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Published on: 29.03.2024 | updated on: 02.04.2024
An iPhone stuck in SOS mode can be a challenging situation for any user. The SOS mode in the iPhone is designed to help you in emergency situations by allowing you to make calls to emergency services. However, when your device gets stuck in this mode, it can limit your access to other phone functions, making it difficult to use your iPhone. This article will walk you through the common causes behind your frustrating question, ‘why my iPhone is stuck in SOS mode?’ and offer solutions, ensuring your iPhone returns to its normal functional state.
Experiencing an iPhone stuck in SOS mode can be alarming because it can affect the user experience. This problem can be caused by various factors, such as software glitches, outdated iOS versions, or physical damage to the device. Some common steps to troubleshoot this issue include restarting your iPhone, checking for iOS updates, and ensuring there is no physical damage to the SIM card or your device. If these steps do not resolve the issue, contacting Apple Support or visiting a reliable local repair store in your area is advisable for professional assistance.
The SOS mode is a safety feature that is not only unique to the iPhone but is available on almost all modern smartphones on the market. However, the SOS feature on iPhone takes it one step ahead by allowing users to not only quickly call the emergency services but also alert emergency contacts and display the Medical ID in case of a serious emergency.
SOS mode can be activated by pressing and holding the side button and the volume button together until the Emergency SOS slider appears. On earlier iPhones, SOS mode is activated by rapidly pressing the power button five times.
You can also trigger SOS mode by repeatedly pressing the power button five times. After that, the iPhone will start a countdown and sound an alert. You can also cancel the call if it was activated accidentally.
Once the countdown is over, a call is made to the local emergency services. If you have emergency contacts set up in the Health app, your iPhone will automatically send them a text message with your current location after the call ends.
Here are some reasons why your iPhone may be stuck in SOS mode;
If your iPhone has hardware damage, it may cause the SOS mode to activate. This could happen due to a defective button, liquid damage, or physical impact.
Sometimes, a software bug or glitch can cause the SOS mode to malfunction and trigger. This may happen after an iOS update or if the operating system is faulty.
If the SOS mode is accidentally activated and the countdown timer isn't canceled, the device can appear to be stuck in that mode. This may happen if the side and volume buttons are pressed unintentionally.
If your iPhone is stuck in SOS mode, here is how you can fix it;
Perform a force restart on your iPhone to resolve any software glitches by pressing quickly, releasing the volume up, then pressing the volume down button, and then pressing and holding the power button until the Apple logo appears. (method varies depending upon the iPhone model)
Turn on the airplane mode and then turn it off.
Go to Settings > General > Software Update and install any available updates.
Try resetting all settings on your iPhone. Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Settings. This won't delete your data but will reset settings to their defaults, which may fix the issue.
If the issue still persists, try restoring your phone in recovery mode by connecting your iPhone to iTunes on a computer. Next, press and quickly release the volume up button, press and quickly release the volume down button, and then press and hold the side button until you see the recovery mode screen, which will show a laptop or iTunes icon with a cable pointing towards it. However, keep in mind that restoring via Recovery Mode will erase all data on your iPhone
Here is why it is happening and what you can do to fix it;
There is a network issue, or your iPhone is out of the carrier’s range.
There may be an issue with the SIM card.
There is a software glitch.
Force restart your iPhone by pressing and releasing the volume up button and volume down button and then pressing and holding the lock button for 10-15 seconds. When the Apple logo appears, release the button.
Toggle Airplane Mode on and off.
Remove and re-insert the SIM card.
Check and install any iOS updates.
Reset Network Settings by going to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
Visit an Apple Store or authorized service provider for hardware diagnosis and repair.
Here is why your new iPhone may be stuck in the SOS mode and what to do about it;
The SIM may be defective.
There may be manufacturing defects.
Re-insert the SIM card.
Toggle Airplane mode on and off.
Try resetting all settings Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Settings.
If the issue remains, take the device to Apple, and since the device is in warranty, Apple will fix the problem for free.
It is quite strange for an iPhone to get stuck in the SOS mode after an update, but here are some tips to fix it;
The most likely reason why your iPhone is stuck in the SOS mode is a software glitch.
Force restart your iPhone by pressing and quickly releasing the volume up button, then the volume down button, and then pressing and holding the power button until the Apple logo appears.
Look for a software update by going to Settings > General > Software Update.
Put the iPhone in Recovery Mode (follow the steps mentioned above) and restore it via iTunes.
Visit an Apple Store if the issue persists.
Here is why it is happening and what you can do about it;
There is a strong possibility that a software glitch may be causing the issue.
Force restart the iPhone (follow the steps mentioned above).
Go to settings and check for a software update by Settings > General > Software Update.
Restore iPhone via recovery method (follow the steps above)
Get in touch with Apple if the iPhone is still stuck in SOS mode.
