Janice R. Andrews
Following the recent network disruptions at AT&T, thousands of iPhone owners were left to deal with an irritating problem: their smartphones were locked in SOS mode. Users can utilize this mode, which limits functionality to emergency calls or messages only, as a distress signal by looking for a prominent display in the top right corner of the screen. Here are the things you should know and the actions you may take to solve the issue if you are one of the impacted parties.
Knowing How to Use SOS Mode:
Usually, when your iPhone loses cellular service, SOS mode kicks in. Messages in the status bar such as “no service” or “searching” indicate it. If your gadget is linked to Wi-Fi, it could still be able to access the internet while in SOS mode, but its main purpose is limited to emergency communications.
Reasons Your iPhone Enters SOS Mode:
The most frequent cause of your iPhone going into SOS mode is losing a network connection. Numerous things, such as network outages, regional restrictions, or device malfunctions, might cause this.
How to Unstick Your iPhone from Being in SOS Mode:
- Check Network Coverage: Make sure you are in a place where there is coverage for cellular networks. Relocating to a new place might occasionally fix the problem.
- Carrier Settings Update: To see whether there are any available carrier settings updates, navigate to Settings > General > About on your iPhone. Connectivity problems could be resolved by installing updates.
- Enable Cellular Data: Go to Settings > Cellular, then toggle the Cellular Data switch to make sure your cellular data is on. Even in places with sufficient network coverage, your iPhone can stay in SOS mode if it doesn’t have any cellular data.
- Restart Your iPhone: Frequently, a quick restart will take care of any transient issues that are prompting SOS mode. Up until the power off slider appears, simultaneously press and hold the side and volume buttons. After powering off with a slide, let your device a short pause before turning it back on.
- Reinsert SIM Card: If your iPhone contains a physical SIM card, you may occasionally be able to restore the cellular connection by taking it out and putting it back in. Turn off your iPhone before removing the SIM card tray, then gently put the SIM card back in and turn it on again.
- Remain Alert: Keep yourself updated on any announcements or changes from your provider concerning maintenance or network outages. If the problem is out of your control and requires carrier involvement, you might need to exercise patience.
Having to deal with an iPhone that is trapped in SOS mode may be annoying, especially in urgent or important circumstances. You may raise the chances of fixing the problem and getting your device back to working normally by being aware of the underlying reasons and taking the above-described actions. In the event of major network outages, in particular, keep yourself informed and patient as resolution may need collaboration between users and carriers.
