The SOS icon indicates that your iPhone isn’t connected to your mobile network and can only place emergency calls (in the U.S., Canada, or Australia). It can appear if your SIM card is damaged, your account is disabled, or you’ve selected the wrong carrier.
Hi, I’m Devansh. My country doesn’t support the SOS feature, but I know about it because it can be a lifesaver. In this article, I’ll describe why your iPhone says SOS and the steps you can take to remove it. I’ll also answer some common questions.
If you’re wondering why your iPhone says SOS and how to remove it, keep reading!
3 Steps to Remove the SOS Icon in iPhone
As noted above, your iPhone displays the SOS icon when it isn’t connected to your mobile network. Among other reasons, like a damaged SIM card, disabled account, or wrong settings, it could also appear because you’re outside the coverage area.
So, consider placing your iPhone near a window, elevating it, or going outdoors. If moving to a new location doesn’t improve the connection, here are three steps to remove the SOS icon.
Step 1: Turn Airplane Mode On and Off
Your iPhone may have a bug or glitch preventing it from connecting to your mobile network. Turning on and off Airplane mode may fix it.
To do it, open Control Centre and tap the Airplane Mode button. After a few seconds, turn it off.
Step 2: Set Network Selection to Automatic
You may have chosen the wrong carrier on your iPhone, leading to the SOS icon. To fix this, open Settings, go to Cellular or Mobile Data, and tap Network Selection. Here, ensure that Automatic is toggled on.
When traveling internationally, consider enabling data roaming. Go to Cellular Data Options or Mobile Data Options and toggle on Data Roaming.
Step 3: Check Carrier Settings Update
Carrier settings updates can improve cellular network connectivity. To check for a carrier settings update, connect your iPhone to a WiFi network, open Settings, go to General, and About. If a carrier settings update is available, tap OK or Update to install it.
Visit this Apple support page to learn more about carrier settings updates.
What’s Next?
If these steps didn’t remove the SOS icon on your iPhone, contact your carrier. Ask them if there’s a network outage in your area and ensure your account is active. Beyond that, you can contact Apple Support for further assistance.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about the SOS icon in the status bar of your iPhone.
Could the SOS Icon Appear Due to a Configuration Profile?
Yes. Your iPhone may have a configuration profile preventing it from connecting to your mobile network. To remove a configuration profile, open Settings, go to General, and tap VPN & Device Management. Here, open the configuration profile you want to remove and tap Remove Profile. Check this article to learn more about configuration profiles.
What if the SIM Card Isn’t Installed Correctly or Damaged?
If the SIM card isn’t installed correctly or is damaged, it can prevent your iPhone from connecting to your mobile network. To fix it, eject and reseat your SIM card. If it is damaged or doesn’t fit the SIM tray, ask your carrier for a replacement.
How to Turn off the Emergency SOS Feature in iPhone?
Open Settings and go to Emergency SOS. Here, toggle off Call with Hold and Release and Call with 3 Button Presses. If you have an iPhone 14 or later, you can also toggle off Call After Severe Crash. See this Apple support page to learn more about the Emergency SOS feature.
Conclusion
When SOS appears in the status bar of your iPhone, it means that your iPhone isn’t connected to your mobile network but can still make emergency calls. As of September 2023, this feature is only available in the U.S., Canada, and Australia.
To remove the SOS icon, turn Airplane Mode on and off, set Network Selection to Automatic, and install the latest carrier settings update. Overall, I hope I helped answer all your queries in this article.
Do you have further questions about the SOS icon in the status bar of your iPhone? Let me know in the comments!