If your iPhone is stuck in SOS mode due to a sim failure, here is what you need to know about it;
Damaged or improperly inserted SIM card.
There may be a software bug.
There may be hardware damage to the iPhone.
Force restart your iPhone by pressing and releasing the volume up button first, then the volume down button, and then pressing and holding the power button until the Apple logo appears.
Remove the SIM and re-insert it. Look for any signs of physical damage to the SIM tray or the SIM itself.
Reset Network Settings by Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
Contact your carrier to check if the SIM is activated/provisioned correctly.
As a last resort, get your device inspected by Apple.
Here is what you can do if your iPhone is stuck in SOS mode even after a reset;
There may be a software glitch.
Force restart the device by pressing and releasing the volume up button, pressing and releasing the volume down button, and then pressing and holding the power button until the Apple logo appears.
Update iOS by going to Settings > General > Software Update.
Restore your iPhone through the recovery mode (follow the steps mentioned above).
Take your device to the Apple technician if the issue persists.
If your new iPhone 15 is stuck in SOS mode, it is likely due to a hardware defect or a software bug. To fix it, try force restarting your iPhone, and if the issue remains, restore it via Recovery Mode. Moreover, since the device is new, Apple will replace it for free if there is a manufacturing defect.
Getting stuck in SOS mode on iPhone 14, 14 Pro, or 14 Pro Max could be due to a software glitch or hardware issue. Perform a force restart, restore via iTunes/Finder, or visit an Apple Store for assistance.
If your iPhone 13, 13 Pro, or 13 Pro Max is stuck in SOS mode, try resetting network settings, updating iOS, or putting it in Recovery Mode to restore it. If the issue persists even after troubleshooting, hardware repair may be required.
For iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, or 12 Pro Max stuck in SOS mode, possible solutions include a forced restart, resetting settings, or restoring the device via recovery mode. However, if the problem persists, contact Apple.
You can fix an iPhone 11 stuck in SOS mode by performing a forced restart and looking for an iOS update in the settings, as the issue is mostly caused by a software glitch. However, if the issue is due to a hardware problem, visit an Apple Store for a proper diagnosis.
If your iPhone XR is stuck in SOS mode, try force restarting, resetting network settings, or restoring it in recovery mode using iTunes. You may need to take your iPhone for a hardware diagnosis if the issue persists.
You can fix an iPhone SE stuck in SOS mode by performing a force restart, updating iOS, or restoring it through recovery mode. This should pretty much solve the issue but in case your iPhone SE is still stuck in SOS mode, get in touch with Apple.
You can prevent your iPhone from getting stuck in SOS mode by following these simple steps:
Regularly update your iOS to the latest version to avoid software glitches.
Use your iPhone carefully and avoid pressing the side buttons accidentally, as it can activate SOS mode.
If your iPhone constantly gets stuck in SOS mode, consider getting it diagnosed by a repair store.
You can reach out to Apple’s official store for assistance regarding your iPhone being stuck in SOS mode. Their technicians will troubleshoot the issue and suggest necessary solutions. Additionally, if it’s a manufacturer’s defect, your device may be repaired free of cost if it’s still under warranty.
Alternatively, Simply Fixable is another great option for local repair services in your area. Not only are their technicians skilled enough to find the root cause of this issue, but they also offer a 90-day warranty on all repairs.
Yes, you can turn off SOS mode on an iPhone through the Settings app under Emergency SOS by disabling the "Call with Hold" and "Call with 3 Presses" options.
Your iPhone displays "SOS only" when it's unable to establish a regular cellular connection but you can still make emergency calls.
Turning off SOS on an iPhone 15 involves the same method as other models, via Settings > Emergency SOS and toggling off the "Call with Hold" and "Call with 3 Presses" options.
"SOS" icon next to Wi-Fi on an iPhone indicates that the device can make emergency calls even without a cellular connection.
If your phone says "SOS" while connected to Wi-Fi, it means it can make emergency calls through Wi-Fi or a cellular network.
An iPhone stuck in SOS mode can hinder your device's functionality and your ability to communicate outside of emergency services. However, by following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this article. If the problem persists, it’s recommended that you visit a repair professional who will access the device carefully and ensure your iPhone is restored to its full functionality.
Tech Writer | Photographer
LinkedIn: Madiha Khadim
Madi is a dynamic tech writer with a passion for simplifying complex concepts. Her expertise lies in creating clear and concise guides, blogs, manuals, and tutorials that empower users to navigate the technological landscape with ease. Throughout her career, Madi has worked with numerous leading tech companies, collaborating with engineers, developers, designers and marketers to create user manuals, FAQs, troubleshooting guides, and tech articles, on the websites such as "Technology Castle" and "Bilzimo". She can transform intricate technical jargon into user-friendly language, empowering users to understand and utilize products effectively.
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