SOS mode, activated by pressing the side and volume buttons simultaneously, enables quick emergency calls for accidents, threats, or health crises, but can sometimes cause users to get stuck, preventing normal iPhone usage.

Why iPhone Gets Stuck in SOS Mode

  • Software glitch during update or reset.
  • Accidental button press while the phone is in your pocket or hand.
  • SIM card issues or network errors.
  • Low battery or unexpected shutdown during boot.
  • iOS bugs in recent updates (iOS 16, iOS 17, etc.).
  • Carrier issues or mobile data misconfiguration.

 Signs That iPhone is Stuck in SOS Mode

  • Screen displays “SOS” or “SOS only”.
  • Can’t access the Home Screen or apps.
  • No cellular network signal.
  • Only emergency call option available.
  • iPhone is not restarting normally.
  • Cannot turn off SOS mode through regular settings.

First Steps to Fix the SOS Mode Issue

  • Force restart the iPhone.
  • Check your SIM card.
  • Turn Aeroplane mode ON and OFF.
  • Update iOS if pending.
  • Reset Network Settings.
  • Remove and reinsert the SIM card.

How to Power Restart Your iPhone (All Models)

  • iPhone 8 and later:
  • Press and release Volume Up.
  • Press and release Volume Down.
  • Press and grip the Side button till the Apple logo appears on the screen.
  • iPhone 7 / 7 Plus:

Check Network Settings

  • Navigate to Settings> Cellular> Network Selection.
  • Ensure Auto is enabled.
  • Try manually selecting your carrier.
  • If no network is found, try another SIM card.

 Test With Another SIM Card

  • Copy a working SIM from a contact.
  • Could you insert it into your iPhone?
  • Contact your carrier to check for SIM-related issues.

Reset Network Settingsac

  • Go to Settings > Basic > Export or Reset iPhone, then Reset > Reset Network Settings.
  • Clears all saved Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and mobile settings.
  • Does not delete your data.
  • Often resolves network-related SOS issues.

Enable and Disable Aeroplane Mode

  • Swipe into Control Centre.
  • Tap the Aeroplane icon ON.
  • Wait 10 seconds.
  • Tap the icon again to turn OFF.
  • Forces your phone to reconnect to network signals.

Remove iPhone Case & Clean SIM Slot

  • Cases with iron or magnets may restrict with the signal.
  • Dust inside the SIM tray may cause network errors.
  • Clean with a dry cloth or compressed air.
  • Reinsert the SIM properly.

 iPhone to the new iOS version to Update

  • Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
  • Tap Download and Install.
  • Bug fixes in new iOS updates may fix the SOS stuck issue.
  • Ensure at least 50% battery or plug into a charger.

 Use Emergency SOS Settings Wisely

  • Settings > Emergency SOS:
  • Disable “Call with Side Button” if you accidentally trigger SOS.
  • Turn off the “Auto Call” feature if it is not needed.
  • Customise emergency contacts.
  • Helps reduce accidental activation of SOS mode.

 Iphone Without Losing Any Data Using Itunes Or Finder.

  • Connect the iPhone to the computer.
  • Open iTunes (on PC or older macOS) or Finder (macOS Catalina and later).
  • Select iPhone > Click “Restore Backup”.
  • Choose the most recent backup.
  • Can resolve iOS-level issues without requiring a factory reset.

Use Third-Party iOS Repair Tools (No Data Loss)

  • Tools like Tenorshare ReiBoot, iMyFone Fixppo, and Dr.Fone Repair.
  • Download on PC/Mac.
  • Enter Recovery Mode and repair without deleting files.
  • Designed to fix iPhones stuck in Apple logo, DFU, recovery or SOS mode.

Restore iPhone Using DFU Mode (Advanced)

  • DFU restores the iPhone to factory firmware.
  • Recommended if all else fails.

Steps:

  • Connect to the computer via USB.
  • Put your iPhone in DFU method,the button sequence differs by model).
  • iTunes/Finder will detect the device in recovery mode.
  • Select “Restore iPhone”.
  • WARNING: This erases all data. Backup before use.

 Check Carrier Settings Update

  • Go to Settings > General > About.
  • If a carrier update is available, a pop-up will appear.
  • Tap “Update”.
  • Carrier updates help fix connectivity, network & SIM-related issues.

 Is SOS Only Related to Carrier Lock?

  • The iPhone can do that if it is locked to a separate network.
  • Using an unsupported SIM shows “SOS Only”.
  • Contact the original carrier for unlocking options.
  • Use “Settings > General > About” to check carrier info.
  • Visit the Apple Store or an Authorized Service Center

If none of the solutions work:

  • iPhone may have internal damage.
  • Antenna, motherboard, or SIM reader issues.
  • Battery swelling or hardware interference.
  • An Apple-certified technician can run complete diagnostics.

 FAQs – iPhone SOS Mode Problems

Q: Does SOS mode mean my iPhone is locked?

A: Not always. It might possibly be a software, SIM, or sign problem.

Q: Can I call normal numbers while in SOS?

A: No. Only emergency numbers like 112 or 911 are permitted on SOS.

Q: Will I lose data fixing the SOS stuck issue?

A: Only in DFU or full restore. Most methods keep your data safe.

Q: Does the SOS problem go away with a factory reset?

A: Yes, if it’s caused by software bugs or setting errors.

Q: Can Apple replace my iPhone if it’s stuck in SOS?

A: If it’s under warranty and it’s a hardware fault, yes. They may also offer repair.

Conclusion

OS mode can be frustrating, so follow these steps: restart, perform a SIM check, enable Aeroplane mode, update iOS, check for network errors, use iTunes, third-party tools, or enter DFU mode for software fixes.