Phone goes to SOS mode instead of wi-fi calling

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Level 1

22 points

Phone goes to SOS mode instead of wi-fi calling

My iPhone (13 running 16.2) goes into "SOS only" in my house where my 5G cellular signal is weak. Why does it not switch to wi-fi calling instead? Or switch to LTE (which my husband's phone has no trouble accessing in our house (same carrier). I have full bars on my wi-fi signal when this happens and my husband is usually showing 2 to 3 LTE bars. I am missing calls and text messages when I'm at home and calls that do come through are often dropped. Why would my phone bypass perfectly workable options and go to SOS only instead? In an effort to address this I have spent many hours on the phone with my carrier (t-mobile) and with Apple support. I have even replaced my phone and restored all of the software and apps from scratch in case it was a software issue. I still have the exact same problem.

iPhone 13, iOS 16

Posted on Dec 28, 2022 8:52 AM

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Answer 1

Jan 14, 2023 9:02 AM in response to turk__182

Go to Settings/Cellular and turn off Wi-Fi Assist.

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Answer 2

Jan 14, 2023 8:53 AM in response to Lawrence Finch

Hi, thank you for the quick reply. Yes, the connection to my carrier at my home is poor to non existent - that is why Wi-Fi calling is crucial.

The issue is that when the sos mode is showing, Wi-Fi calling will not connect. It might connect if I toggle airplane mode several times, or if I restart the phone. But all of these solutions take a few minutes to work - and this happens with enough regularity that it’s very frustrating. As the other poster mentions, I also miss calls and texts incoming.

like the other poster, I’ve called T-Mobile and it sounds like the issue is with apple’s software.

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Answer 3

Jan 14, 2023 8:39 AM in response to JeriLK

Apple, I have the same issue. SOS mode is supposed to be a safety improvement, but this issue means that in my home I have no reliable way to contact emergency services or family or friends. I don’t have a landline, and very often my calls and texts will fail to send because the phone is in SOS mode and won’t connect to the 100% available Wi-Fi calling. This is a serious bug.

I do live in a rural area where both 5g, LTE signals don’t come to the house - so I rely on Wi-Fi. Apple needs to ensure that the sos features does not block Wi-Fi calling.

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Answer 4

JeriLK Author

Level 1

22 points

Jan 14, 2023 8:53 AM in response to JeriLK

An update. I've found that if I turn the wi-fi off on my phone when I am home, it stays in 5G with 1 to 3 bars (once in a while goes to LTE) and I don't have any trouble sending or receiving calls or texts. However, if I turn wi-fi back on, very soon it drops into SOS mode and no one can call or text me. If I turn the wi-fi back off, it goes back to 5G. There is clearly a problem with this system.

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Answer 5

Jan 14, 2023 9:38 AM in response to Lawrence Finch

I'll give that a shot. Thanks!

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Answer 6

Jan 14, 2023 8:45 AM in response to JeriLK

SOS mode means that your connection with your carrier is too weak to maintain a reliable connection. It’s called SOS mode because your phone CAN receive an alternate network that is not yours, but can be used for emergency calls. However, If Wi-Fi calling is enabled on your phone and with your carrier it should still work. If it doesn’t contact your carrier. As a test, put the phone in Airplane mode and turn on Wi-Fi. If Wi-Fi calling is correctly set up it should work.

You can also try putting your phone in LTE mode rather than 5G Auto.

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Phone goes to SOS mode instead of wi-fi calling

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