How to Fix if My iPhone Stuck in SOS Mode?

iPhone Stuck in SOS Mode

If your iPhone stuck in sos mode, it can be a frustrating and concerning situation. There are several methods you can try to resolve this issue and get your iPhone back to its normal functionality. Here are five ways to fix the iPhone stuck on Emergency SOS screen problem.

Force Restart Your iPhone: If your iPhone is stuck on the Emergency SOS screen, a simple force restart can often do the trick. Quickly press and release the Volume Up button, followed by the Volume Down button. Then, press and hold the Side (or Power) button until you see the Apple logo on the screen. This should force your iPhone to restart, and it may resolve the issue.
Check for Physical Damage: Sometimes, physical damage to the iPhone can lead to unusual issues, including being stuck on the Emergency SOS screen. Inspect your iPhone for any signs of physical damage, like a cracked screen or water damage. If you find any, it might be necessary to repair or replace the affected components.
Disable Emergency SOS: If your iPhone is repeatedly getting stuck on the Emergency SOS screen, consider disabling the Emergency SOS feature temporarily. To do this, go to “Settings” > “Emergency SOS” and turn off “Auto Call.” This will prevent your iPhone from automatically making emergency calls when the Side button is pressed rapidly. After disabling this feature, restart your iPhone and see if the problem is resolved.
Update iOS: Outdated software can sometimes cause unexpected issues with your iPhone. Your device is running the latest version of iOS by going to “Settings” > “General” > “Software Update.” If an update is available, download and install it. Updating iOS can fix bugs and glitches that may be causing the iPhone to get stuck on the Emergency SOS screen.
Restore Your iPhone: If none of the above methods work, you can try restoring your iPhone to its factory settings using iTunes or Finder on a computer. Connect your iPhone to your computer, open iTunes or Finder, and follow the steps to restore your device. This will erase all data on your iPhone, so make sure to back up your important information beforehand. After the restore is complete, set up your iPhone as a new device and check if the issue is resolved.

Why iPhone Stuck on Emergency SOS Screen?

An iPhone stuck on the Emergency SOS screen can be a perplexing issue, and there are several potential reasons behind this problem.

Software Glitches: One common cause of an iPhone stuck in SOS mode is software glitches or bugs. These issues can interfere with the normal operation of your device, leading to unexpected behaviors, including being stuck on the Emergency SOS screen.
Hardware Problems: Sometimes, hardware issues such as a malfunctioning button, sensor, or even damage to internal components can trigger the iPhone to behave erratically. This may result in the device entering Emergency SOS mode without user input.
Settings Misconfiguration: Incorrectly configured settings related to the Emergency SOS feature can also lead to your iPhone repeatedly entering this mode. This may happen if you accidentally activate Emergency SOS settings without realizing it.
Outdated iOS: Running an outdated version of iOS can sometimes lead to stability issues, which might manifest as the iPhone getting stuck on the Emergency SOS screen. Updating to the latest iOS version can often resolve these problems.
Third-Party Apps or Jailbreaking: Installing unofficial apps or jailbreaking your iPhone can compromise its stability and security. These actions can introduce software conflicts that may result in unusual behavior, such as being stuck on the Emergency SOS screen.

How to Fix iPhone Stuck on Emergency SOS Screen

If you find your iPhone stuck on the Emergency SOS screen, it can be a concerning situation, but there are steps you can take to resolve this issue and regain access to your device.

Force Restart Your iPhone: When your iPhone is stuck on the Emergency SOS screen, a simple and effective first step is to perform a force restart. Quickly press and release the Volume Up button, followed by the Volume Down button. Then, press and hold the Side (or Power) button until you see the Apple logo on the screen. This force restart can often clear any temporary glitches causing the issue.
Check for Hardware Issues: Sometimes, hardware problems can lead to your iPhone stuck in SOS mode. Inspect your device for physical damage or issues with the buttons, especially the Side button, which activates Emergency SOS. If you notice any damage or malfunction, it may require repairs or replacement components.
Disable Emergency SOS: If your iPhone repeatedly enters the Emergency SOS mode, consider temporarily disabling the “Auto Call” feature. To do this, go to “Settings” > “Emergency SOS” and turn off the “Auto Call” option. This will prevent your iPhone from automatically making emergency calls when the Side button is pressed rapidly. After disabling this feature, restart your iPhone and see if the problem is resolved.
Update iOS: Outdated software can contribute to unexpected issues with your iPhone. Your device is running the latest version of iOS by navigating to “Settings” > “General” > “Software Update.” If an update is available, download and install it. Updating iOS can fix bugs and glitches that might cause your iPhone stuck in SOS mode.
Restore Your iPhone: If all else fails, you can attempt to restore your iPhone to its factory settings using iTunes or Finder on a computer. Connect your iPhone to your computer, open iTunes or Finder, and follow the steps to restore your device. Keep in mind that this process will erase all data on your iPhone, so be sure to back up your important information first. After the restore is complete, set up your iPhone as a new device and check if the issue is resolved.

