iPhone stuck in SOS only mode

Even when service is restored, you may still have an issue to content with. Service is restored in my area. My iPhone 15 Pro is fine. My wife's iPhone 13 Pro remains stuck in SOS mode. Recommended restart and hard reset remedies have been ineffective. Most posts on topic don't offer much beyond those recommendations, so for the benefit of the community, I am posting a more comprehensive list of possible solutions...

• 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
  • Just realize that you carrier's customer service is likely overwhelmed with calls

• Finally, issues AFTER service is restored appears to be Apple specific. I have not yet seen posts re: Android users having similar issues following restoration of cellular services.

Good luck!

There is nothing for Apple to fix. It is a problem with YOUR PHONE. If it was a problem with the release you would see millions of posts about it.

SOS means that your phone is working, but is not connected to your carrier’s network. It can only make emergency calls on other networks. You need to contact your carrier to resolve this. Here is guidance from Apple→If you see No Service, Searching, or SOS on your iPhone or iPad

Here’s a way to check up on your carrier→Down Detector - Crowdsourced Outage Check

SOS means that your phone is working, but is not connected to your carrier’s network. It can only make emergency calls on other networks. You need to contact your carrier to resolve this. Here is guidance from Apple→If you see No Service, Searching, or SOS on your iPhone or iPad

Here’s a way to check up on your carrier→Down Detector - Crowdsourced Outage Check

I have the same thing, on the south side of Orlando. There is a workaround. If you have internet service, turn on wi-fi calling. It's under "Cellular" on the Settings menu.

Danemarie66 wrote:

I HAVE A 11 PRO AND I HAVE NO SERVICES WITH SOS MODE

As Douglas Adams said, "Don't Panic". And please, stop shouting.

There is a massive outage in the U.S. There is nothing you can do until the network issues are resolved.

AT&T customers report a massive outage, disrupting phone service across America

SOS means that your phone is working, but is not connected to your carrier’s network. It can only make emergency calls on other networks. You need to contact your carrier to resolve this. Here is guidance from Apple→If you see No Service, Searching, or SOS on your iPhone or iPad

Here’s a way to check up on your carrier→Down Detector - Crowdsourced Outage Check

CNN (February 22, 2024) – "AT&T customers report a massive outage. Verizon and T-Mobile are also down for some"

paoenc wrote:

pretty sure all iphones are affected because i have an xr and it's not working either

Not just all iPhones. All mobile phones on AT&T’s network.

There is a massive outage in the U.S. There is nothing you can do until the network issues are resolved.

AT&T customers report a massive outage, disrupting phone service across America

roslyn296 wrote:

If your phone updated to 17.3.1 then that is the issue too..

WRONG. That is NOT the issue. I updated to 17.3.1 weeks ago, and I have no problem.

There is a massive cellular outage in the U.S. There is nothing you can do until the network issues are resolved. You can try using Wi-Fi calling.

AT&T customers report a massive outage, disrupting phone service across America

Lauraj2024 wrote:

So has anyone found out why our phones are on SOS only?!? This is ridiculous!! I’ve tried everything the steps tell you to do & still nothing!!!

Yes, AT&T had a massive outage. There was nothing you could do. It has been resolved for many people. You'll just need to be patient.

SOS means that your phone has lost it's connection to your carrier's nework.

Use another phone to contact your carrier and ask them to troubleshoot the network issue with your phone.

Dena8686 wrote:

I have a 13 and it’s not working

As Douglas Adams said, "Don't Panic".

There is a massive outage in the U.S. There is nothing you can do until the network issues are resolved.

AT&T customers report a massive outage, disrupting phone service across America

camilliea wrote:

do we know what’s going on or do I need to reach out to Apple?

Calling Apple will accomplish nothing. They have nothing to do with this.There is a massive outage in the U.S. There is nothing you can do until the network issues are resolved.

AT&T customers report a massive outage, disrupting phone service across America

Alsalindsay wrote:

Mine is also stuck in SOS and I have a 15 pro. Been stuck since early this morning

You and millions of others. There is a massive outage in the U.S. There is nothing you can do until the network issues are resolved.

AT&T customers report a massive outage, disrupting phone service across America

j_jjjjackie wrote:

Still not working … iPhone 13 Pro Max here.. no service only SOS

There is a massive outage in the U.S. There is nothing you can do until the network issues are resolved.

AT&T customers report a massive outage, disrupting phone service across America