iPhone Stuck on “SOS Only” or “No Service”? 9 Fixes That Work

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iPhone SOS Only fix is something every user should know. Few things are more frustrating than looking at your iPhone and seeing “SOS Only” or “No Service” at the top of the screen. Suddenly, you can’t make calls, send texts, or use mobile data — except for emergency calls.

At We Go We Fix, our certified technicians in Miami handle iPhone repairs daily. With guidance from Apple Support and our hands-on experience, here’s a step-by-step guide to fixing this issue and regaining your signal.

Why Does “SOS Only” or “No Service” Appear on iPhones?

Your iPhone shows SOS Only when it can’t connect to the carrier network. You can still make emergency calls, but normal services are blocked.

Common causes include:

Carrier outages or poor coverage
SIM card issues (damaged or misaligned)
Incorrect network or cellular settings
Outdated iOS software
Account or billing suspensions
Hardware faults in the modem or antenna

Knowing these reasons makes it easier to apply the right iPhone SOS Only fix.

9 Fixes That Actually Work

1. Check Carrier Signal and Outages

Sometimes the issue isn’t your phone — it’s the carrier. Visit your carrier’s website or support line to confirm coverage in your area.

2. Toggle Airplane Mode

Open Control Center, enable Airplane Mode for 10 seconds, then turn it off. This refresh often works as a quick iPhone SOS Only fix.

3. Restart Your iPhone

Press and hold the side button (and volume button on newer models), slide to power off, wait 30 seconds, then restart.

4. Reinsert or Replace SIM Card

Eject your SIM with a paperclip or ejector tool. Clean it gently and reinsert. If it’s scratched or bent, request a replacement from your carrier. Apple also provides guidance on what to do if your iPhone shows “No SIM”.

5. Update Carrier Settings

Sometimes carriers push updates:

Go to Settings > General > About
If prompted, tap Update

This ensures your iPhone connects properly.

6. Reset Network Settings

If issues persist, go to:
Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings
This reset is one of the most effective iPhone SOS Only fixes, clearing corrupted preferences without deleting personal files.

7. Update iOS Software

Outdated software can disrupt your signal. Go to Settings > General > Software Update and install the latest iOS version.

8. Manually Select Your Network

If your iPhone is stuck searching:

Go to Settings > Cellular > Network Selection
Turn off “Automatic”
Choose your carrier manually

This is especially useful when traveling.

9. Contact Carrier or Visit a Repair Shop

If none of these steps work, your account may be suspended, or your iPhone may have hardware damage. Our iPhone Repair Miami team can run diagnostics and provide a professional SOS Only fix.

Preventing Future “SOS Only” Issues

Keep iOS updated regularly
Handle SIM cards carefully
Stick with carriers that have strong coverage
Don’t ignore repeated “No Service” warnings

Apple also recommends checking for updates in Settings > Cellular.

Conclusion

An iPhone showing “SOS Only” or “No Service” doesn’t always mean a major problem. Most times, toggling Airplane Mode, updating carrier settings, or reinserting your SIM will solve it. For hardware-related issues, trusted professionals like We Go We Fix can restore your phone quickly.

By following these steps, you’ll know the best way to apply an iPhone SOS Only fix at home or with expert help.

FAQs

Q1: Why does my iPhone only work on Wi-Fi but not cellular?
This usually points to a SIM or carrier issue. Try reinserting the SIM, resetting network settings, or contacting your provider.

Q2: Can a damaged SIM card cause “SOS Only”?
Yes. A bent or scratched SIM may prevent your iPhone from registering with your carrier.

Q3: Is “SOS Only” related to carrier locks?
It can be. Locked iPhones may show SOS Only if used with an unsupported SIM card.