Have you noticed an “SOS” icon in your iPhone’s status bar instead of the usual 5G, LTE, or Wi-Fi symbols? Don’t worry; it’s not an emergency signal. Here’s what it means and how you can fix it.
Why Does My Phone Say SOS?
The “SOS” indicator is a feature Apple introduced in iOS 16, inspired by the Emergency SOS via satellite feature on the iPhone 14. This indicator shows that your iPhone can make emergency calls even if it’s not connected to your carrier’s network.
When your iPhone displays “SOS,” it means it can connect to another carrier’s network for emergency calls, even if your primary carrier’s signal is unavailable.
For example, if you’re an AT&T customer out of range of AT&T towers but within reach of a T-Mobile or Verizon tower, your iPhone will show “SOS,” indicating it can still make emergency calls.
What About SOS with a Satellite Icon?
For iPhone 14 and later models, “SOS” with a satellite icon indicates that no cellular networks are available, but you might still make an emergency call via satellite.
However, this requires being outside with a clear view of the sky and being in a country where the service is supported, such as the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, and several European countries.
How to Get Your Phone Out of SOS Mode
Typically, the “SOS” indicator will disappear once you’re back in range of your carrier’s network, and your iPhone should automatically reconnect. If your phone gets stuck in “SOS” mode, try these steps:
- Toggle Airplane Mode:
- Open Control Center by swiping down from the top-right corner (or up from the bottom on models with a Home Button).
- Tap the Airplane icon to enable Airplane Mode. Wait a few seconds, then tap it again to disable it. This reinitializes your cellular connection.
- Restart Your iPhone:
- Hold down the side button and volume up button.
- Slide to power off, then press the side button to turn your iPhone back on.
- Check Your SIM Card:
- If the problem persists, ensure your SIM card is properly installed.
- Follow the instructions in the “No SIM Card Installed” error guide if needed.
- Contact Your Carrier:
- If none of these steps work and you’re sure you should have a strong signal, contact your carrier to check for issues with your account.
Understanding these steps can help you quickly resolve the “SOS” indicator issue and restore your regular cellular service. This feature is designed to ensure you can always make emergency calls, even when your primary network is unavailable, providing an extra layer of safety.