If your iPhone displays an SOS label instead of the signal strength and only allows emergency calls, it's likely stuck in SOS mode. Several factors can trigger this mode without you initiating it manually:
- Network issues
- Software glitches
- System updates
- SIM-related problems
- Errors during jailbreaking
Troubleshooting Steps for iPhone Stuck in SOS Mode
Here’s how to troubleshoot and resolve this issue:
1. Wait for SIM Activation
- If you've inserted a new SIM, wait for it to activate. This process may take a few hours, during which your iPhone may show SOS mode.
2. Toggle Airplane Mode
- Turn Airplane mode on and off to reset the signal search.
3. Toggle Cellular Data
- Go to Settings > Cellular and toggle cellular data on and off.
4. Restart iPhone
- Perform a soft restart first. If that doesn’t work, try a forced restart.
5. Reinsert SIM
Remove the SIM card and reinsert it, especially if it's a physical SIM.
6. Check for Carrier Update
- Go to Settings > General > About to check for carrier updates.
7. Update iOS
Visit Settings > General > Software Update and install any available updates.
8. Reset Network Settings
This can be done in Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
9. Check for Area Outages
- Contact your carrier to ensure there are no network outages.
10. Disable 5G
- If available, switch to another cellular network.
11. Unlock SIM
- Enter the PIN if your SIM is locked to prevent SOS mode.
12. Check IMEI Status
- Contact your carrier to verify if your phone’s IMEI is blocked or blacklisted.
13. Switch to eSIM
- If the physical SIM reader is faulty, consider switching to an eSIM.
14. Recovery Mode
- Put your iPhone into Recovery Mode using a Mac or PC.
15. Seek Apple Support
- If all else fails, schedule an appointment with Apple Support for further assistance.
By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the issue of your iPhone being stuck in SOS mode and regain normal functionality.