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Fix iPhone Stuck in SOS Mode with 7 Easy Ways [Full Guide]
Posted by Alvin Cantero to iOS Recovery Sep 02, 2025
When you are in a remote area, you may find that your iPhone gets stuck in SOS mode. Even when you return to an area with normal cellular coverage, you still cannot use regular phone services. this post supports nine simple and effective methods. Try them according to your situation to solve the problem of your iPhone getting stuck in SOS mode.
Guide List
Why does iPhone Get Stuck in SOS Mode? Turn On and Off Airplane Mode & Cellular Data Restart Your iPhone to Fix iPhone Stuck in SOS Mode Fix iPhone Stuck in SOS Mode by System Issue without Data Loss Update iPhone System to Solve iPhone Stuck in SOS Mode Reset Network Settings for iPhone Stuck in SOS Mode Reinsert Your SIM Card for iPhone Stuck in SOS Mode Contact Apple Support to Solve iPhone Stuck in SOS ModeWhy does iPhone Get Stuck in SOS Mode?
• Network coverage or signal issues
When the iPhone is in an area with an extremely weak signal or cannot connect to its carrier's network, the iPhone may be stuck in SOS mode, allowing only emergency calls to be made.
• SIM card malfunction or poor contact
If the SIM card is damaged, not inserted correctly, or the card slot contacts are oxidized, the iPhone will not be able to read the carrier information properly and will also display SOS.
• Operator or base station abnormalities
Temporary operator network interruptions, base station maintenance, or operator configuration errors may prevent the device from registering with the network.
• System or baseband abnormalities
Bugs after iOS updates or baseband module malfunctions can prevent the iPhone from completing the network authentication process, causing iPhone to get stuck in SOS mode.
Turn On and Off Airplane Mode & Cellular Data
The first method you can try is to turn airplane mode on and off. Turning on and off airplane mode can force your iPhone to search for a signal anew and can usually fix an iPhone stuck in SOS mode. If this way does not work, you can try turning cellular data on and off. You can find it by tapping "Settings" and "Cellular".
Restart Your iPhone to Fix iPhone Stuck in SOS Mode
You can try a soft restart first, just as you would normally, by shutting down and then restarting to resolve the iPhone stuck in SOS mode issue. The soft restart will allow the system to reload the signal, SIM, and network modules, clearing any temporary errors. If a soft restart does not work, follow the steps to restart the iPhone with a hard restart. It forces the system kernel to restart directly, without relying on the normal iOS operation process. Reset the phone's communication process with the carrier to resolve the issue of the iPhone stuck in SOS mode.
For iPhone 8 and after: Quickly press and release the volume up and volume down buttons. Then press and hold the side power button until the Apple logo appears after about 10 seconds.
For iPhone 7/7 Plus: Press and hold the power button and volume down button simultaneously until the Apple logo appears.
For iPhone 6s and before: Press and hold the "Power" button and "Home" button simultaneously until the Apple logo appears.
Fix iPhone Stuck in SOS Mode by System Issue without Data Loss
The above are some of the basic repair methods for iPhone stuck in SOS mode that come with the iPhone. However, if none of the above methods work, or if you are certain that the problem is related to the iPhone system, you can use 4Easysoft iOS System Recovery to fix the iPhone stuck in SOS mode issue. Connect your iPhone to your computer, and with just one click, you can resolve system-related issues such as no service and lag, without any data loss.
Support almost all iOS devices and versions, including iPhone 17 and iOS 26/18/17, and more.
Reset your iPhone easily without iTunes, iCloud, or a password.
Scan various issues on your iPhone and back up all data without saving any information.
Recover all data in case of data loss during the fixing time.
100% Secure
100% Secure
Step 1Launch 4Easysoft iOS System Recovery and click the "iOS System Recovery" button. Connect your iOS device to the computer. Then click the "Start" button, and this program will automatically detect your device.
Step 2You can try the free quick fix first. If this way doesn’t work and you want to change your iPhone version, click "Fix" and choose "Standard Mode". Then click "Confirm" to start fixing.
Step 3Choose your desired system version, and then click the "Download" button. Finally, click the "Next" button to fix your iPhone stuck in SOS mode while changing an iOS version.
Update iPhone System to Solve iPhone Stuck in SOS Mode
If the software has a bug, it may be causing your iPhone to get stuck in SOS mode with your cellular service. You'll need internet for this to work, so Wi-Fi would be your only option if you can't connect to cellular. If you are unable to check the system update, you can also use 4Easysoft iOS System Recovery to recover.
Step: To check for a software update, tap the "Settings" button and find "General". Then tap "Software Update".
Reset Network Settings for iPhone Stuck in SOS Mode
Warning before operation: This method will reset all your Wi-Fi networks and passwords, cellular settings, and VPN settings. It will clear and restore all network-related configurations to fix iPhone stuck in SOS mode, thereby eliminating any incorrect settings that may cause network connection abnormalities. If you are willing to accept this consequence and have tried the above methods without success, proceed with this step.
Step: Open "Settings" and tap "General", then find "Transfer or Reset iPhone". Tap "Reset" and "Reset Network Settings".
Reinsert Your SIM Card for iPhone Stuck in SOS Mode
If you have a physical SIM, reinserting it can often bring your iPhone out of SOS mode. When inserting or removing the SIM card, the iPhone will re-initiate an authentication request to the baseband chip, and the baseband must re-search for available base stations and select the appropriate network. This can resolve issues caused by unstable base stations or weak signal areas that result in the iPhone getting stuck in SOS mode. Additionally, removing and reinserting the SIM card can re-secure the metal contacts, ensuring the phone can properly read the SIM card information.
Contact Apple Support to Solve iPhone Stuck in SOS Mode
If none of the above methods can solve the iPhone stuck in SOS mode issue, the best solution is to contact Apple customer support or inquire with your carrier. Your device may have some unknown problems that only Apple's technical experts can handle. You can also check with your carrier to see if they have mistakenly blocked your phone's IMEI number and request that the block be lifted.
Conclusion
If your iPhone is stuck in SOS mode, we have compiled seven simple methods built into your iPhone to help you resolve the issue and restore your device to normal operation. If you don't want to try these methods one by one, 4Easysoft iOS System Recovery is a more time-saving and effortless option. It can repair various system or software-related issues on your iPhone with a single click, allowing your device to exit SOS mode quickly.
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100% Secure
