Is your Verizon iPhone stuck in SOS mode? If you see “SOS” or “SOS only” in the status bar, it means your iPhone is not connected to a regular cellular network but can still make emergency calls. This issue can be caused by network problems, SIM card issues, or software glitches.
This guide will help you fix the SOS mode problem on your Verizon iPhone with step-by-step troubleshooting methods.
What Does SOS Mode Mean on iPhone?
When your iPhone is in SOS mode, it means:
✔ Your device has limited network connectivity.
✔ You cannot make normal calls or send texts, except for emergency calls.
✔ The issue can be related to network coverage, SIM card problems, or iOS settings.
If your Verizon iPhone is stuck in SOS mode, follow these troubleshooting steps to restore full network access.
1. Check If Verizon Is Experiencing Network Issues
If your iPhone suddenly shows SOS mode, Verizon might be having network outages.
✔ Visit Verizon’s outage page or use the My Verizon app.
✔ Check social media platforms (like Twitter) for user reports.
✔ If Verizon is down, you will have to wait until the service is restored.
2. Enable and Disable Airplane Mode
A quick fix for network issues is toggling Airplane Mode on and off.
✔ Open Control Center by swiping down from the top-right corner of the screen.
✔ Tap the Airplane Mode icon to turn it on.
✔ Wait 30 seconds, then tap the icon again to turn it off.
This forces your iPhone to reconnect to Verizon’s network.
3. Restart Your iPhone
A simple restart can fix minor software glitches that cause your iPhone to get stuck in SOS mode.
✔ For iPhone X, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15: Press and hold Volume Up + Side Button, then slide to power off.
✔ For iPhone SE (2nd/3rd gen), 6, 7, 8: Press and hold the Side Button, then slide to power off.
After turning your iPhone back on, check if it reconnects to the Verizon network.
4. Remove and Reinsert Your SIM Card
A faulty or misaligned SIM card can cause network issues.
✔ Power off your iPhone.
✔ Use a SIM ejector tool or paperclip to remove the SIM card tray.
✔ Take out the SIM card and inspect it for damage.
✔ Reinsert the SIM properly and power your iPhone back on.
If the SIM card is damaged, you may need to replace it at a Verizon store.
5. Check Cellular Settings
Your iPhone’s network settings may be misconfigured, causing it to stay in SOS mode.
✔ Open Settings → Tap Cellular.
✔ Ensure that Cellular Data is enabled.
✔ Tap Cellular Data Options → Set Voice & Data to LTE or 5G Auto.
✔ Go back to Settings → Tap Network Selection → Toggle Automatic ON.
This helps your iPhone find the best Verizon signal available.
6. Reset Network Settings
If your iPhone is still stuck in SOS mode, resetting network settings can help.
✔ Open Settings → Tap General.
✔ Scroll down and select Transfer or Reset iPhone.
✔ Tap Reset → Choose Reset Network Settings.
✔ Enter your passcode and confirm the reset.
⚠ Warning: This will erase all saved Wi-Fi networks and VPN settings but won’t delete personal data.
After resetting, restart your iPhone and check if Verizon service is restored.
7. Update iOS to the Latest Version
A bug in iOS could be causing your iPhone to stay in SOS mode.
✔ Go to Settings → Tap General → Select Software Update.
✔ If an update is available, tap Download and Install.
✔ Restart your iPhone after updating.
iOS updates often fix network-related issues, so keeping your system updated is essential.
8. Turn Off and Reinsert Your eSIM (For eSIM Users)
If you have an eSIM instead of a physical SIM card, disabling and re-enabling it may help.
✔ Open Settings → Tap Cellular.
✔ Tap on your eSIM number.
✔ Toggle Turn Off This Line, wait 30 seconds, then turn it back on.
If the problem persists, you may need to delete and re-add your eSIM profile by contacting Verizon support.
9. Check Your Verizon Account and Plan
Sometimes, your Verizon account or plan may be the reason for SOS mode.
✔ Open the My Verizon app or log in to your Verizon account.
✔ Check if your bill is paid and there are no service suspensions.
✔ Ensure your plan is active and includes cellular service.
If your account is in good standing but the issue persists, proceed to the next step.
10. Contact Verizon Customer Support
If none of the above steps work, contact Verizon support for assistance.
✔ Call Verizon Support at 1-800-VERIZON (1-800-837-4966).
✔ Use the Live Chat feature on Verizon’s website.
✔ Visit a Verizon store for SIM card replacement or hardware troubleshooting.
Verizon can refresh your network connection or provide further troubleshooting steps.
11. Factory Reset Your iPhone (Last Resort)
If all else fails, a factory reset can fix deep software issues causing SOS mode.
✔ Go to Settings → Tap General.
✔ Scroll down and tap Transfer or Reset iPhone.
✔ Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
✔ Follow the on-screen instructions to reset your device.
⚠ Warning: This will delete all your data. Back up your iPhone first via iCloud or iTunes.
After the reset, set up your iPhone as new and check if Verizon service is restored.
Preventing Your Verizon iPhone from Getting Stuck in SOS Mode
To avoid future SOS mode issues, follow these tips:
✔ Keep your iPhone updated with the latest iOS version.
✔ Check Verizon’s coverage map before traveling.
✔ Use a high-quality SIM card and avoid frequent swapping.
✔ Restart your iPhone regularly to prevent glitches.
✔ Monitor Verizon network updates for service disruptions.
If your Verizon iPhone is stuck in SOS mode, it can be frustrating, but there are several solutions:
✔ Restart your iPhone and toggle Airplane Mode.
✔ Check Verizon network status and your SIM card.
✔ Update iOS and reset network settings.
✔ Contact Verizon support if the issue persists.
By following these steps, you can fix the SOS mode problem and restore full network access on your Verizon iPhone.