TECHNOLOGY
Why does my iPhone say “SOS only” and how to fix it?
Here are some common reasons for this issue and potential solutions.
AT&T customers nationwide are experiencing widespread service outages, with little information from the company on what is causing the issues.
Those with an iPhone might see that their display says “SOS only,” which indicates that the device is having trouble connecting to your mobile carrier’s network. This message indicates that your iPhone can only make emergency calls (SOS calls) and cannot make regular voice or data connections. This situation can occur due to several reasons.
No cellular coverage
Check your location to ensure you are within an area with cellular coverage. You may be out of range of your carrier’s network if you are in a remote area. For many in the affected areas, this could be the case, and there will be little you can do until the issue has been resolved.
Make sure that your iPhone is not in Airplane Mode. When Airplane Mode is activated, all wireless connections, including cellular, are disabled.
Restart Your iPhone
Without wishing to sound too IT crowd, restart your iPhone to refresh its settings and reconnect to the cellular network. Turn off your iPhone, wait a few seconds, and then turn it back on.
If problems persist, then head to your local Apple store. Your device may have a hardware issue that cannot be solved simply.