What does SOS mean on my iPhone?

When you see “SOS” or “SOS only” in the status bar at the top of your phone screen it’s a bit alarming. However, it has a simple explanation, depending on the type of phone you have. Here’s why your phone may be on SOS, how to get out of SOS mode if you think it’s in error, and how to use the SOS for emergency calls if you need to.

What does SOS mean on my iPhone?

When SOS or SOS Only shows up on your iPhone status bar, it means your phone is not connected to your phone plan provider’s cellular network. You can still make emergency calls, and your iPhone will try to route them on other carriers’ networks. (This is available only in the U.S., Canada and Australia.)

A status bar showing No Service or Searching also indicates you’re not connected to a cellular network.

If your iPhone is stuck on SOS, No Service or Searching

If you’re in an area where you’re confident you should have coverage, try these steps to reconnect to your cellular network:

Check that you didn’t accidentally turn off cellular data. Go to Settings -> Cellular and make sure Cellular Data is toggled on.
Make sure you’re not in Airplane Mode.
Try turning Airplane Mode on for 15 seconds, then off.
Restart your phone.

If you’re persistently seeing SOS mode, you can also:

Update your phone to the latest version of iOS.

Check for a carrier settings update and apply it (you’ll have to be on Wi-Fi or have a cell connection). Go to Settings -> General -> About to see if a carrier settings update is available. If you’ve inserted a new SIM card, you will have to download your new carrier’s settings.

If you have a dual SIM phone, go to Settings -> Cellular and make sure the phone line you’re using is turned on and has service. If you don’t see the line, try resetting the SIM by removing and reinserting. You may need to ask your carrier for a new SIM if it’s damaged, doesn’t fit the SIM tray or you’ve moved a SIM over from another device.

If you’re traveling internationally, be sure you have data roaming on.

On a phone with a single SIM or eSIM, go to Settings -> Cellular to turn on Cellular Data, then turn on Data Roaming under Cellular Data Options.

On a phone with dual SIM, go to Settings -> Cellular to turn on Cellular Data, then tap the number you’re using and turn on Data Roaming under Cellular Data Options.

If you’re still having problems, reach out to your carrier’s tech support line, or visit a physical store or Apple store if one’s available.

How to use SOS on iPhone to make emergency calls

If you’re not connected to your own cellular network and have the SOS indication showing, your iPhone will route the call through another provider’s network if cell service is available.

How to contact emergency services on iPhone

To call emergency services on an iPhone: Press and hold either volume button and the side button at the same time until sliders appear and then choose Emergency Call. In India, press the side button by itself three times in a row to get the sliders to appear.

Or, on the lock screen, tap Emergency below the keypad. That takes you to an emergency-only keypad where you can dial 911 (the number in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and some other nations) or the emergency number for the country you’re in.

To text emergency services on an iPhone: Go to the messages app and enter 911 or the applicable emergency number. Then enter and send the details of your emergency.

To use satellite: For iPhone 14 and later models on the latest iOS, there’s satellite support in the U.S. and Canada to text emergency services even when no cell service is available. When there’s no cell or Wi-Fi service, trying to call 911 may result in a screen message that says “No Connection. Try Emergency Text via Satellite" — tap on it to access the service. Or, access the satellite feature by going to Control Center (swipe down from top right) -> Cellular -> Satellite. Or go to Settings -> Satellite. Follow these steps:

Be outside in an area where you have a clear view of the sky and horizon. You may need to move to an area that’s free of tree cover, tall buildings, hills, etc.
The phone will direct you with prompts such as “keep pointing at satellite” or "move right/left to connect,” if needed.

When connected, tap Emergency Text, then Report Emergency. Tap to answer the questions that follow.

Messages can take up to 30 seconds to a minute or more to send, so be patient.

What information does your iPhone share with emergency services?

When you call or text emergency services, your iPhone will share your location and your medical info if you’ve set it up in Medical ID. It will also text your Emergency Contacts, unless you cancel, notify them of your location if it’s available and update your location when it changes.

To set up or edit your Medical ID info, go to the Health app, then tap on the icon at upper right. Or press and hold on the Health app icon on the home screen. Fill out information you want shared and also toggle on Emergency Call and Show When Locked. Those settings let emergency call centers and responders access important information like your name, age, health conditions, medications and emergency contacts.

What does SOS mean on my Android?

On an Android, you’re more likely to see No Service or Mobile Network Not Detected when you lack a cellular connection. That’s separate from Emergency SOS mode, which is for making emergency calls and is available on Android 12 and later.

