
Welcome, guidebits.com come again with a common problem that appears on your iPhone screen as, SOS or SOS only”. It is a message usually appears in the top status bar where the signal strength or carrier name is displayed. It indicates that your phone is not connected to your mobile network. Yes, but you can still make emergency call only. Well, it is quiet important to know SOS Only On iPhone How To Fix It. Here’s what it means and why it happens.
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What Does “SOS Only” Mean?
Well, Appearing of a SOS or SOS Only is not a big issue but it’s irritating. There is multiple reasons due to that this bug indicate, which we discuss later in this guide, but in the state your phone is just restricted to do emergency call or limited access calls or The phone cannot connect to your carrier’s network due to poor signal strength, network outages, or being outside the carrier’s coverage area.
SOS Only On iPhone How To Fix It
It is ok to appear SOS or SOS only issue but question that we are trying to address in this guide, SOS Only On iPhone How To Fix It. Yes, we discussed several reasons and their troubleshooting methods to resolve this bug. So, lets have a look and try the suitable method:
1. Try to reconnect to your cellular network
In such situation first of all check your cellular network is availability and reconnect it. You can reconnect it by following these steps:
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- Go to You iPhone Settings.
- Here, Turn on Airplane Mode for at least 15 seconds.
- And now Turn off Airplane Mode and let the signal connect with your phone.
- The other option is to simply restart your device (iPhone or iPad)
2. Verify Cellular Network or Account
The second reason of indicating this bug is an Issues with your cellular company, whom which you are using the sim, or account might affect your service. To troubleshoot this issue simply approach your carrier by following steps:
- First of all you must verify that your account is active and in good standing.
- Ensure that cellular network coverage is perfect at your location and there are no outages there.
- Now, check your device status, isn’t blocked or barred from receiving cellular services and is set up with the right data plan.
3. IMEI Registration Issue
Sometime at some areas the local bodies required IMEI registration to use an iPhone that you originally purchased from foreign countries. So, register your iOS device with IMEI number.
- Check Compatibility:
Before proceeding, confirm the device is compatible with your local network.- Visit your carrier’s website to verify whether the specific model supports local network bands.
- Ensure the device is unlocked (not restricted to a carrier from the country where it was purchased).
- Obtain the IMEI NumberIf you The IMEI number then Ok, simply put it. But if you don’t know you can find out by:
- Dial
*#06# on the device, and the IMEI will appear on the screen.
- Alternatively, go to Settings > General > About to find the IMEI.
- Dial
- Contact Your Local Carrier
To use your iPhone/iPad on your local network, you may need to:- Provide the IMEI number to your carrier.
- Check if the carrier requires device registration for local network access. Some countries require mandatory registration with the local regulatory body before using imported devices on cellular networks.
- Register with Local Authorities (If Required)
Depending on your country, you might need to register the IMEI with a government body. For example:
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- Register with local governmental bodies to ensure the device complies with regulations.
- Check with customs or the telecommunications authority in your country for specific requirements.
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- Insert Local SIM Card
- Insert a SIM card from your local carrier.
- If the device is carrier-locked, contact the original carrier to unlock it.
- Activate the Device
- Once the device is compatible and registered:
- Connect it to Wi-Fi or a computer with iTunes.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to activate the device.
- Pay Any Necessary Taxes/Duties
If you brought the device through customs, you may need to pay import duties or taxes before registering or using the device legally.
- Test the Device
- After completing, Test calling, texting, and internet services to ensure proper activation. If issues persist, contact your carrier for support.
4. Check for a Carrier Settings update
To manually check for and install a carrier settings update you must ensure that your device is connected to Wi-Fi.
- Go to Settings > General > About. If an update is available, you’ll see an option to update your carrier settings.
- To see the version of carrier settings on your device, go to Settings > General > About and look next to Carrier.
- If you insert a new SIM card into your iPhone or iPad, you need to download the carrier settings for your new carrier.
5. iPhone with Dual SIM Settings
Now check have you an iPhone with Dual SIM, follow these steps:
- Go to Settings and click on cellular and again press the cellular line you’d like to review.
- Now, check to see if it’s turned on.
- If the cellular line is off, turn it back on.
- Then, check to see if you have service.
For instance, you don’t see your cellular line, contact your carrier to set up an eSIM or insert a physical SIM card. If you’re using a physical SIM card, remove the SIM card and put it back in. If your SIM card is damaged, doesn’t fit in the SIM tray, or you transferred your physical SIM card from another device, ask your carrier for a new SIM card.
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6. International Data Roaming Issue
When you’re traveling internationally, make sure that your device is set up for data roaming.
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Go to Settings, then tap Cellular or Cellular Data. Then:
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If your device has a single SIM card or eSIM, turn on Cellular Data, then tap Cellular Data Options.
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If your device uses Dual SIM or Dual eSIM, turn on Cellular Data, tap the number you want to modify, then tap Cellular Data Options.
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Then, turn on Data Roaming.
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7. 3G network Testing
SOS or SOS only in the status bar of your devices of the variant iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c, or earlier or an iPad 2 (Wi-Fi + Cellular) or earlier, contact your carrier to discuss your options. And If you have an iPhone 6 or later or an iPad (3rd generation) or later, follow these steps:
- Update your iPhone or iPad to the latest version of iOS or iPadOS.
- Go to Settings > Cellular. Then:
- For iPhone: click Cellular Data Options, then turn on Enable LTE.
- For iPad: turn on LTE.
iPhone and iPad devices that support 5G networks are not affected by the phasing out of 3G networks.
Update your iPhone or iPad
If you still see No Service after following these steps, contact your carrier then once update your iPhone or iPad to the latest version of iOS or iPadOS.
Editor’s Note
If you’re seeing “SOS Only” on your iPhone, it means your device is limited to emergency calls due to connectivity issues. By following these steps, you should be able to find out your query SOS Only On iPhone How To Fix It on your iPhone and restore full cellular connectivity. If the problem persists, visit an Apple Store or authorized service center for further assistance.