Seeing your phone stuck in SOS mode can be frustrating and concerning. When your Android displays “SOS only” or “Emergency calls only,” it means your device can’t connect to your regular cellular network.To fix an Android phone stuck in SOS mode, try turning on Airplane mode for a minute before turning it off again, or perform a force restart by holding the power button for about 30 seconds.

This problem often happens after you’ve been in an area with poor reception or “dead spots.” Your phone might struggle to reconnect to your regular network even after you’ve moved to an area with better coverage. Sometimes a simple restart will solve the issue, while other times you might need to try a few different approaches.

Fortunately, this is usually a temporary issue that you can fix yourself without visiting a repair shop. In most cases, the problem is related to your phone’s connection to the network rather than serious hardware damage.

How To Fix An Android Stuck on SOS Mode

If your Android phone is stuck inSOS mode, it can be alarming—especially when it seems like you’re locked out of calling, texting, or using mobile data. SOS mode usually appears when your device can’t connect to your mobile network but still allows emergency calls. Fortunately, there are several proven ways to fix this problem and get your Android phone working normally again.

What Is SOS Mode?

SOS mode is asafety featureon Android phones that shows up when:

Your screen might say “SOS only” or show a red SOS badge near the signal bar.

Step-by-Step Fixes for SOS Mode on Android

Step 1: Check Your SIM Card

A loose or faulty SIM is one of the most common causes.

🔁 Optional: If your phone has dual SIMs, switch SIM slots and restart.

Step 2: Toggle Airplane Mode

Airplane Mode resets all wireless connections.

This forces the device to search for networks again.

Step 3: Restart Your Phone

A basic restart can clear temporary glitches that prevent cellular connection.

Step 4: Manually Select Network

Sometimes your phone fails to automatically connect to your carrier.

Step 5: Reset Network Settings

This will erase Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and mobile settings—but it often solves the issue.

Step 6: Check for Carrier Outage or Coverage Issues

Step 7: Update Android OS and Carrier Settings

Outdated software can cause connectivity problems.

Step 8: Boot Into Safe Mode

Safe Mode disables third-party apps and may help identify if an app is interfering.

Step 9: Contact Your Carrier or Replace SIM

If the issue persists:

Step 10: Factory Reset (Last Resort)

If nothing else works and the phone isn’t damaged:

⚠️Warning:This erases all data. Backup your phone first.

If SOS mode still persistsaftera factory reset, the issue is likely hardware-related.

✅ Summary Table

Getting stuck in SOS mode doesn’t always mean disaster. Most of the time, it’s something simple like a loose SIM or software hiccup. Try these steps in order, and you’ll likely get your phone back to normal in no time.

Key Takeaways

Understanding SOS Mode

SOS modeappears when your phone can’t connect to your regular cellular network, limiting your device to emergency calls only. This safety feature ensures you can still reach help when needed, but it can be frustrating when your phone gets stuck this way.

SOS mode is a safety feature on Android phones that activates when your device loses connection to your regular cellular network. When you see “SOS” or “Emergency Calls Only” in your status bar, your phone can only make calls to emergency services like 911.

This feature exists to ensure you can still get help in emergencies, even when normal service isn’t available. Your phone will automatically search forany available networkto connect to for these emergency calls.

Most Android phones display “SOS” or “Emergency Calls Only” in the top status bar when in this mode. You’ll also notice that regular calling, texting, and data services won’t work during this time.

Differences between iPhone Models

While this article focuses on Android devices, it’s worth noting how iPhones handle similar situations. iPhone users may see “SOS” in their status bar too, but the implementation differs.

OniPhone 15andiPhone 16models, Apple has enhanced theemergency SOSfeature with satellite connectivity for areas without cellular coverage. This allows emergency texting even in remote locations.

Older iPhones show “SOS” when no service is available, similar to Android phones. However, iPhones accessEmergency SOSthrough different button combinations:

Common Causes for iPhone Stuck in SOS Mode

Several issues can cause your Android phone to get stuck in SOS mode. The most common reason is simply being in an area with poor cellular coverage or anetwork outageat your carrier.

