Phone Stuck on SOS Mode Fixes

If your phone is stuck on SOS mode, it means your device can only make emergency calls—no texts, no browsing, no regular calls. SOS mode is designed to help you quickly reach emergency services, but when it turns on unexpectedly, it can be frustrating.

The good news? In most cases, you can fix it at home in just a few steps. This guide will walk you through exactly why it happens and how to get your phone—whether it’s an iPhone or an Android—back to normal.

Understanding Emergency SOS Mode

Emergency SOS mode is a built-in safety feature that allows your phone to call local emergency services and share your real-time location with your emergency contacts.

It can be activated in a few ways:

• Manual activation: Pressing certain button combinations (like the side + volume buttons on an iPhone).
  
• Loss of signal: When your phone can’t connect to your carrier’s network.
  
• SIM card or network errors: Problems that interrupt your phone’s ability to register on a mobile network.
  
• Software glitches: Bugs that trigger emergency mode unintentionally.
  

iPhone vs. Android SOS mode: While both work similarly, Apple’s SOS mode focuses on calling emergency services and sending your location automatically. Many Android devices offer a comparable mode, though the activation method and settings may vary depending on your phone’s manufacturer.

Common Reasons a Phone Stays in SOS Mode

Accidental Button Combination

On iPhones, pressing and holding the side button and a volume button at the same time for a couple of seconds can trigger SOS mode. It’s easy to do by mistake, especially if you grab your phone tightly or use a case that presses the buttons.

Network Signal Loss or Carrier Outage

If your phone can’t connect to your carrier’s network, it may default to SOS mode so you can still call emergency services. This can happen if you’re in a remote area, inside a building with poor reception, or if your carrier is experiencing an outage.

SIM Card Problems

A misaligned, dirty, or damaged SIM card can prevent your phone from connecting to the network, forcing it into SOS mode. Even a slightly loose SIM tray can cause this.

Incorrect Network Settings or Airplane Mode

If Airplane Mode is on, or your network settings are incorrect, your phone may not connect to the network. This can happen after a recent software update, when traveling internationally, or if settings were changed accidentally.

Software Bugs or Outdated OS

Glitches in your phone’s operating system can cause SOS mode to get stuck. Outdated software or corrupted system files make it more likely for this to happen.

Jailbreaking or Installing Unauthorized Apps

Altering your phone’s software (jailbreaking) or installing unapproved apps can interfere with normal functions, sometimes causing SOS mode to activate and stay on.

Quick Fixes for a Phone in SOS Mode

Force Restart Your Device

Sometimes the fastest way to get out of SOS mode is a force restart—it refreshes your system without erasing any data.

For iPhone 8 and later (including iPhone SE 2nd gen):

1. Quickly press and release the Volume Up button.
   
2. Quickly press and release the Volume Down button.
   
3. Press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears, then release.
   

For iPhone 7 and 7 Plus:

1. Press and hold the Volume Down button and the Sleep/Wake button at the same time.
   
2. Release both when you see the Apple logo.
   

For iPhone 6s or earlier:

1. Press and hold both the Home button and Sleep/Wake button.
   
2. Release when the Apple logo appears.
   

For Android devices:

• Press and hold the Power and Volume Down buttons until the device restarts.
  
• If your phone has a removable battery, take it out for 10 seconds, reinsert it, and power back on.

Toggle Airplane Mode

Airplane Mode quickly cuts off all wireless connections. Turning it on and then off can reset your network connection and fix SOS mode.

1. Open Settings or swipe down to access Quick Settings.
   
2. Turn Airplane Mode on.
   
3. Wait about 10 seconds.
   
4. Turn Airplane Mode off and see if your signal returns.
   

Check Wi-Fi and Cellular Connections

SOS mode can stick if your device isn’t connected to a working network.

• Go to Settings > Cellular/Mobile Data and make sure it’s switched on.
  
• Check Settings > Wi-Fi and connect to a reliable network.
  
• If you’re connected but the signal is weak, try moving to another spot or resetting your router.

Advanced Troubleshooting Steps

Reset Network Settings

This erases all saved Wi-Fi passwords, paired Bluetooth devices, and network preferences—often enough to fix stubborn SOS mode issues.

• On iPhone: Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
  
• On Android: Settings > System > Reset options > Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth.

Update iOS or Android Software

Updates often fix bugs that can cause SOS mode to stick.

• On iPhone: Settings > General > Software Update.
  
• On Android: Settings > System > Software Update (wording may vary).
  

Make sure you’re connected to Wi-Fi before starting.

Remove and Reinsert Your SIM Card

A poorly seated SIM can break your connection.

1. Power off your phone.
   
2. Locate the SIM tray and insert a SIM eject tool or paperclip.
   
3. Remove the SIM card and inspect for dirt or damage.
   
4. Wipe it with a soft cloth, reinsert it correctly, and power the phone back on.

Restore via Recovery Mode

For iPhone:

1. Connect your phone to a computer with iTunes or Finder.
   
2. Force restart your iPhone but keep holding the buttons until you see the Recovery Mode screen.
   
3. Choose Restore when prompted.
   

For Android:
Use Safe Mode to disable third-party apps that might be interfering. If that fails, back up your data and perform a factory reset from Settings > System > Reset options.

When the Problem is Hardware Related

If none of the above works, the issue may be physical:

• A damaged SIM tray.
  
• Internal water damage.
  
• Logic board failure.
  

In these cases, skip the guesswork—Pull Up® Phone Repair offers same-day mobile service, coming directly to your location to diagnose and fix the problem fast.

How to Prevent Your Phone from Getting Stuck in SOS Mode Again

Avoid Accidental Button Presses

Use a phone case that makes it harder to press multiple side buttons at once.

Maintain Good SIM and Network Health

Keep your SIM contacts clean, avoid dropping your phone, and check your carrier coverage when traveling.

Keep Your Software Updated

Install updates regularly to reduce the risk of glitches and improve network stability.

Conclusion 

Most cases of a phone stuck in SOS mode can be fixed with a quick restart, a network reset, or a SIM card check. Follow the steps above to get your phone back to normal.

If you’ve tried everything and it’s still stuck, Pull Up® Phone Repair will come to you and fix it—fast. Book your repair today and get back to full service without leaving your home or office.