
What does SOS Only mean on iPhone?
SOS Only on iPhone means that your iPhone has no cellular or Wi-Fi signal, but it can still make emergency calls to local emergency services. This feature is available on all iPhone models, but it is especially useful for people who live or work in remote areas with poor cellular reception.
Why does my iPhone say SOS Only?
There are a few reasons why your iPhone might say SOS Only:
- You are in an area with no cellular or Wi-Fi signal.
- Your iPhone is in Airplane Mode.
- There is a problem with your iPhone’s cellular radio or antenna.
- Your iPhone is using a SIM card that is not activated or that has been blocked.

How to fix SOS Only on iPhone
If you see SOS Only on your iPhone, there are a few things you can try to fix it:
- Move to a different location.If you are in an area with no cellular or Wi-Fi signal, try moving to a different location with better reception.
- Turn Airplane Mode off and on.This can sometimes help to refresh your iPhone’s cellular connection.
- Restart your iPhone.A simple restart can often fix minor software glitches that may be causing the SOS Only issue.
- Check your SIM card.Make sure that your SIM card is properly inserted into your iPhone and that it is activated. If you are using a prepaid SIM card, make sure that you have enough credit on your account.
- Update your iPhone’s software.Apple releases regular software updates for iPhones that often include bug fixes and performance improvements. Make sure that your iPhone is running the latest version of iOS.

If you have tried all of the above and you are still seeing SOS Only on your iPhone, you may need to contact your cellular carrier for assistance.
How to make an SOS call on iPhone
To make an SOS call on iPhone, follow these steps:
- Press and hold the side button or either volume button for a few seconds.
- When the “Slide to power off” screen appears, drag the slider to the right to turn off your iPhone.
- Press and hold the side button or either volume button again until you see the SOS emergency screen.
- Tap “Emergency Call” to call 911 or your local emergency number.
How to set up Emergency SOS on iPhone
You can set up Emergency SOS on your iPhone to automatically alert your emergency contacts when you make an SOS call. To do this, follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap “Emergency SOS.”
- Toggle on “Auto Call” and “Auto Share.”
- Under “Emergency Contacts,” tap “Add Emergency Contact” and add the contacts you want to be notified when you make an SOS call.

How to use Emergency SOS via satellite on iPhone 14
If you have an iPhone 14, you can use Emergency SOS via satellite to send text messages to emergency services when you have no cellular or Wi-Fi signal. To use this feature, follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap “Emergency SOS.”
- Toggle on “Emergency SOS via satellite.”
- When you need to use Emergency SOS via satellite, follow the steps above to make an SOS call. When you see the “Emergency SOS via satellite” screen, tap “Continue.”
- Follow the on-screen instructions to send a text message to emergency services.

Tips for using Emergency SOS on iPhone
Here are a few tips for using Emergency SOS on iPhone:
- If you are making an SOS call from a remote area, try to find a high point where you have a better chance of getting a signal.
- If you are able to, tell the emergency dispatcher your location and the nature of your emergency.
- Stay on the line with the dispatcher until help arrives.
- If you are using Emergency SOS via satellite, be sure to send a clear and concise text message that includes your location and the nature of your emergency.
Conclusion
SOS Only on iPhone is a safety feature that allows you to make emergency calls even when you have no cellular or Wi-Fi signal. If you see SOS Only on your iPhone, try the troubleshooting tips above to fix the issue. If you are still unable to get a signal, you can use Emergency SOS via satellite to send text messages to emergency services (iPhone 14 only).tunesharemore_vert