Other common causes include:

Physical damage to your phone’s antenna can also cause persistent SOS mode issues. If your phone recently got wet or was dropped, this might be the culprit.

Basic Troubleshooting Steps

When your Android phone gets stuck in SOS mode, several quick fixes can help restore normal service. These simple troubleshooting methods often solve the problem without requiring technical expertise or a visit to a repair shop.

Forcing a Restart on Various iPhone Models

Aforce restartis often the quickest way to fix an Android phone stuck in SOS mode. The process differs based on your phone model:

For newer Android phones with no home button:

For older Android models with a home button:

This method clears temporary system glitches that might be causing the SOS mode problem without deleting any of your data or settings.

Checking SIM Card and eSIM Status

SIM card issuesare a common reason for phones getting stuck in SOS mode. Try these fixes:

Physical SIM cards:

For eSIM users:

If your phone hasdual SIM capability, make sure you’ve selected the correct network provider in your settings.

Enabling and Disabling Airplane Mode

The airplane mode toggle oftenfixes connectivity issuesthat cause SOS mode. This method resets your phone’s connection to cellular networks:

Your phone will search for available networks after disabling airplane mode. This process forces your phone to reconnect to the cellular network and often resolves the SOS mode problem.

For persistent issues, try keeping airplane mode on for a longer period (2-3 minutes) before turning it off again.

Resetting Network Settings

If simpler methods don’t work, resetting your network settings can fix more stubborn SOS mode issues:

Steps toreset network settings:

What this resets:

After the reset, your phone will restart. You’ll need toreconnect to WiFi networksand pair Bluetooth devices again. This clean slate often resolves persistent network problems causing SOS mode.

Advanced Solutions

If standard fixes don’t work for your Android stuck in SOS mode, you may need more powerful solutions. These methods require technical knowledge but can solve persistent problems when simpler approaches fail.

Using iTunes for Recovery Mode

To fix an Android phone stuck in SOS mode, you might need to tryforce restarting your device. Unlike iPhones, Android devices don’t use iTunes, but they have their own recovery options.

For Android phones, boot into Recovery Mode by:

From the recovery menu, use volume buttons to navigate and the power button to select. Try selecting “Wipe cache partition” first, as this often fixes software glitches without losing data.

This method works for most Android brands including Samsung, Motorola, and Google Pixel phones.

Restoring iPhone via iTunes

Although this article focuses on Android devices, it’s important to clarify that iTunes restoration applies to iPhones, not Androids. For Android phones stuck in SOS mode, you’ll need to use alternative methods.

Android phones require different tools for system restoration. Instead of iTunes, consider:

To access Settings reset options (if your phone is still responsive), go toSettings > System > Advanced > Reset options > Erase all data (factory reset). This willremove all personal dataand might fix the SOS mode issue.

Contacting Apple Support for Assistance

Since we’re working with Android devices, you should contact your Android phone’s manufacturer support instead of Apple. Each Android brand has its own support system.

For help with an Android stuck in SOS mode, reach out to:

When contacting support, provide:

Support agents might suggest additional troubleshooting steps or offer repair options if the issue is hardware-related.

Employing a System Repair Tool

Android system repair tools can fix phones stuck in SOS mode without data loss. These third-party applications are designed to solve complex software issues.

To use these tools:

These tools can oftenfix software glitchescausing SOS mode issues. They work by reinstalling or repairing the Android operating system without affecting your personal data.

Network and Connectivity Issues

When your Android phone gets stuck in SOS mode, network problems are often the culprit. Checking your cellular connection, troubleshooting network settings, and verifying carrier information can help restore normal service quickly.

Investigating Cellular Data and Signal Issues

If your Android shows “SOS only” or “No Service,” check your signal strength first. Weak signals often trigger SOS mode in areas with poor coverage. Try moving to a different location with better reception.

