SOS Only iOS 16 Problem? No Carrier Signal On iPhone? (Fix?)
SOS only iOS 16 issue
Seeing SOS Only on iPhone, in the status bar, next to the WiFi icon? Device has no carrier signal, similar to No Service error? It can’t dial or receive regular calls and texts? Issue started after iOS 16 update and continues in 16.1 and 16.1.1?
SOS Only iOS 16 Problem?
This bug has been reported by Chris (iOS 16.1.1):
“iPhone 11 and i can’t get the sos off the top right of my screen. Have tried numerous instructions to remove – but it still comes back. Help!”
We couldn’t replicate this unexpected behavior but have found numerous similar complaints on Reddit (1, 2, 3, 4 and 5):
“Updated to ios16 and phone is in SOS mode!”
and Apple’s Discussion Forums (1, 2 and 3):
“Iphone is currently stuck in SOS ONLY mode in place of my carrier after updating to ios16.”
Apparently this is a widespread issue as a larger US carrier employee confirmed on Reddit:
“Since ios 16 launched the amount of X/XR, XS, 11, 12 and even 13s that have come in with this issue is absolutely unbelievable.”
How To Fix SOS Only iOS 16 Issue
Unfortunately, at the time of writing, there’s no clear fix for this bug. However, based on the numerous reports here is what you can try to troubleshoot:
1. Restart iPhone
A reboot works in some cases, but it proves itself to be a temporary solution. We recommend you apply the force restart combo:
- Click & release Volume Up, followed by Volume Down and then press & hold the Side Button until the Apple logo is shown on the screen.
2. Check For Carrier Settings Update
Your carrier might try to address this issue via a settings update. When this happens a new carrier update is available in:
-
Settings -> General -> About. It will pop up on the screen. If it doesn’t it means that there’s no update and you can proceed to the next step.
3. Turn Off VPN
VPNs should not mess carrier service but an iOS 16 bug could create an exception. Some users confirmed that they managed to fix SOS Only / No Service errors after disabling VPN:
Go for Settings -> General -> VPN & Device Management -> Disconnect VPN.
4. Reinstall iOS 16
Some have confirmed that they managed to fix the SOS Only issue by clean installing the current iOS version.
This is done with the help of a computer (Mac or Windows), Finder or iTunes software and a Lightning to USB (USB-C) cable.
A step-by-step guide is available here.
5. Switch to eSIM
We’ve seen reports of Dual Sim users that experience SOS Only error only with one of the two cellular plans.
Apple has released the iPhone 14 and 14 Pro models as eSIM only devices (in the US market). A bug in iOS 16 might expect this type of cellular connectivity for earlier models too.
If available, we recommend you to replace the physical SIM with an eSIM and see if the problem persists. More details are available here.
6. Downgrade To iOS 15
Last but not least, you can also revert back all the way to iOS 15.6 RC using a computer and then eventually update over-the-air to iOS 15.7.1.
If you haven’t experienced the SOS Only problem while running iOS 15, this might be the only working fix if everything else doesn’t work. A sept-by-step tutorial is available here.
Downside: Apple Watch will stop working if you’ve updated it to watchOS 9 or later. You can’t manually downgrade your wrist-worn gadget.
Have you managed to fix the iOS 16 SOS only bug? Do you have a better solution or other problems to report? Share your feedback in the comments.
Related: For other iOS 16.1.1 issues and the available workarounds please check our detailed review.
I just got the iOS 16 update for my iPhone mini 12 and it has the SOS mode only on it can’t get it off don’t know what the problem is but it’s taken over my phone. My life is ruined.
Sorry to hear this. What was the previous version that worked without SOS issue on your device? 16.1 or 15.7.1? You can downgrade to it:
https://www.iphonetricks.org/downgrade-ios-16-1-to-15-7-1-how-to-guide/
You can also try first to clean install iOS 16.1.1:
https://www.iphonetricks.org/reinstall-ios-16-on-iphone-ipad-how-to/
I just replaced my SIM card at Verizon. They are seeing a lot of this.
Thanks for the feedback. Did they mention any potential cause? iOS 16.1.2 has been released. Be careful when your device is updating. Let us know if it triggers the issue again:
https://www.iphonetricks.org/ios-16-1-2-issues-bugs-fixed-problems-review/
i just went there a few days ago. they said they are seeing tons of iphone 13s with this issue but unfortunately they couldn’t help. gave me a new sim hoping that would work
since we are forced to install updates and those evil little red numbers haunt, I updated new 16.1.2 this morning and yes the iphone 12 i have with ATT as carrier is stuck in SOS mode I cant call out and proceed with business as usual, contact clients, call the bank check, nor a dr’s appt and so forth. We live mid-forest and use satellite for the iphone to cnnect to wifi we now are unable to proceed this monday morning. WE travel 10 miles total via snowmobiles and depend on iphone for communication to outside world. Thanks so very much for pissing me off and wasting my time. I even turned off SOS mode temporary fix, forced quit iphone and so forth. Perhpas switching to android will be better >:(
Thanks for your feedback. Sorry to hear about this. It sounds frustrating as hell. I can remember reading on Apple’s Developer forums about a fix for AT&T users. Please try the following:
Go to Settings -> Cellular and go for Cellular Data Network.
Tap on APN under Cellular Data and replace: web.5g.attmex.mx with modem.nexteldata.com.mx
Important. This fix has been confirmed for AT&T Mexico. Not sure if it works for the United States too. However you can try it out. Make sure that you save your initial APN so that you can edit it back in case the fix is not working.
Source: Here.
If all the above doesn’t work you have three options to downgrade to get your carrier functionality back:
https://www.iphonetricks.org/downgrade-ios-16-1-2-to-15-16-1-16-1-1-without-losing-data/
It might also happen that the update has corrupted your SIM card and you will need a new one. If you have another device nearby try to swap your SIM in it to check if the SIM still works.