A phone in SOS mode occurs when a device cannot connect to its regular mobile network. While you gain access to emergency calls, you cannot contact or text your family and friends. This often signals underlying issues like outdated softwares that you haven’t identified yet.
This piece will take you through Phone in SOS mode and why it happens. We’ll then look at solutions you can use to ensure it doesn’t happen again.
What does “Phone in SOS Mode” mean?
Phone SOS mode is basically when your device is unable to connect to a mobile network. It normally restricts communication mostly to emergency calls and you might not easily know that messages, mobile data and calls don’t work. Phone SOS mode is often due to inconsistency in network coverage, settings and other temporary issues that you might have not picked up on. While it does not leave you completely disconnected, phone SOS mode looks for available cellular networks for emergency calls.
SOS mode on different devices:
- iPhone: The SOS mode comes about when the iPhone is not able to connect to the mobile carrier of the phone. Frequent calls, text messages and mobile data become ineffective.
- Android phones: Android has the SOS mode displayed in the Emergency calls only. This implies that the phone has lost network access to the carrier.
- Cisco phones: SOS or emergency mode on cisco phones is a sign of network or server connection problems. Normal calling facilities can be disabled leaving access to only emergency calls.
The report published by the International Telecommunication Union ITU Measuring Digital Development Facts and Figures 2025 states that there are coverage gaps in mobile networks. These loopholes are the reason why phones usually get into SOS mode. A mobile broadband network is available to about 96 per cent of the global population. The quality of coverage and its strength in urban and rural regions differ significantly. The network reliability between the high and low income countries varies greatly. Most areas are not well connected where gadgets can be registered with carriers. The phones that receive the weak or no signal cannot get connected appropriately. They can just make an emergency call, and this provokes SOS mode.
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Why does a phone go into SOS mode? Common causes
It can be frustrating when your phone goes to SOS mode making you lose access to SMS, normal calls and mobile network. SOS is a safety model available to make emergency calls, but also means something is not right with your device. This can be due to different causes which we address below:
Weak or no network signal
When your phones fail to connect with the carrier, it’s often because of poor or no signal. This usually happens in remote areas, underground or within buildings with low reception. In this situation, your phone can be continually searching for signals, but will not connect with the network. When this happens, you will only be able to access emergency calls.
SIM card problems
A scratched, poorly placed, or distorted SIM card may be the reason you can’t connect your device to a carrier network. Phones identify this issue as a connection problem and automatically go into SOS mode. Although the SIM might look good, loose connection may interrupt the registration process.
Software glitches or updates
Your phone can have software bugs, corrupted system files, or not fully updated software that can be getting in the way of your connection. Some of the devices can temporarily cease to receive carrier signals and can enter SOS mode after a new update is installed. Reloading the phone, reconfiguring network settings, or installing the latest version is the solution to these triggers.
Carrier or network outages
Operation in SOS can also be triggered by external network issues. Normal registration may not be possible because of temporary outages, work on maintenance, or server failure. Unless your phone hardware and SIM card are malfunctioning, it will remain in SOS mode until the carrier enables the network.
Hardware malfunctions
Your phone can be blocked by internal hardware problems, e.g. faulty antenna, modem, or other network parts. Once the device is not able to find a useful network signal, it goes into default SOS mode. Hardware malfunctions can be periodic or persistent and a repair or replacement is required to restore normality.
How to get your phone out of SOS Mode: Step-by-step fixes
Getting your phone out of SOS mode is easy when you have the right options to use. But the methods you can use in such a situation mainly depend on whether you’re using an Android or an iOS device. While the issues may also vary, these methods will help you get it over the line:
How to disable SOS Mode on iPhone
There are easy to follow steps that iOS users can implement to get out of SOS mode regardless of the issue. The positive aspect is that SOS mode in an iPhone is not often an indication of irreversible damage. Here are steps you can use to restore your device:
Step 1. Head over to Settings on your iPhone.
step 2. Scroll down and tap “Emergency SOS”
Step 3. Turn off Call with Hold
Step 4. Turn off Call with 5 Presses (or Call with Side Button)
Step 5. Close Settings and you’re done
How to disable SOS Mode on Android
Being trapped in SOS mode on your Android phone can be frustrating but there are ways to get around it. Android SOS mode normally happens because of poor network signal, SIM card problems, or software malfunctions. These steps will help get you through this situation:
Step 1. Open Settings on your Android device.
Step 2. Scroll down and tap “Safety & emergency.”
Step 3. Now click on “Emergency SOS.”
Step 4. Turn off Use Emergency SOS (or Emergency SOS).
Step 5. Once you follow these steps your phone will be out of SOS mode.
