What does SOS mean on my iPhone?

If you use an iPhone, you may see “SOS” or “SOS only” pop up in the status bar at the top of the screen sometimes. It looks alarming, but it just means your phone isn’t connected to your cellular network.

When you see SOS, you can still make emergency calls if needed. Typically, though, you’re more interested in using your normal cellular coverage. Here’s why your iPhone may be on SOS, how to get out of SOS mode if you think it’s in error, and how to make emergency calls if you need to.

Why is SOS on my iPhone?

When SOS or SOS Only shows up on your iPhone status bar, it means your phone is not connected to your phone plan provider’s cellular network. You can still make emergency calls, and your iPhone will try to route them on other carriers’ networks. (This is available only in the U.S., Canada and Australia.)

A status bar showing No Service or Searching also indicates you’re not connected to a cellular network.

If your iPhone is stuck on SOS, No Service or Searching

If you’re in an area where you’re confident you should have coverage, try these steps to reconnect to your cellular network:

Check that you didn’t accidentally turn off cellular data. Go to Settings -> Cellular and make sure Cellular Data is toggled on.
Make sure you’re not in Airplane Mode.
Try turning Airplane Mode on for 15 seconds, then off.
Restart your phone.

If you’re persistently seeing SOS mode, you can also:

Update your phone to the latest version of iOS.

Check for a carrier settings update and apply it (you’ll have to be on Wi-Fi or have a cell connection). Go to Settings -> General -> About to see if a carrier settings update is available. If you’ve inserted a new SIM card, you will have to download your new carrier’s settings.

If you have a dual SIM phone, go to Settings -> Cellular and make sure the phone line you’re using is turned on and has service. If you don’t see the line, try resetting the SIM by removing and reinserting. You may need to ask your carrier for a new SIM if it’s damaged, doesn’t fit the SIM tray or you’ve moved a SIM over from another device.

If you’re traveling internationally, be sure you have data roaming on.

On a phone with a single SIM or eSIM, go to Settings -> Cellular to turn on Cellular Data, then turn on Data Roaming under Cellular Data Options.

On a phone with dual SIM, go to Settings -> Cellular to turn on Cellular Data, then tap the number you’re using and turn on Data Roaming under Cellular Data Options.

If you’re still having problems, reach out to your carrier’s tech support line, or visit a physical store or Apple store if one’s available.

How to use SOS on iPhone to make emergency calls

If you’re not connected to your own cellular network and have the SOS indication showing, your iPhone will route the call through another provider’s network if cell service is available.

How to contact emergency services on iPhone

To call emergency services: Press and hold either volume button and the side button at the same time until sliders appear and then choose Emergency Call. In India, press the side button by itself three times in a row to get the sliders to appear.

Or, on the lock screen, tap Emergency below the keypad. That takes you to an emergency-only keypad where you can dial 911 (the number in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and some other nations) or the emergency number for the country you’re in.

To text emergency services: Go to the messages app and enter 911 or the applicable emergency number. Then enter and send the details of your emergency.

For iPhone 14 and later models on the latest iOS, there’s satellite support in the U.S. and Canada to text emergency services even when no cell service is available. When there’s no cell or Wi-Fi service, trying to call 911 may result in a screen message that says “No Connection. Try Emergency Text via Satellite" — tap on it to access the service. Or, access the satellite feature by going to Control Center (swipe down from top right) -> Cellular -> Satellite. Or go to Settings -> Satellite. Follow these steps:

Be outside in an area where you have a clear view of the sky and horizon. You may need to move to an area that’s free of tree cover, tall buildings, hills, etc.
The phone will direct you with prompts such as “keep pointing at satellite” or "move right/left to connect,” if needed.

When connected, tap Emergency Text, then Report Emergency. Tap to answer the questions that follow.

Messages can take up to 30 seconds to a minute or more to send, so be patient.

What information is shared with emergency services?

When you call or text emergency services, your iPhone will share your location and your medical info if you’ve set it up in Medical ID. It will also text your Emergency Contacts, unless you cancel, notify them of your location if it’s available and update your location when it changes.

To set up or edit your Medical ID info, go to the Health app, then tap on the icon at upper right. Or press and hold on the Health app icon on the home screen. Fill out information you want shared and also toggle on Emergency Call and Show When Locked. Those settings let emergency call centers and responders access important information like your name, age, health conditions, medications and emergency contacts.

Tips for dealing with emergency services

It’s easy to get rattled when things go sideways, but try to follow these best practices:

Never hang up first. Stay on the line to answer questions and follow instructions. If you contacted emergency responders by mistake, wait for them to connect and then say it was a misdial, so they don’t waste time trying to call you back.

Speak clearly, give the exact location and describe the type of emergency. Try to stay calm so you can understand and answer questions.

Be aware that your phone may temporarily disable some features, such as Do Not Disturb or Silence Unknown Callers, after an emergency call. That’s so emergency services can call you back if needed.