TECHNOLOGY
Why does my iPhone say “SOS only” and how to fix it?
Cellular outages are being reported in California, here are some common reasons for this issue and potential solutions.
Based on user data reported to the website DownDetector, most mobile carriers in the US are experiencing connectivity issues. KTVU reporter Sal Castaneda posted on X, formally known as Twitter, that Verizon is experiencing an outage that is affecting all California cities.
When cell service is unavailable because your device is having trouble connecting to your mobile carrier, those with an iPhone might see that their display says “SOS only.” 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. If you are in a remote area, you may be out of range of your carrier’s network. This could be the case for many affected areas, 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.