If your Android is stuck on Emergency SOS or No Service

First, try turning Airplane Mode on, then off again. If that doesn’t nudge things along, try:

Restarting your phone.
Checking your cellular and Wi-Fi settings. Go to Settings -> Connections -> Mobile Networks -> Network Operators. Be sure your carrier is selected. While in Connections, also check Wi-Fi to make sure it’s toggled on.
Updating the software if there’s an update available.
Resetting the SIM card by removing and reinstalling it (if your phone uses a physical SIM card).

A last resort would be doing a factory reset on your phone. Before that, try contacting customer support for assistance. If you do need to reset, be sure to back up your data before you begin.

How to make emergency calls on Android

To call emergency services on an Android: You can always simply call 911 for emergency help, and those calls will go through even if you’re not on your own network or don’t have an active plan.

In addition, Emergency SOS is available on Android 12 and later. It lets you call emergency services and share your location with a quick shortcut. It can also send info to emergency contacts you select, record and share a video, and give you safety alerts.

To use Emergency SOS, press the power button five times or more. Your phone will call for help and trigger other emergency actions.

To text emergency services on an Android: You can contact 911 via text if local emergency services have enabled text-to-911 capabilities. Google supports RCS messaging to emergency call centers, which adds things like delivery receipts, precise location sharing, and the ability share images or videos with rescuers.

To reach emergency services by satellite: Pixel 9 devices can use satellite to reach 911 in areas with no cell service, and the capability is coming for other models. On enabled devices, if 911 is dialed but there’s no service a Satellite SOS icon will display. Tap the icon, press start, and answer the onscreen questions. Then follow onscreen prompts to connect to the satellite, such as moving away from obstructions and positioning the phone.

How to set up Emergency SOS on Android

You’ll need to do some setup first to get full functionality out of the Emergency SOS feature. Open Settings, tap Safety & Emergency, then Emergency SOS. Tap Start Setup at lower right. Now you’re ready to:

Set the emergency services number: Tap Start, check that 911 (or your local emergency number) is selected or use Change Number to input it. Tap Next.
Choose emergency contacts to receive info, if you want to: Tap Contact, then pick who you’d want to get notifications when you use Emergency SOS, and what types. Tap Next.
Allow location sharing so emergency personnel and emergency contacts can find you: Select While Using the App.
Enable emergency recording: Tap Turn on and select While Using the App. If you want the video shared automatically with your emergency contacts, choose Share Automatically After Backup. Tap Next.
Choose how to trigger the SOS functions: You can select either Touch & Hold (you need to touch and hold red circle on the screen to start SOS) or a Start After Countdown trigger (SOS actions start automatically after a few seconds without having to touch the screen). Also, if you want your phone to sound an alarm while SOS is in use, turn on the Play Alarm Sound option here.

When you have your options chosen, tap Done to exit.

How to disable or turn off Emergency SOS on Android

Some users have complained that’s it’s too easy to trigger Emergency SOS, leading to mistaken 911 calls. If you want to disable the app, go to Settings -> Safety & Emergency -> Emergency SOS. Under How It Works, tap the gear icon to reveal a Turn Off Emergency SOS option you can select.

Note: If you accidentally call 911, don’t hang up. Wait for an answer and let the operator know it was a misdial. That saves them from having to call you back to verify whether you need help.

What information does your Android share with emergency services?

Emergency SOS will share your location with responders, using location services that you enabled during setup.

You can also arrange to share more, like medical information including medications and allergies, by setting it up in the Personal Safety app that’s on some devices running Android 12 and later. Navigate to the Personal Safety app, or download it from Google Play, sign into your Google account and tap Your Info. You’ll see headings where you can add medical information and emergency contacts. There's also an option to let emergency info display on your lock screen, which can help rescuers in case you’re unable to communicate.

Tips for dealing with emergency services

It’s easy to get rattled when things go sideways, but try to follow these best practices:

Never hang up first. Stay on the line to answer questions and follow instructions. If you contacted emergency responders by mistake, wait for them to connect and then say it was a misdial, so they don’t waste time trying to call you back.

Speak clearly, give the exact location and describe the type of emergency. Try to stay calm so you can understand and answer questions.

Be aware that your phone may temporarily disable some features, such as Do Not Disturb or Silence Unknown Callers, after an emergency call. That’s so emergency services can call you back if needed.