Toggle Airplane mode on for 15 seconds and off, restart the iPhone, check Settings → General → About for a carrier settings update, make sure the line is on in Settings → Cellular, turn on Data Roaming if abroad, then reset network settings. Contact the carrier if it continues.

Why this happens

SOS appears in the US, Canada and Australia (other regions show “No Service”). The iPhone can see some network but isn’t registered on yours, so only emergency calls work. iPhone 14 and later may also show a satellite icon for Emergency SOS via satellite when there’s no cellular coverage at all.

Coverage gaps fix themselves when you move. If SOS stays everywhere, the cause is usually the SIM/eSIM, a carrier account issue (unpaid bill, line suspended, network outage) or a settings glitch.

What you'll see

  • SOS or “SOS only” in the status bar instead of bars.
  • Calls and texts fail; only emergency calls work.
  • Mobile data doesn't work.

What causes it

  • Weak or no coverage from your carrier.
  • SIM or eSIM problem, or line turned off in settings.
  • Carrier outage, account suspension or roaming off abroad.
  • Outdated carrier settings or iOS glitch.

How to fix it

  1. Toggle Airplane mode and restartTurn Airplane mode on for 15 seconds, then off. If SOS stays, restart the iPhone.
  2. Check the lineSettings → Cellular (or Mobile Data): make sure the line is turned on and selected for calls and data.
  3. Update carrier settings and iOSSettings → General → About. A prompt appears if a carrier update is available. Also install the latest iOS.
  4. Abroad? Enable roamingSettings → Cellular → Cellular Data Options → Data Roaming, and check your plan covers the country.
  5. Reseat the SIMRemove and reinsert the physical SIM. For eSIM, check with the carrier that it's active.
  6. Reset network settingsSettings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Reset → Reset Network Settings. This forgets saved Wi-Fi networks and passwords and VPN settings, but not your data.
  7. Contact the carrierAsk about outages, account status and network registration; they can re-provision the line or issue a new SIM/eSIM.
How to confirm the fix: Signal bars and the carrier name return, and calls and data work.

Stop it happening again

Keep iOS and carrier settings updated, and check roaming before travel.