Brandon Girod, Pensacola News Journal
·4 min read
If you look down at your phone and notice that it’s in SOS-only mode, there is a good chance that it’s not your fault.
SOS and SOS only on iPhones are modes that kick in when your phone loses connection to its cellular network. Of course, one of the most popular ways that can happen is an outage from your wireless service provider.
currently has roughly 4,600 user reports of outages across the United States at the time of publishing this article, according to Downdetector, with more reports rolling in by the minute. Exactly how widespread the current outage is remains unclear.
Here’s how you can check if AT&T, Verizon or T-Mobile are experiencing outages.
AT&T outage map
AT&T customers cancheck onmobile phone or internet outages. You can also can sign up to receive text alerts concerning outages
The map will confirm any problems you may be having are due to an outage in the area.
➤Latest AT&T outage map from Downdetector
Verizonoutage map
Verizon customers need to log into Verizon's website tocheck on outages. You'll be able to check on repair status and find troubleshooting information. The site also offers anoutage map.
➤Latest Verizon outage map from Downdetector
T-Mobile outage map
T-Mobile offers atroubleshooting websitefor customers experiencing problems.T-Mobile's coverage mapdoes not show outages.
➤Latest T-Mobile outage map from Downdetector
Down Detector outage map
DownDetector.com provides service outage information for multiple carriers that is updated frequently.
Why is my iPhone showing SOS or SOS only?
When iPhones aren’t connected to a cellular network, they will typically alert the user by giving an indication in the phone’s status bar. Those notifications usually say “No Service” or “Searching,” but your phone may also say “SOS” or “SOS only.”
When your phone goes into SOS mode, it can still make emergency calls. When you make an emergency call with your iPhone, it automatically calls the local emergency number and shares your location information with emergency services.
Additionally, you can add emergency contacts under your phone’s medical ID options in the settings. Adding an emergency contact will alert them to your location with a text message after an emergency call ends.
How to get your phone out of SOS mode
In many cases, if your phone is in SOS mode, external circ*mstances outside your control could be responsible. However, there are some troubleshooting steps you can take on your end:
Make sure you’re in an area with cellular network coverage
Turn your cellular data off and then on:
Go to settings
Toggle cellular or mobile data off and then back on
If you’re traveling internationally, make sure your phone is set up for data roaming:
Go to settings
Tap cellular
Cellular data options
Toggle data roaming
Try restarting your device
Check your carrier settings for an update
Make sure your device is connected to Wi-Fi or a cellular network
Open settings and navigate to General > About. If an update is available, you’ll see it here
Turn your cellular line off and back on
Open settings
Tap Cellular and see if your cellular line is turned on
Don’t see a cellular line in settings? Setup an eSim or reinsert your physical SIM card
Reset your network settings
Open settings
Tap General > Transfer or Reset [Device] > Reset > Reset network settings
Note: This will reset your Wi-Fi networks and passwords, cellular settings, VPN and APN settings you used before
Update your iPhone to the latest version of iOS
Plug your device into power and connect to Wi-Fi
Go to settings > General and then tap “Software Update”
Choose the update you want to install
Contact your wireless carrier
If all else fails, reach out to your carrier to see if there are any outages in the area, ensure your account is in active and good standing and make sure your device isn’t being blocked from receiving cellular service
How to turn on Wi-Fi calling
Here's how you can turn on Wi-Fi calling on your iPhone:
Navigate to settings
Tap Phone
Then tap Wi-Fi calling
You may need to enter or confirm your address for emergency services, according to Apple.
Once Wi-Fi calling is available, you will see "Wi-Fi" in the status bar while viewing the Control Center.
When cellular service is available, your iPhone uses it for emergency calls. If you turn on Wi-Fi Calling and cellular service isn't available, emergency calls might use Wi-Fi calling.
Your device's location may be used to aid response efforts when you place
This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Is there an AT&T outage? How to check if your phone is in SOS mode
