, if the next time your iPhone finds stranded in emergency call mode, try to follow the steps and get rid of the message.
Additional Considerations: Exploring Dual-SIM Functionality
Before we wrap up the article on iPhone stuck in SOS mode, let us take on some additional considerations. Try to explore dual-SIM functionality. You can potentially overcome the coverage gap by subscribing to multiple mobile plans. This approach ensures remaining in network access mostly and minimizing the likelihood of encountering the SOS mode message.
Navigating International Travel Challenges
If you are frequent international traveler, it is better to know countries where your service provider offers coverage. Do know that the chance of getting SOS mode is more in international travel due to the complexities of international roaming. Consider researching and activating international roaming plans offered by your carrier. These plans provide extended coverage options and hence help in minimizing the risk of being stranded in emergency call-only mode while traveling.
Seeking Support from Mobile Service Providers
If the SOS mode persists for a longer time even after following the relevant steps, try to reach out to the mobile service providers. Customer support representatives can offer guidance to come out of the issue. They can provide insights into network issues affecting your device. Moreover, the help center may provide updates on service outages, if there is any, or offer alternative solutions to restore connectivity.
Maintaining Vigilance and Preparedness
While “SOS Only” incidents can be disruptive, they highlight the importance of maintaining vigilance as well as preparedness when relying on mobile devices for communication. Try to familiarize yourself with troubleshooting strategies and thereafter take measures to navigate potential connectivity challenges with confidence. By staying informed and adaptable, you can ensure that your iPhone remains a reliable communication tool in any situation.