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Service keeps dropping to SOS mode

Starting on Sunday morning my phone started going to no bars/SOS mode. Restarting worked for a short time and then even though my phone said 5G with full bars it would not load any data or make any calls. This is right after the latest update of 17.2.1.


I tried going to Settings -> General -> Transfer or Reset iPhone -> Reset -> Reset Network settings and that did not work. I also tried the All Settings option while on the phone with T-Mobile support. It is not a T-Mobile issue, I have already had them try to activate a new eSIM, delete all eSIMs, try a new eSIM again, and then went into the store and they gave me a physical SIM and that did not help.


The phone will have service after restarting, and sometimes after airplane mode, and then it will drop to SOS. I can do WiFi calling and can get iMessage when I am on my WiFi. When I do have service after restarting I can make calls and can confirm they go through and I can talk to the person on the other end.


I looked at the VPN connections someone mentioned help fixed theirs and deleted my paid for VPN and that did not fix it either.


It is not location specific -- it does this at my home, at my office, and driving around town. I am aware that I am not the only one with the issue.


I have no interest in buying a new iPhone as I know there is nothing wrong with the phone itself...it's less than 2 years old, has a case on it, and is never dropped. Apple should release a new update fixing this as it is dangerous and a class action lawsuit waiting to happen. If I am driving around I do not have WiFi available and if there is an accident or someone needs to get a hold of me, or I need to get a hold of someone who is not 911, then I am out of luck. Apple needs to address it and make it right. They are costing us money for every day we pay for our cell service and it does not work due to this update.


Please do not link the If you see No Service, Searching, or SOS on your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support article, I've already seen it and it is not relevant. There is no way all of us having this happen to our phones after this update is a carrier issue since we all have different carriers and I'm fairly certain they would've addressed this by now.

iPhone 13, iOS 15

Posted on Jan 17, 2024 3:58 PM

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4 replies

Jan 18, 2024 12:08 AM in response to Amanda_Hope

Check your iPhone settings

Go to Settings and turn on Airplane Mode, wait five seconds, then turn it off. Check Do Not Disturb. Go to Settings > Focus > Do Not Disturb and make sure it's turned off. Check for any blocked phone numbers.


If you can't make or receive calls on your iPhone - Apple Support



Can't send or receive messages then try these steps first

  1. Restart your device: ... 
  2. Check your network connection. ... 
  3. Check with your carrier to see if the type of message you're trying to send, like MMS or SMS, is supported.
  4. If you're trying to send group MMS messages on an iPhone, go to Settings > Messages and turn on MMS Messaging.

More items...


If you can't send or receive messages on your iPhone, iPad, or ...



If you are unable to make a call or receive; If you can't make or receive calls on your iPhone - Apple Support



Cellular Update Failed —> If you see an Update Failed or Apple Pay Not Available alert after iOS update or restart



Settings > Mobile Data > APN [under Mobile Data APN] enter the APN pin


View and edit your APN settings

If your carrier allows it, you can view your APN settings in one of the following locations: Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Cellular Network. Settings> Mobile Data > Mobile Data Options > Mobile Data Network.


View and edit your Access Point Name (APN) on your iPhone ...



Carrier Update (Required): Released by your Cellular Service provider (Carrier Update), affects your Outgoing / Incoming calls, SMS, Data etc..



How to Update Carrier Settings

You can manually check for and install carrier settings, and update with these steps: Make sure your device is connected to a Wi-Fi or cellular network. Tap Settings > General > About. If an update is available, you'll see an option to update your carrier settings.

Update your carrier settings on your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support




If nothing helps then --> If you see a Cellular, Ultra Wideband, or Apple Pay Issue message after an iOS update or restart



Reset Network Settings: Only network settings are removed.

  • When you reset network settings, previously used networks and VPN settings that weren’t installed by a configuration profile or mobile device management (MDM) are removed. Wi-Fi is turned off and then back on, disconnecting you from any network you’re on. The Wi-Fi and Ask to Join Networks settings remain turned on.
  • To remove VPN settings installed by a configuration profile, go to Settings > General > Profiles & Device Management, select the configuration profile, then tap Remove Profile. This also removes other settings and accounts provided by the profile. See Install or Remove configuration profiles on iPhone in this guide.
  • To remove network settings installed by MDM, go to Settings > General > Profiles & Device Management, select the management, then tap Remove Management. This also removes other settings and certificates provided by MDM. See “Mobile device management (MDM)” in the iOS Deployment Reference.
  • Reset your Network Settings. Tap Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings. This also resets Wi-Fi networks and passwords, cellular settings, and VPN and APN settings that you've used before.


If the above fails...



Reset All Settings: All settings—including network settings, the keyboard dictionary, the Home screen layout, location settings, privacy settings, and Apple Pay cards—are removed or reset to their defaults. No data or media are deleted.

  1. Reset All Settings: Return iPhone settings to their defaults - Apple Support:- Return iPhone settings to their defaults
  2. You can return settings to their defaults without erasing your content.
  3. If you want to save your settings, back up your iPhone before returning them to their defaults. For example, if you’re trying to solve a problem but returning settings to their defaults doesn’t help, you might want to restore your previous settings from a backup.




Jan 18, 2024 12:08 AM in response to Amanda_Hope

To be able to use any SIM across the globe you must have "No SIM Restriction" against Network Provider Lock. Please refer to the pic below.




Get a Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

When you encounter issues with your Apple devices, the Genius Bar at Apple Retail Stores is the go-to place for expert assistance. The Genius Bar is staffed by knowledgeable Apple employees, often referred to as "Geniuses," who can diagnose and resolve a wide range of hardware and software-related problems. To ensure personalized attention and a convenient visit, Apple provides the option to schedule a Genius Bar Reservation.


Contact Genius Bar.

Manage Reservations - My Reservations - Apple



Take your device to an Apple Retail Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider, or contact Apple Support:

  1. If you prefer face-to-face assistance, you can visit an Apple Retail Store. Apple Retail Stores are designed to provide a hands-on experience with Apple products and offer support services. You can speak with Apple specialists, known as "Creative Pros" in some locations, who can assist you with product-related inquiries or minor troubleshooting.
  2. In addition to Apple Retail Stores, there are Apple Authorized Service Providers (AASPs) that are authorized to perform repairs on Apple products. AASPs are independent businesses certified by Apple to offer service and repairs for various Apple devices.
  3. If visiting a physical location is not possible or convenient, you can seek support by contacting Apple Support. Apple offers various channels for support, including phone support, live chat, and email. The official Apple Support website provides information on how to reach out to Apple for assistance.


Finally, you can also start a repair log or track the status of existing repair --> Apple Repair and Repair Status Check - Official Apple Support


In summary, Apple provides customers with a range of support options, including the Genius Bar Reservation system, visits to Apple Retail Stores or Authorized Service Providers, and various channels to contact Apple Support for assistance with their products. These services aim to ensure that Apple users receive the necessary help and support whenever they encounter issues with their devices.



Jun 30, 2024 9:17 AM in response to Akum1

If the issue is definitely not with T-Mobile (remember that the support person's goal and incentive when you call is to get you off of the phone as quickly as possible), the only other possibility is a defective iPhone.


Make an appointment at the Apple Store or take the phone to authorized Apple service shop to let them run some checks and tests on the phone.


You can find a list of authorized service shops in your are using this link: Find Locations








Service keeps dropping to SOS mode

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