Understanding emergency SOS features on your phone
Emergency SOS features are meant to provide user safety in the event of failure in normal communication. When one gets into SOS mode, the phone limits regular call, message, and mobile data services, leaving only emergency calls. This will make sure that even when the network is weak, users are able to access emergency services.
The features are particularly valuable among children and teenagers who do not know how to cope with emergencies. Phones can easily make emergency calls with one press of a button or on the lock screen. Most gadgets also allow users to share their position and emergency contacts to provide real-time data to their guardians.
The EMTEL committee of the European Telecommunications Standards Institute has reported that emergency SOS functionality utilizes the AML protocol. This protocol transmits accurate location information to the emergency centers when calling. The accuracy is usually within 5 meters outdoors and 25 meters indoors. It assists responders to get to the callers quicker, particularly when it comes to children and adolescents.
Troubleshooting: What to do if your phone is stuck in SOS mode
There are many troubleshooting options you can use to restore your device from SOS mode. Although some issues are often easy to resolve, others may need troubleshooting and expert opinions. Through a systematic procedure, you will be able to find the cause and put all functions back on track.
Restart and check basic connections
The initial action is to reboot your phone which can eliminate glitches that are triggering SOS mode. Ensure that the SIM card is correctly positioned and also that it is not damaged in any way. After that, reinsert it with special care to achieve a safe connection with the network. This easy measure usually solves the majority of the minor connectivity problems without additional measures.
Reset network settings
When restarting doesn’t work ,you should reset your network settings to see if it makes a difference. This recovers default settings of Wi-Fi, mobile and Bluetooth connections without erasing personal files. On iPhone check the settings, then general, transfer, and select reset network settings. On android, go to settings, then to system then to reset options. You’ll be able to get to hidden configuration issues you might have not noticed earlier.
Install software and check on carrier problems
Ensure that your phone is updated with the latest software updates since older software generates SOS mode. Also ensure that your mobile carrier is not undergoing operation interruptions or maintenance. In some cases it is hard to correct the issue on your own since the causes might be external.
Call support or visit a service center
If your phone is still in the SOS mode after all the troubleshooting, it could be a hardware or network problem. Contact your carrier or make a visit to an authorized service centre. Professionals will be able to tell you where the problem is coming from and help you fix it.
Preventing future SOS mode issues
Mobile phones going into SOS mode are annoying, particularly when it interferes with calls, messages, or mobile Internet. Although most SOS problems are short term, preventive actions can be taken to minimize the occurrence.
Keep software updated
The easiest method to avoid SOS mode is to update your phone in terms of its operating system and the applications installed. Bug fixes, security patches and network enhancement connectivity is usual in updates. Phones with old software often have SOS mode issues frequently and don’t register with carrier networks.
Maintain your sim card and network settings
Quality SIM card maintenance is essential towards a stable network connectivity. Ensure that your SIM is free of scratches, dirt or and placed properly. You should also reset the network periodically to manage obscure configuration issues. These are basic maintenance tips that will help to keep your phone off the emergency-only mode.
Monitor network coverage and avoid weak signal areas
Devices tend to go to SOS when it faces weak or unstable connectivity. If possible, try to be in places where the network coverage is good particularly during crucial calls. Avoid underground areas since they tend to have low receptions and may be the issue with SOS mode. Use apps or inbuilt network indicators to detect when you’re in low coverage areas.
Use monitoring tools
It’s difficult to predict emergency situations, especially when you’re a working parent. But that doesn’t mean you can’t keep your kids safe even as you go through your daily routine. Monitoring tools gives you an advantage to know where your kids are and if they’re in danger.
One of the best apps that has reliable parental control features is FlashGet Kids.The app comes with a location tracker feature to help you know where your kids are all the time. This will help you know if they are in low coverage areas so that you act promptly. It also has geofencing which helps you know when kids leave safe zones. All this makes it possible to guarantee your kids safety even when you’re working.
Faqs about phone in sos mode
No, you can not normally make calls and texts in SOS mode. Your phone can only make emergency calls when it is reconnected to your operator network.
When you are in SOS mode, you can make emergency calls, i.e., 911, 112 or the local emergency call number in your country. Other routine calls and services will not go through.
If all the attempts to put your phone out of SOS mode fail, then contact your mobile carrier or an official service center. This problem can be a hardware problem or a problem that is due to persistent network problems.
Conclusion
Not many people are fond of SOS mode because it denies you the ability to make calls, or text. Causes like low reception areas and outdated softwares are some of the causes that you need to look into. Once you deal with the possible causes and the situation persists, you should contact professionals for help. Parents should also consider using apps like FlashGet Kids to know their kids location when such situations occur. This will help you know if kids are in low connection areas and get to them quicker.
