An iPhone’s SOS mode is a useful safety feature that enables users to get in touch with emergency services right away. On the other hand, inadvertent activation of it can occasionally result in confusion and a phone stranded in SOS mode. In 2024, if you find yourself in this predicament, here’s how you unlock your iPhone from SOS mode and return it to normal.
KEYPOINTS:
- Turn on Aeroplane Mode and hold it there for at least 15 seconds before attempting to rejoin to your mobile network.
- Resetting the iPad or iPhone.
- Getting in touch with your carrier.
SOS Mode: What Is It?
By hitting and holding certain buttons, users can instantly contact emergency services while in SOS mode. Additionally, it notifies your emergency contacts of your whereabouts. Although this capability can save lives, having your phone stuck in this mode can be unsettling.
Reasons Your iPhone May Be Hung Up in SOS Mode
Prior to taking action, it’s critical to comprehend the possible causes of your iPhone being in SOS mode:
- Unintentional Activation: SOS mode may be activated by mistakenly holding down the side and volume buttons.
- Network Problems: The iPhone may flash SOS, indicating that only emergency calls may be made, in places with spotty cellular connection.
- Software Issues: Occasionally, a bug in the software could keep the phone stuck in SOS mode.
By ending the call, you can exit SOS mode.
What to do if you unintentionally activated SOS mode is as follows:
- If there is no emergency call, look for the “End Call” option at the bottom of the screen.
- To get out of SOS mode, tap on it.
- You’ll be asked to verify that you don’t require emergency assistance. Once you verify this, the phone will function normally again.
In the Settings, turn off SOS Mode
You can adjust the settings if pressing the button causes the phone to constantly enter SOS mode:
- Launch the Settings application.
- After swiping down, select Emergency SOS.
- To avoid unintentional activation, toggle off the “Call with Hold” and “Call with 5 Presses” options.
Get back on your phone network
Try the following if your iPhone is displaying “SOS Only” due to a bad network connection:
- Verify that you are in an area with cellular coverage by checking Cellular Coverage. Restoring network access may include moving to a new place.
- Turn on and off the aeroplane mode: To reset your network connection, navigate to Settings, turn on Aeroplane Mode, wait a little, and then turn it off.
- Give Your iPhone a restart: Press and hold the side button and either volume button until the power slider displays. To restart your phone, press and hold the side button one more after sliding it to turn it off.
Update iOS
Older iOS versions occasionally have software problems that can make SOS mode unusable. The steps to upgrade your iPhone are as follows:
- Connect your iPhone to Wi-Fi.
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
- Download and install any available updates.
Reset the network configuration
Resetting your network settings may assist if problems with the network continue:
- Launch the Settings application.
- Tap on General.
- Choose Reset Network Settings after swiping down to Reset.
After verifying the action, enter your passcode. You will need to rejoin to Wi-Fi after doing this as it will reset your VPN, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi settings.
Speak with your carrier
Should the SOS-only problem persist, there might be a localised issue with your carrier’s service. To find out if there are network problems or outages, get in touch with your mobile provider.
Avoiding Problems Down the Road
To prevent inadvertent activation or getting stranded in SOS mode, you can follow a few steps:
- Refrain from Extended Pressing Buttons: Take care not to inadvertently activate SOS mode by holding the side and volume buttons together.
- Update iOS: To reduce the possibility of issues or malfunctions, make sure your iPhone is running the most recent version of iOS.
In summary
Although SOS mode is an essential function intended to aid in crises, it occasionally activates by accident or signals problems with the network. By using the above-described actions, you may easily fix the issue and get your iPhone working normally again in 2024. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with Apple Support or your mobile operator if the issue continues.