Tip 1. Force Restart iPhone

Force Restart iPhone

If your iPhone is stuck on the Emergency SOS screen, one of the first and most effective steps to consider is performing a force restart. When your iPhone becomes unresponsive or displays the Emergency SOS screen, this method can often help resolve the issue.

To force restart your iPhone, follow these steps:

Quickly press and release the Volume Up button.
Quickly press and release the Volume Down button.
Press and hold the Side (or Power) button until you see the Apple logo on the screen.

The force restart should interrupt any temporary glitches or software problems that may have caused your iPhone to become stuck on the Emergency SOS screen.

Tip 2. Turn off and Charge iPhone

If you find your iPhone stuck on the Emergency SOS screen, it can be an alarming situation. Here’s a step you can take to potentially resolve the issue:

One possible reason for your iPhone being stuck on the Emergency SOS screen is a depleted battery. When the iPhone’s battery is critically low, it may not respond as expected. To address this, connect your iPhone to a charger and leave it for a while to ensure it has sufficient power.

While it’s charging, you can also attempt to turn off the iPhone. Press and hold the Side (or Power) button along with the Volume Down button simultaneously until you see the “slide to power off” slider on the screen. Slide it to power off the device completely. After the iPhone has charged for some time, try turning it back on by pressing and holding the Side button again. This simple step can help alleviate the issue if it was related to low battery levels.

Tip 3. Restore iPhone

If you’re still facing the issue of your iPhone being stuck on the Emergency SOS screen after trying previous troubleshooting steps, performing a complete restore might be necessary. While this is a more advanced solution, it can often resolve persistent software-related problems.

To restore your iPhone, follow these steps:

Backup Your Data: Before proceeding with a restore, ensure that you have a recent backup of your iPhone’s data. You can back up your iPhone using iCloud or iTunes/Finder on your computer. This step is crucial because a restore will erase all data on your device.
Connect to iTunes or Finder: Use a computer with iTunes (for older macOS and Windows) or Finder (for macOS Catalina and later) installed. Connect your iPhone to the computer using a USB cable.
Put iPhone into Recovery Mode: Depending on your iPhone model, you may need to follow different steps to enter Recovery Mode. You’ll need to press and release the Volume Up button, then press and release the Volume Down button, and finally, press and hold the Side (or Power) button until you see the recovery mode screen (an iTunes or a computer icon).
Restore iPhone: In iTunes or Finder, you should see an option to “Restore” your iPhone. Click on it to initiate the restoration process. This process will erase all data on your iPhone and install a fresh copy of the latest iOS version.
Set Up Your iPhone: After the restore is complete, your iPhone will restart and display the initial setup screen. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your iPhone as a new device. You can then restore your data from the backup you created in the first step.

Tip 4. Put iPhone in Recovery Mode

If you’ve tried the previous tips and your iPhone remains stuck on the Emergency SOS screen, putting your device into Recovery Mode can be a more advanced troubleshooting step to resolve software-related issues.

Here’s how to put your iPhone in Recovery Mode:

Connect to a Computer: Start by connecting your iPhone to a computer using a USB cable. Make sure you have the latest version of iTunes (on older macOS and Windows) or Finder (on macOS Catalina and later) installed.
Force Restart: Perform a force restart on your iPhone. Depending on your iPhone model, the process may vary:
1. For iPhone 8 or later: Quickly press and release the Volume Up button, followed by the Volume Down button. Then, press and hold the Side button until the recovery mode screen appears.
2. For iPhone 7 and 7 Plus: Press and hold the Volume Down button and the Sleep/Wake (Power) button simultaneously until the recovery mode screen appears.
3. For iPhone 6s and earlier: Press and hold the Home button and the Sleep/Wake (Power) button simultaneously until the recovery mode screen appears.
Locate Your iPhone: On your computer, iTunes or Finder should detect your iPhone in Recovery Mode and display a message indicating that a problem has been detected and the device needs to be restored.
Restore Your iPhone: Click on the “Restore” option in iTunes or Finder. This will initiate the restoration process. Your iPhone will be erased, and a fresh copy of the latest iOS version will be installed.
Set Up Your iPhone: After the restore is complete, follow the on-screen instructions to set up your iPhone as a new device. You can then restore your data from a previous backup if you have one.

Tip 5. Contact Apple Support

Contact Apple Support

If you’ve exhausted all the previous troubleshooting tips and your iPhone remains persistently stuck on the Emergency SOS screen, it’s time to reach out to Apple Support for professional assistance.

