Why Does My Phone Say SOS Only? Causes and Fixes

If your phone says “SOS Only,” it means it can’t connect to your regular cellular network but can still make emergency calls.

This often happens due to issues like a weak signal strength, SIM card problems, network outages, or being outside your carrier’s coverage area.

Whether you are an Android user or have an iOS mobile, this problem is common in both.

In this article, I’ll explain 7 reasons why your phone might say SOS only, and how to fix it.

Let’s start!

When your phone displays “SOS” or “SOS Only,” it means that it can only make emergency calls.

This typically occurs because your phone has lost its connection to a network. Despite this, it can still connect to any available network for emergency services.

Whether you have an iPhone 14, iPhone 15 Plus or even Google Pixel 10 Pro, you can face this issue

Hence, it ensures that, even in areas with poor coverage, you can call for help if needed. Many users search for “what is SOS only,” “SOS only meaning,” and “why does my.phone say SOS?“- this section clarifies those concerns.

As I stated above, that my phone says SOS, I found that there could be several reasons why SOS happens. If you are looking for the reasons for “why is my phone on sos only,” the points mentioned below will highlight the complete details.

1. You’re in an Area With No Cellular Coverage

The most common reason for seeing “SOS Only” is poor or no signal in your area. This is frequent in:

• Remote rural regions.
• Underground areas or elevators.
• Buildings with heavy insulation or interference.

2. Your SIM Card Is Damaged or Not Detected

A faulty or improperly placed SIM card can prevent your phone from connecting to your carrier. This often leads to “No SIM” or SOS Only messages.

3. Your Phone Is Set to the Wrong Network Mode

If your phone is set to a network mode that isn’t supported by your carrier or region, it can lose connection and show “SOS Only“.

4. Airplane Mode or Network Settings Are Interfering

Airplane mode disables all wireless connections, and sometimes toggling it can resolve temporary glitches that cause SOS issues.

5. Software Glitches or Outdated System

Outdated software can cause bugs and network connection failures. If your phone hasn’t been updated in a while, this could be the cause.

6. Account or Carrier Issues

Unpaid bills or suspended service from your carrier may cause your SIM to be limited to emergency-only services.

7. Hardware Damage or Internal Antenna Fault

If your phone’s internal antenna is damaged, it can not detect cellular networks even when they’re available.

Whether you use an Android or iPhone, there are simple techniques that you can follow to get rid of the SOS mode. I have detailed all of them below:

1. Check Signal Strength

Firstly, you should check the signal strength on your iPhone or Android in the area where you are currently present. If it is poor, you should move to a location where network coverage is good.

You can reach a higher ground or near a window. As poor signal strength is the primary cause of the SOS, relocation can help you avoid this problem.

2. Restart Your Phone

The second best tactic is to restart your iPhone or Android. Sometimes, a simple restart is the solution to so many problems which seem to be more complex. 

• Turn off your phone.
• Wait for 30 seconds.
• Turn it back on.

In this way, you will be able to resolve minor glitches in the software of your mobile. Hence, the phone may come out of the SOS. 

3. Inspect and Reinsert the SIM Card

As a damaged or improperly placed SIM card can also result in the SOS, you should inspect and reinsert it properly.

• Power off your phone.
• Remove the SIM card.
• Check for dirt, damage, or any other issue
• Reinsert the SIM card properly.
• Turn your phone back on.

With these steps, you can easily align your SIM card in its proper place and avoid the emergency SOS.

4. Toggle Airplane Mode

Airplane mode, although used specifically during onboarding, can also assist you in resolving the SOS situation. It resets the phone connection and provides you with the desired results.

• Turn on Airplane Mode.
• Wait for 10 to 15 seconds.
• Turn it off.

5. Update Your Software

If your phone is running on an outdated software version, connectivity issues occur that will lead to SOS. You have to update your mobile to the latest version. The following steps can help you in updating your mobile.

iPhones

• Click on the Settings icon.
• Select the General option.

• Now, click on the Software Update 

• Check if any update is available.

Android

• Find the Settings app and tap on it.

• Scroll until you see the System option. Click on it.

• Now, find the System Update menu and find any updates.

6. Reset Network Settings

Next, you should reset the network settings of your mobile. It will enable you to overcome the SOS challenges by fixing the bugs and glitches.

• For iPhone: Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
• For Android: Go to Settings > System > Reset Options > Reset Wi-Fi, Mobile & Bluetooth.

7. Perform a Factory Reset

If none of the above mentioned solutions work, you then have to perform a factory reset on your smartphone. In this way, you can take your mobile to the default mode. While a guide is already available on how to reset the iPhone, I have enlisted steps here to reset the Android.

a) iPhone

• Open Settings.
• Move to the General section
• Find the Transfer or Reset iPhone option.

• Click on the Erase All Settings and Content.

• Follow the pop ups to reset your iPhone.

b) Android

• Go to the settings of your Android.
• Click the System option.
• Move to the Reset section.

• Now, select Erase All Data.

• Follow the on screen instructions to perform the factory reset.

These are the details about “why does my phone show SOS?’ I have got all the reasons covered in this guide so you can understand them and determine the exact cause of this problem. In this way, you can follow a proactive approach to get rid of them.

Sometimes, a simple restart is enough to get rid of this issue. On the other hand, you may have to perform a factory reset in some critical situations. Further, resetting network settings can also resolve this problem. Just determine the cause and follow the solutions I have provided.