iPhone Stuck in SOS Mode? Unlock the Fastest Fix for iPhone 13 & 14 Now!
If you find your iPhone stuck in SOS mode, it can be frustrating and confusing, especially when you’re unsure how to fix it. Don’t worry — this issue is common across many iPhone models, including the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14. In this article, we’ll guide you through every step to resolve this problem and ensure you won’t face it again.
What Is SOS Mode on iPhone?
Understanding Emergency SOS on iPhone
Emergency SOS is a lifesaving feature on the iPhone, but sometimes you might encounter your iPhone stuck in SOS mode, unable to exit. When triggered, the iPhone goes into SOS mode where a red ‘SOS’ is shown in the status bar. The phone stays in a ready-to-call-for-help mode, but sometimes this mode gets stuck.
Pro Tip: Did you know you can adjust the SOS feature settings to avoid accidental triggers? Go to Settings > Emergency SOS and turn off Auto Call. This will stop the iPhone from calling emergency services if you hold the side button by mistake.
The Difference Between SOS Mode and Emergency SOS via Satellite
For newer models like the iPhone 14, Apple added SOS via satellite. It lets users contact emergency services without cellular coverage. However, it can also cause the iPhone to get stuck in SOS mode due to connectivity or software issues.
Common Reasons iPhone Stuck in SOS Mode
The glitch can stem from poor signals, software bugs, or a bad SIM card. A network outage or bad update may cause your iPhone to stay in SOS mode longer than expected.
Steps to Take When Your iPhone Is Stuck in SOS Mode
Force Restart Your iPhone
A simple force restart can often resolve the issue of an iPhone stuck in SOS mode. For iPhone models like the iPhone 13 or iPhone 14, press and quickly release the volume up button. Then, press and quickly release the volume down button. Hold the side button until the Apple logo appears.
Example: One user reported that their iPhone 14 was stuck in SOS mode after updating to iOS 17. A quick force restart helped resolve the issue, and they haven’t encountered it again since.
Check Cellular and Wi-Fi Network Connections
Your iPhone could be stuck in SOS mode because it cannot connect to your network. Here are some steps you can follow to resolve this:
- How to Ensure a Stable Cellular Network: First, check your SIM card. Then, make sure you are in your carrier’s network. If needed, remove and reinsert your SIM card to reconnect to the network.
- Verifying Wi-Fi: Poor connections can disrupt your phone’s functions. Go to Settings > Wi-Fi to ensure you’re connected to a stable network.
- Turn Airplane mode on and off: This will reset your phone’s connectivity settings. It may solve the SOS mode problem. Go to the top right corner of your iPhone and swipe down. Turn the airplane icon on by tapping it. Tap it again to turn it off a few seconds later.
Pro Tip: If you often have network issues, reset your network settings every few months. This can refresh your connectivity settings. It may reduce the chances of getting iphone stuck in SOS mode.
Remove and Reinsert SIM Card
Network connectivity is completely dependent on your SIM card. Turn your iPhone off, remove the SIM card, reinsert it, and turn the iPhone back on. If this issue is from your carrier or network, then this could help you solve the iPhone stuck in SOS mode issue.
Reset Network Settings on Your iPhone
If your iPhone is stuck in SOS mode, try resetting your network settings. Open Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings. It will delete your saved Wi-Fi networks, passwords, and VPN settings, but it might just help.
Update iOS to the Latest Version
Sometimes, an iPhone stuck in SOS mode can be due to outdated software. Go to Settings > General > Software Update to ensure you’re running the latest version of iOS. Updates often come with bug fixes that can prevent or resolve such issues.
Advanced Fixes if Your iPhone Is Still Stuck in SOS Mode
If the basic steps didn’t work out for you, try out the advanced ones.
Use Recovery Mode to Fix the SOS Stuck Issue
In case of severe software issues, recovery mode can help you get out of it. If your iPhone stuck in SOS mode after the previous steps, it is useful.
- How to Enter Recovery Mode: Plug your iPhone into your computer with a USB cable. Then, take the force restart steps. Don’t release the buttons; just keep holding them. Keep doing this until you see the recovery mode screen.
- Restore iPhone via iTunes or Finder: On your computer, open iTunes (or Finder for macOS Catalina or later). Then, select your iPhone. Then you’ll see an option to ‘Restore’ your device. It will delete all the data from your iPhone and reinstall the software, but it should take you out of SOS mode.
Example: A user had their iPhone 13 stuck in SOS mode for hours. They fixed it by restoring the phone through iTunes in recovery mode. They first tried resetting the network settings. But, it was the recovery mode that did the trick.
Try DFU Mode as a Last Resort
Recovery mode is deeper than DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode. It is capable of repairing more serious software problems. If other fixes haven’t worked it’s often a last resort.
- How to Put Your iPhone in DFU Mode: Connect your iPhone to a computer. Press the volume up button, then the volume down button. Hold the side button until the screen goes black. Press and hold the side and volume down buttons for five seconds. Then, release the side button. Keep holding the volume down button until your computer recognizes the device.
If these solutions don’t work, you may need to consult Apple’s official guide on Emergency SOS and how to troubleshoot for additional support.
If you use DFU mode, all the data on your iPhone will be erased so you should back up the data before you use it.
Why Does Your iPhone Get Stuck in SOS Mode?
Software Glitches
Your iPhone’s software can fail at times and get stuck in SOS mode. It happens because of either an unbudded iOS update, a bug within an app, or bad system files.
Example: Certain mobile games or apps may not work with your iPhone’s iOS version. They can cause unexpected issues. If you love gaming, check our guide: Best Mobile Games for 2024: Unmissable Android Hits You Need to Play Now! for top game recommendations that run smoothly on your device.
Network or Carrier Issues
Your iPhone may get stuck in SOS mode if your carrier’s network is down or having connection issues. It happens in places where you often have poor reception or when the network is down.
Hardware Malfunctions (SIM Card Problems)
If your phone is in SOS mode, then it could be because your SIM card is damaged or misaligned. However, if your SIM card is not inserted properly, or is damaged, your iPhone may find it difficult to connect to the network.
How to Prevent Your iPhone from Getting Stuck in SOS Mode Again
Keep iOS and Apps Updated
Updating your iPhone regularly means that bugs and software glitches are fixed, reducing the chance of your iPhone getting stuck in SOS mode. Check for updates often. This will save you from problems that have been cleared up.
Regularly Check Cellular and Network Settings
Check your network settings. It’s also a good idea to make sure your SIM card is working and is inserted properly. If you often lose service, switching providers, or upgrading your plan, might help.
Be Careful When Using Emergency SOS Features
You can avoid accidentally triggering the SOS feature. All you need to do is simply customize the Emergency SOS settings in your phone’s options. Go to Settings > Emergency SOS and adjust the settings so that it’s not accidentally triggered.
