Why is the phone on SOS only?

If you see No Service or Searching in the status bar on your iPhone or iPad (Wi-Fi + Cellular), your device isn't connected to a cellular network. If you see SOS or "SOS only" in the status bar, your device can still make emergency calls.

If you see No Service, Searching, or SOS on your iPhone or iPad

lolly225 Said:

"Why is the phone on SOS only?: What does SOS only mean on my iPhone 8plus"

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Getting Out of SOS, Right this Moment:

You'll need to wait. As of this reply, T mobile is under a nationwide outage.