If you are a smartphone user, then you might be aware what SOS mode means. But In case you don’t know what it means, SOS stands for “Save Our Souls” and which signifies that the smartphone has lost its network. Well, we understand that being stuck in SOS mode can be both annoying and worrisome. Whether you own an iPhone or an android, the troubleshooting and resolving steps will be highlighted in this guide.
What is Phone SOS Mode?

SOS mode essentially means that the cellphone is able to perform the emergency call function only. Some of the causes of this mode being activated include the phone being out of coverage, i.e, the user perceives it to be absent due to some reason, a malfunctioning SIM card or network disruption caused by the network provider which results in the users ability to contact anyone.
The earlier you know the root cause, the better able are you to combat the issue.
What causes a mobile phone to enter phone SOS mode ?

Several reasons can cause your phone to enter SOS mode:
- Poor Signal Strength: Being in an area with no or low signal.
- SIM Card Issues: A damaged or improperly inserted SIM card.
- Network Glitches: Temporary disruptions in your carrier’s network.
- Software Errors: Outdated software or incorrect settings.
Step-by-Step Guide: How Opens SOS Mode On Phones And The Steps Required To Exit It
For instance, to fix the SOS issue on your Android phone, do the following: Reboot.
- Enable Your Network
- For Checking Coverage Map: Consider browsing for a coverage map of your area online.
- For Rebooting: Doing a network reset may be effective. On Android phones do it under Settings > General Management > Reset Network Settings and for iPhone’s Settings > Cellular > Reset Settings.
- Toggle Carrier Mode Function
- Take Notes: Switching On the phone’s WiFi while in SOS mode may not be a good idea, it is worth mentioning. To use WiFi, turn off the carrier on your Android device.
- Afterwards Undo Changes: And then check whether toggling the carrier settings has helped resolve your problem.
- Check And Switch The SIM Card
- Check & Then Remove Previous SIM: Examine your SIM card to see if there’s any physical or electrical damage to its connectors. After investigating carefully take a look at the SIM, the electronic part of it that contains the microprocessor, and the plastic casing. Replacing it with a new one will often fix the issue.
- Restart Once The New SIM Is Inserted: Return and start your device. Follow it by turning off Bluetooth/Wi-Fi to see whether Android SOS has resolved it.
- Bring It In Action
- Get It Cleaned: If wifi is malfunctioning for another reason, then try getting your wifi fixed. Sometimes cleaning it may help in solving the SOS issue.
- Send It For Repairs: And if that doesn’t work then sending the phone in for repairs is ideal as at the end of the day the goal is to resolve the SOS issue on called without any unnecessary hassle.
- Network Settings
- In the case of an iPhone – go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings to reset the network settings.
- If it’s an Android phone – Go to Settings > System > Reset > Reset Wi-Fi, Mobile and Bluetooth.
- Select Network
- iPhone: Navigate to Settings, select Cellular, click on Network Selection, and turn off Automatic. Select your carrier manually.
- Android: Open your Settings, head to Connections, select Mobile Networks, Network Operators, and click on your carrier.
- Try Another SIM
- Try to use a sim card which is different than the current one and figure out if the issue is with the SIM or the Phone itself.
- Your Carrier
• Call your Carrier for help, they can check o There’s an outage o Your account is active and in good standing
- Factory settings (Only if absolutely necessary)
• Remember to Backup Your Data Before Factory Resetting Your Device: Store any important data you have on your device.
• Iphone: Go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings.
• Android: Select Settings > System > Reset > Factory Data Reset.
Common Solutions Based on Scenarios
Issue | Solution |
---|---|
Weak signal or no coverage | Move to an area with better signal. |
Damaged SIM card | Replace the SIM card. |
Network outages | Wait or contact your carrier for updates. |
Software errors | Update or reset network settings. |
To Avoid SOS Mode While Using Your Device, Here Are Some Tips:
• Keep the phone’s software up to date regularly.
• Frequently inspect and clean your SIM Card.
• If you are going to move outside, ensure that you are in the area of coverage of your carrier.
FAQs: How Do I Turn Off SOS Mode On My Phone?
My phone reads Life Only SOS. What does it mean?
A phone can display Life Only SOS when there is no carrier network for it to register to. This can be caused due to signal issues, Network failure, problems with SIM card.
How can I go about getting a SIM card that has issues?
Take out your SIM card and check it for damage. Gently wipe it using a soft cloth. In case it is broken, you should reach out to your carrier for a new SIM card.
Do Phones go SOS because the software is old?
The answer is yes, defective software and, old firmware have an effect on your phone and stops it from or prevents it from accessing the network . However, these can be solved quite easily through updates.
What do I do if I am stuck in SOS mode?
In the case this problem continues, make sure to get in touch with your Carrier or visit a helpdesk.
Is SOS mode an Emergency setting on the phone?
Yes, SOS mode is an emergency feature facilitates and allows you to make emergency calls even when the Network is unavailable.
Final Word: Getting a Handle on SOS Mode
Troubleshooting SOS mode guarantees connectivity during emergencies. The guidelines provided above assist in diagnosing and rectifying the problem. Also, ensure that your device is up-to-date, and seek external help if necessary.
In due time and with the right diagnosis, you will be able to use your phone as intended, and not lose any connectivity.