Apple Support offers various ways to get in touch, and they can provide guidance and solutions for a wide range of iPhone issues. Here’s how you can contact them:

Online Support: Visit the Apple Support website (https://support.apple.com) and navigate to the iPhone section. You can find helpful articles, user guides, and troubleshooting resources that may address your specific problem.
Apple Support App: Download the Apple Support app from the App Store if you haven’t already. This app provides access to articles, chat support, and the ability to schedule appointments at your nearest Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider.
Phone Support: You can call Apple Support directly to speak with a representative. They can provide step-by-step guidance to diagnose and potentially resolve the issue over the phone. To find the appropriate phone number for your region, visit the Apple Support website.
Visit an Apple Store: If you prefer in-person assistance, you can schedule an appointment at an Apple Store or an Apple Authorized Service Provider. Apple’s knowledgeable technicians can perform a thorough diagnosis and repair your iPhone if necessary.
Social Media: Apple also has official social media accounts on platforms like Twitter (@AppleSupport) where you can ask questions and receive support.

FAQs

How do I fix my iPhone stuck on emergency SOS?

If you find your iPhone stuck on the Emergency SOS screen, it can be a disconcerting situation, but there are several steps you can take to try and resolve this issue.

Force Restart Your iPhone: The first and often the simplest step to address an iPhone stuck on the Emergency SOS screen is to perform a force restart. Quickly press and release the Volume Up button, followed by the Volume Down button. Then, press and hold the Side (or Power) button until you see the Apple logo on the screen. This force restart can help clear any temporary glitches or software issues that may be causing the problem.
Check for Hardware Issues: Inspect your iPhone for any physical damage or issues with buttons, especially the Side button responsible for Emergency SOS activation. Physical damage or malfunctioning hardware can sometimes lead to unusual behaviors, including being stuck on the Emergency SOS screen. If you find any hardware problems, consider seeking professional repairs.
Disable Emergency SOS Auto Call: If your iPhone repeatedly enters the Emergency SOS mode unintentionally, you can temporarily disable the “Auto Call” feature. Open the “Settings” app, go to “Emergency SOS,” and turn off “Auto Call.” This prevents your iPhone from automatically dialing emergency services when the Side button is pressed rapidly. After disabling this feature, restart your iPhone and see if the problem is resolved.
Update iOS: Outdated iOS software can contribute to various issues with your iPhone. Ensure your device is running the latest iOS version by going to “Settings,” selecting “General,” and tapping “Software Update.” If an update is available, download and install it. Updating iOS can often fix software bugs and glitches that may cause your iPhone to get stuck on the Emergency SOS screen.
Restore Your iPhone: If none of the above steps work, you can attempt to restore your iPhone to its factory settings using iTunes or Finder on a computer. Connect your iPhone to your computer, open iTunes or Finder, and follow the steps to restore your device. This will erase all data on your iPhone, so make sure to back up your important information before proceeding. After the restore is complete, set up your iPhone as a new device to check if the issue is resolved.

Why am I stuck on SOS only?

If your iPhone is showing the “SOS Only” status, it indicates that your device is currently limited to emergency calls only. There are several reasons why your iPhone stuck in SOS mode:

No Cellular Signal: One of the most common reasons for an iPhone to display “SOS Only” is a lack of cellular signal. When your device can’t connect to your mobile carrier’s network, it will restrict itself to emergency calls only to ensure you can contact emergency services if needed.
Carrier Issues: Temporary issues with your mobile carrier, such as maintenance or network problems, can lead to the “SOS Only” status. It’s a good idea to check if your carrier is experiencing any outages or technical difficulties in your area.
SIM Card Problems: A damaged or improperly inserted SIM card can also result in your iPhone being stuck on “SOS Only.” Your SIM card is securely inserted and not damaged. Try removing it, cleaning it gently, and reinserting it to see if that resolves the issue.
Activation Problems: If your iPhone is newly activated or you recently swapped SIM cards, there might be activation issues with your carrier. Contact your carrier’s customer support to verify that your device is properly activated and associated with your account.
Software or Settings Issues: Software glitches or incorrect settings can lead to the “SOS Only” status. Your iPhone’s settings are correctly configured for your carrier, and consider restarting your device to see if that resolves the problem.
IMEI or Network Lock: If your iPhone is locked to a specific carrier or if there are issues with your device’s IMEI, it may display “SOS Only.” This is more common with used or unlocked iPhones, and resolving it may require contacting your carrier or Apple Support.
Legal Restrictions: Some countries and regions have specific regulations that can limit network access for devices not registered or compliant with local requirements. If you’re traveling or using a foreign SIM card, be aware of local regulations that might affect your network connectivity.