The "SOS" or "SOS only" message on a phone means that your device is not connected to your usual cellular network but can still make emergency calls. This happens when the phone loses normal carrier signal but still detects limited service allowing emergency calling only. Here are key reasons why this happens and how to fix it:
- Your phone has no regular cellular signal from your carrier in the current area or the signal is weak.
- The SIM card might be damaged, dirty, or not properly seated.
- Network settings could be incorrect or a software glitch may be affecting connectivity.
- Airplane mode might be accidentally enabled or the emergency SOS feature was triggered.
- Carrier settings may need to be updated.
- If using an eSIM, it may need to be toggled off and on.
- Location might be an area with poor coverage.
Common fixes include toggling airplane mode on and off, restarting the phone, removing and reinserting the SIM card, updating carrier settings, resetting network settings, and contacting your carrier if the issue persists. Sometimes software updates also resolve the problem. In summary, your phone says "SOS" because it lost connection to your carrier's network but still can make emergency calls through any available network. It signals a connectivity issue that can often be fixed by checking SIM, network, or phone settings and sometimes carrier support is needed.
