iPhone 12 stuck in SOS shortly following update

I own an iPhone 12 and on Mar 2 2025 updated to 18.3.1

For about 5 hours it was stuck in SOS. Here is how my issue was resolved. Hopefully this helps some people out there as well. (Cuz it’s obviously a valid issue and if you’re told to turn it on and off again, you’ll explode like I nearly did.)

I checked in the ‘cellular’ section in settings, where it lists your main SIM card and any esims you may use or have used. Beside “primary” (the main sim the phone uses given to you by your provider; my case Bell), it read “no sim”. Very odd. That has never happened before.

I had once used an eSIM while in Germany. I tapped “travel eSIM” and turned it on. I then at least had bars of service. But it’s an old expired eSIM so the phone didn’t actually yet work.

I walked to a cellphone store as they would have the little point tool that opens the tiny SIM card drawer on the side of the phone. He opened and then closed that drawer for me.

While we both agreed there is not way for it get dislodged, the phone almost immediately worked. It started again recognizing that it DOES in fact have a SIM card inside.

The problem after the update I believe must be connected to this issue that the older phone may not recognize the presence of a SIM card momentarily.

signed,

Someone who is ACTUALLY trying to help.