Your SIM card might also be the problem. Remove it carefully, clean the contacts with a soft cloth, and reinsert it properly. A loose or dirty SIM card can cause signal issues.

Resetting network settingscan fix many connection problems. Go to:

This will clear all saved Wi-Fi networks, Bluetooth connections, and mobile data settings. Your phone will restart with default network configurations.

Troubleshooting Network Connection Problems

ToggleAirplane Modeon and off to reset your connection. Some users report thisfixes the SOS issuewithout needing a full restart.

Check if your phone needs asoftware update. Outdated system software sometimes causes network glitches. Go to Settings → System → Software update.

If problems persist, try a forced restart. On most Android phones:

Safe Modecan help identify if an app is causing the issue. Boot into Safe Mode by pressing and holding the power button, then tap and hold “Power off” until the Safe Mode option appears.

Verifying Carrier Settings and Support

Contact your mobile carrier if the problem continues. Network outages can cause widespread SOS issues, as seen with someVerizon customers.

Make sure your account is active and bills are paid. Suspended accounts lose normal service and may only allow emergency calls (SOS mode).

Check if you need to update your carrier settings:

Ensure your phone is compatible with your carrier’s network bands. This is especially important for unlocked phones or when traveling internationally.

If you recently changed carriers, verify the APN settings are correct. These settings tell your phone how to connect to your carrier’s data network.

Software issues often cause Android phones to get stuck in SOS mode. These problems can range from simple glitches to more complex system errors that prevent your device from connecting to cellular networks.

Identifying Software Glitches and Bugs

When your Android is stuck in SOS mode,software glitchesare often the culprit. These temporary malfunctions can disrupt normalcellular connections.

Common signs ofsoftware problems:

Try a force restart by holding the power button for 10 seconds. This simple step often clears minorsoftware bugs.

Toggling airplane mode can also help. Turn it on for 30 seconds, then off again to force the phone to search for networks.

Updating iOS to Resolve Compatibility Issues

While we’re discussing Android devices, it’s worth noting that keeping any operating system updated is crucial. For Android phones, regularsystem updatesfix known bugs that may cause SOS mode problems.

Check if updates are available:

Outdated software can causenetwork compatibility issuesafter visiting areas with no service. Many users report their phonesget stuck in SOS modeafter returning from dead spots.

If updating doesn’t work, use Safe Mode to identify problematic apps. Boot into Safe Mode by holding the power button, then pressing and holding the “Power off” option until prompted.

Hardware and Physical Damage

Sometimes your Android may get stuck in SOS mode due to physical damage or hardware issues. These problems can affect your phone’s ability to connect to networks properly.

Inspecting iPhone for Physical Damage

Check your Android phone for signs of damage that might cause network issues. Look for cracks on the screen or case that could affect internal components. Water damage is another common culprit – check for moisture indicators which usually appear as small dots that turn red when exposed to water.

Examine the SIM card and tray for any damage. A damaged SIM card can trigger SOS mode.Remove your SIM cardcarefully, clean it with a soft cloth, and reinsert it firmly.

If your phone shows ablack screenbut still seems to work, try connecting it to a charger. Sometimes adrained batterycan cause strange behaviors with network connections.

Seeking Professional Repair for Hardware Problems

When hardware issues cause persistent SOS mode problems,professional helpmay be needed. Take your device to an authorized service center if you notice:

Don’t attempt to fix complex hardware issues yourself as this could void your warranty or cause more damage. Trained technicians have the right tools to diagnose internal problems affecting your network connection.

Before visiting a repair shop,back up your dataif possible. Write down when the problem started and what steps you’ve already tried. This information helps technicians identify the root cause faster.

Emergency Features

Android devices includesafety toolsthat can help during emergencies. These features connect users to help when needed but can cause problems if activated accidentally.

Using Emergency SOS Responsibly

Emergency SOS is a safety feature that lets you quickly call for help in dangerous situations. When activated, your phone can automatically dial emergency services andsend your locationto emergency contacts.

