How to Get iPhone 15 Out of SOS Mode: A Step-by-Step Guide

If your iPhone 15 is stuck in SOS mode, you’re not alone. Many iPhone users suddenly see “SOS” or “SOS Only” in the top-right corner of their screen, which can be frustrating and confusing. Don’t worry — this guide will walk you through what SOS mode means, why it happens, and how to get your iPhone 15 out of SOS mode step by step.

Whether it’s a network glitch, a SIM issue, or a temporary iOS bug, we’ll cover multiple proven methods to fix it so you can get your phone back to normal.

What Does SOS Mode Mean on iPhone 15?

SOS mode appears when your iPhone loses connection to your cellular network but can still make emergency calls. You’ll see “SOS” or “SOS Only” in the status bar.

👉 In short: you can dial 911 (or your local emergency number), but you can’t make regular calls, send texts, or use mobile data.

Why Is My iPhone 15 Stuck in SOS Mode?

Several reasons can trigger SOS mode:

Weak or no network coverage.
Issues with your SIM card.
Carrier outages.
Outdated iOS or carrier settings.
Incorrect network configuration.
Hardware issues with the iPhone antenna.

Understanding the cause helps you pick the right fix.

Quick Checklist Before Troubleshooting

Before diving into detailed fixes, quickly check:

✅ Is your cellular plan active and paid?
✅ Are you in an area with strong network coverage?
✅ Is your SIM properly inserted?
✅ Is Airplane Mode turned off?

If these are fine, move on to the step-by-step fixes.

Step 1: Toggle Airplane Mode On and Off

The simplest fix often works best.

Swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen.
Tap the Airplane Mode icon to turn it on.
Wait 10–15 seconds.
Tap again to turn it off.

This forces your iPhone 15 to reconnect to the nearest cell tower.

Step 2: Restart Your iPhone 15

Sometimes, all your phone needs is a reboot.

Press and hold the Side button + Volume Down button.
Slide to power off.
Wait 30 seconds.
Press and hold the Side button to turn it back on.

Step 3: Check SIM Card Placement

A loose or damaged SIM can cause SOS mode.

Power off your iPhone.
Remove the SIM tray using the SIM ejector tool.
Wipe the SIM gently with a soft cloth.
Reinsert it securely.

Step 4: Reset Network Settings

If your iPhone’s saved network configurations are corrupted, resetting them helps.

Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset.
Tap Reset Network Settings.
Enter your passcode.

⚠️ Note: This will erase saved Wi-Fi passwords, VPNs, and Bluetooth connections.

Step 5: Update Carrier Settings

Carriers occasionally release updates for better connectivity.

Go to Settings > General > About.
If a pop-up says “Carrier Update Available,” tap Update.

Step 6: Update iOS Software

An outdated iOS can cause network bugs.

Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
Tap Download and Install if an update is available.

Step 7: Reinsert or Replace SIM Card

If you suspect your SIM is faulty:

Try inserting it into another phone.
If it doesn’t work, request a new SIM from your carrier.

Step 8: Switch to Automatic Network Selection

Sometimes manual network selection locks you into a weak tower.

Open Settings > Cellular > Network Selection.
Toggle Automatic on.

Step 9: Check for Carrier Outages

It may not be your iPhone — it could be your carrier.

Visit your carrier’s website or outage map.
Check social media for real-time outage reports.

Step 10: Contact Your Carrier

If nothing works so far:

Call your carrier from another phone.
Ask if there are issues with your SIM, plan, or coverage.

Step 11: Reset All Settings

This is a deeper reset without deleting data.

Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset.
Select Reset All Settings.

This resets system preferences like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and VPN.

Step 12: Restore iPhone via iTunes/Finder

As a last resort:

Connect your iPhone to a Mac or PC.
Open Finder (macOS Catalina and later) or iTunes (Windows/macOS Mojave or earlier).
Select your iPhone.
Click Restore iPhone.

This reinstalls iOS and clears software bugs. (Backup your data first!)

When to Contact Apple Support

If none of the above works, your iPhone 15 may have a hardware issue with its antenna, SIM tray, or modem chip. Contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store for professional repair.

How to Prevent SOS Mode in the Future

Keep iOS updated.
Regularly restart your phone.
Use a high-quality SIM card.
Avoid third-party SIM adapters.
Stay in areas with strong network coverage.

Conclusion: Getting Your iPhone 15 Back Online

Being stuck in SOS mode on your iPhone 15 is frustrating, but in most cases, the solution is simple. Start with easy fixes like toggling Airplane Mode, restarting, or reinserting your SIM card. If those don’t work, move on to network resets, updates, or a carrier check. Only in rare cases will you need Apple Support.

With these steps, you can quickly get your iPhone 15 out of SOS mode and back to normal use.

FAQs

1. Why does my iPhone 15 say SOS only?
Your iPhone shows SOS mode when it can’t connect to your carrier’s network but still allows emergency calls.

2. Can SOS mode mean my SIM card is bad?
Yes. A damaged or improperly inserted SIM card is a common cause of SOS mode.

3. Does SOS mode use data?
No. SOS mode only allows emergency calls — not mobile data.

4. Will resetting network settings delete my photos?
No. Resetting network settings only removes Wi-Fi passwords, VPNs, and Bluetooth pairings, not personal data.

5. How long does SOS mode last?
It lasts until your iPhone reconnects to a carrier network. That could be seconds (after toggling Airplane Mode) or longer if it’s a carrier issue.

✅ Key Takeaways:

SOS mode means no carrier service, but emergency calls still work.
Fixes range from simple toggles and SIM checks to software updates.
If all else fails, contact your carrier or Apple Support.