Handy Guide: How to Get Rid of SOS Only on iPhone

Have you ever experienced SOS only mode on your iPhone? It can be frustrating when you need to use your device, but it’s not functioning correctly. Whether you need to make a call or access the internet, the SOS only issue can cause significant inconvenience. Fortunately, there are several solutions available to help you get rid of SOS only on your iPhone.

Key Takeaways:

• SOS only mode can impact the functionality of your iPhone and hinder your ability to make calls or access the internet.
• Checking your network connection, updating carrier settings, and resetting network settings can help resolve SOS only issues.
• Removing emergency contacts and checking your SIM card are other potential solutions to consider.
• If all else fails, seeking professional help from Apple support or an authorized service center may be necessary.

Understanding SOS Only Mode on iPhone

If you’ve ever seen the “SOS Only” message on your iPhone, it means that your device is currently in SOS mode, which restricts its functionality to emergency calls only. This can be a frustrating experience, as it prevents you from using your phone to make regular calls or use data services.

SOS mode is typically activated when your iPhone’s cellular signal is weak or nonexistent. This could be due to a variety of factors, such as being in an area with poor signal coverage or having a damaged SIM card.

Disable Emergency Calls on iPhone

In some cases, you may want to turn off emergency calling on your iPhone altogether. This can be done by disabling the “Auto Call” feature in your iPhone’s SOS settings.

To access these settings, go to “Settings” > “Emergency SOS” and toggle off the “Auto Call” option. This will prevent your iPhone from automatically calling emergency services when you press and hold the side button and volume button.

Note: Disabling emergency calling on your iPhone can be dangerous in certain situations where you may need to quickly call for help. Use caution and only disable this feature if necessary.

iPhone SOS Mode Disable

If you’re experiencing SOS mode on your iPhone and would like to disable it, there are several steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue. The following sections will guide you through these steps in detail.

Checking Network Connection

If your iPhone is showing SOS only, the first thing to check is your network connection. A weak or unstable network connection can trigger the emergency-only mode. Follow these steps to review your iPhone’s settings:

1. Open Settings on your iPhone.
2. Select Cellular or Mobile Data, depending on your device.
3. Check if the Cellular Data toggle is on. If not, turn it on and check if the SOS only issue is resolved.
4. If the issue persists, go back to Cellular/Mobile Data and tap Cellular/Mobile Data Options.
5. Make sure that the Voice & Data option is set to LTE or 4G. If you have an older iPhone model, select 3G.
6. If you are still experiencing SOS only mode, switch on/off Airplane Mode or Restart your iPhone to see if the issue resolves itself.

iPhone SOS Feature Settings

It’s worth noting that you can adjust your iPhone’s SOS feature settings to prevent unwanted emergency calls. To deactivate emergency calling:

1. Open Settings on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down and tap Emergency SOS.
3. Toggle off the Call with Side Button and Auto Call options.

By turning off these settings, your iPhone will no longer automatically call emergency services if you press and hold the side button or sleep/wake button. This can be useful if you frequently accidentally trigger the emergency calling feature.

If checking and adjusting your iPhone’s network and SOS feature settings does not resolve the SOS only mode, move on to the next section for further troubleshooting options.

Updating Carrier Settings

If your iPhone’s carrier settings are out of date, it can cause the SOS only issue. To update your carrier settings:

1. Ensure your iPhone is connected to the internet.
2. Go to Settings on your iPhone.
3. Select General, then About.
4. If an update is available, a prompt will appear asking if you want to update your carrier settings. Tap on Update.

If the issue persists after updating carrier settings, you can try resetting your network settings or seeking professional help.

Resetting Network Settings on iPhone to Turn off Emergency SOS and Stop Emergency Calls

If you’ve tried checking your network connection and updating carrier settings, but the SOS only mode on your iPhone persists, resetting your network settings might help. This step will erase all Wi-Fi networks and passwords, cellular settings, and VPN and APN settings that you’ve previously saved on your device. Here’s how to reset your network settings:

1. Open the “Settings” app on your iPhone.
2. Tap “General.”
3. Scroll down and select “Reset.”
4. Tap “Reset Network Settings.”
5. Enter your passcode if prompted.
6. Confirm that you want to reset your network settings.

After your iPhone restarts, you’ll need to reconnect to Wi-Fi networks and re-enter passwords. This should also stop any unwanted emergency calls or notifications.

Removing Emergency Contacts

If you have set up emergency contacts on your iPhone, it could trigger the SOS only mode. Removing these contacts can help prevent unwanted SOS activations.

To remove emergency contacts from your iPhone:

1. Open the Health app on your iPhone.
2. Select the Medical ID tab at the bottom of the screen.
3. Scroll down to the Emergency Contacts section.
4. Select the Edit button.
5. Delete any contacts you no longer wish to have listed.
6. Select Done to save your changes.

By following these steps, you can easily remove emergency contacts from your iPhone and avoid the SOS only mode.

Checking SIM Card

If you have tried all the solutions mentioned so far, and your iPhone still displays the SOS only mode, the next step is to check your SIM card. A faulty or damaged SIM card can be the root cause of the issue.

To check your SIM card, follow these steps:

1. Power off your iPhone.
2. Remove the SIM card tray by using the SIM eject tool or a paper clip.
3. Inspect the SIM card for any damage or wear and tear.
4. Clean the SIM card and tray with a soft, dry cloth.
5. Reinsert the SIM card tray into your iPhone and power it on.

If the SIM card appears to be undamaged and clean, and your iPhone still displays the SOS only mode, it may be time to contact your carrier for assistance or consider replacing the SIM card.

Seeking Professional Help

If you have tried all the steps above and still cannot get rid of SOS only on your iPhone, it may be time to seek professional help.

The first option is to contact Apple support. They have a team of experts who can guide you through the troubleshooting process and provide solutions to the issue. You can reach them via phone, email, or chat on their official website.

If the issue is hardware-related, it may be necessary to visit an authorized service center. They may need to replace the SIM card or make further repairs to your device.

Remember, seeking professional help may come at a cost. However, it may be a worthwhile investment to get your iPhone back to full functionality.

Note:

If seeking professional help is not feasible, you can consider reaching out to online forums or community groups for assistance. Often, people who have experienced similar issues can provide valuable insights or solutions to the problem.

Conclusion

Resolving the SOS only issue on an iPhone is crucial for full device functionality. Checking the network connection, updating carrier settings, resetting network settings, removing emergency contacts, checking the SIM card, and seeking professional help are all viable solutions.

If the issue persists, users should not hesitate to contact Apple support or visit an authorized service center. Remember, ensuring a stable network connection is essential to avoid emergency calls and SOS activations.