To use this feature properly, firstset it up in your Settings. Look for “Safety & Emergency” then “Emergency SOS” in your Android settings menu.

Most Android phones activate Emergency SOS when you press the power button five times quickly. Some models use different button combinations. It’s important to know your phone’s specific trigger to avoid accidental activation.

If your device keeps entering SOS mode by itself, you candisable this feature. This helps prevent unwanted emergency calls, especially on older devices that might have glitchy power buttons.

Understanding the Implications of Dialing Emergency Services

When your phone enters SOS mode, it connects to emergency services even without normal cell service. Your device will display “SOS only” or “Emergency calls only” in the status bar.

Calling emergency services accidentally ties up resources meant for real emergencies. If you make an accidental call, don’t hang up. Explain the situation to the operator so they know there’s no actual emergency.

Some regions have laws against frivolous emergency calls. Repeated false calls may result in warnings or fines.

If your phone shows “SOS only” but you’re not trying to make emergency calls, your device might be struggling to connect to your carrier. Trytoggling Airplane modeor restarting your phone to fix this connection issue.

Most Android phones and iPhones have similar emergency features, but the activation methods and settings locations differ slightly between devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Android devices can get stuck in SOS mode for various reasons. Here are answers to common questions about fixing this frustrating issue.

How do I get my Samsung phone out of SOS mode?

To fix a Samsung phone stuck in SOS mode, try aforce restartby pressing and holding the power and volume down buttons together for about 10 seconds. This often clears temporary system errors.

If that doesn’t work, check your network connection. Make sure your phone has access to cellular service or Wi-Fi networks.

Sometimes toggling Airplane mode can help. Turn it on, wait 30 seconds, then turn it off to force your phone to reconnect to available networks.

What steps can I follow to disable emergency mode on my Android device?

First, check if you candisable Emergency Modethrough your notification panel. Look for an Emergency Mode notification and tap on “Turn off.”

If that’s not visible, try restarting your phone. Press and hold the power button, then select “Restart” from the menu that appears.

Make sure yourSIM cardis properly seated. Remove your SIM card, clean it gently, and reinsert it correctly to ensure proper connection.

Why is my Huawei phone constantly entering SOS mode?

Huawei phones might enter SOS mode repeatedly due to network coverage issues. If you’re in an area with poor signal, your phone may default to emergency mode.

Software bugs can cause this problem too. Check for system updates in your Settings menu and install any available updates.

Sometimes, this happens because of SIM card damage or improper placement. Try cleaning or replacing your SIM card if the problem persists.

What causes a phone to be stuck in emergency mode?

Network outages are a common cause of phones gettingstuck in SOS mode. When your carrier experiences service disruptions, your phone may only allow emergency calls.

Software glitches after updates can trigger this issue. System files may become corrupted during updates, causing the phone to remain in emergency mode.

Hardware problems, particularly with the antenna or SIM card reader, may prevent normal network connections and keep your phone in SOS mode.

How can I resolve accidental Emergency SOS activation on my Android?

To fix accidental activation, firstrestart your phone. This simple step often resolves temporary system errors.

Check your Emergency SOS settings. Go to Settings > Safety & Emergency > Emergency SOS and adjust the activation settings to prevent future accidents.

If the issue continues, try clearing your phone’s cache. Go to Settings > Storage > Cached Data and clear it to remove potentially corrupted temporary files.

Are there any solutions when there’s no apparent option to exit Emergency SOS mode on Android?

When standard methods fail, try a network settings reset. Go to Settings > System > Reset Options > Reset Network Settings. This will remove all saved networks but often fixes stubborn connection issues.

For persistent problems, contact your carrier. Some users report needing anew eSIMor SIM card replacement to resolve SOS mode issues.

If all else fails, perform a factory reset as a last resort. Back up your data first, then go to Settings > System > Reset Options > Erase All Data. This fixes most software issues but removes all your personal information.