Verizon experienced a significant outage this week, beginning at [insert specific time if known], disrupting millions of customers who saw Verizon SOS (no service) on their phone screens instead of the usual connection bars. While partial service was restored after several hours, some users continue to experience the SOS indicator or inconsistent reception.
When the network is down, reconnect options are limited, and you must wait for service to resume. This issue can occur with any provider if you are outside cellular range or in areas like subways. Seeing SOS on your phone can understandably cause concern.
This guide explains Apple’s Emergency SOS modes and outlines steps to take if you notice iPhone SOS Verizon mode after service restoration.
The SOS status on iPhone 14 and later models refers to Emergency SOS via Satellite, which lets you contact emergency services and share your location even without cellular service. This function ensures connectivity in remote areas, such as during emergencies or while hiking.
Emergency SOS via Satellite is different from the regular Emergency SOS feature found on all iPhones, which works only when you have cell service to call emergency numbers and share your location.
What Issues Can Arise with SOS Mode?
Your phone enters SOS mode due to a loss of service. It may have difficulty reconnecting even when coverage is available. You may observe others with service while your device stays in SOS mode. Several solutions are available to resolve this issue.
Steps To Take If Your Phone Is Stuck in SOS Mode
To help your device reconnect to a cellular network if you see ‘SOS version not working’ or ‘SOS only’ in the status bar, Apple recommends the following steps: Start with the first step and proceed to the next if the issue persists.
Check if you are in an area with cellular coverage or ask others nearby about their service.
Toggle cellular data on and off by navigating to Settings > Cellular, then switching Cellular Data off and back on.
Restart your iPhone:
On iPhone X and later, use the following restart checklist:
- hold the volume down and side buttons until the power off slider appears.
- Drag the slider to the right to turn the device off.
- Wait for 30 seconds.
- Press and hold the side button to turn the device back on.
For older models, refer to Apple’s instructions.
Look for a carrier settings update, which may improve connectivity and performance. While connected to the internet, go to Settings > General > About to check for an update.
Toggle your cellular line on and off in Settings > Cellular > your phone number. If you do not use an eSIM, remove and reinsert your SIM card.
Update your iPhone software in Settings > General > Software Update > Use Wi-Fi if needed.
Reset your network settings only after trying the previous steps. Note that this will erase all Wi-Fi network passwords, cellular settings, and VPN configurations. To proceed, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
Steps To Try on Your Phone
If you notice your signal returning or want to restore it while we await further updates from Verizon, follow the steps below.
As the network outage continues and Verizon works to resolve it, these steps may not be effective. Even if you see a signal or 5G indicator, you may still be unable to connect. This is common as the network is gradually restored.
Recovery may take several more hours, based on recent Verizon updates.
Restart your phone.
If you use an iPhone, perform a soft reset by:
- Pressing and holding the volume up button
- Pressing and holding the volume down button
- Finally, pressing and holding the power button until the Apple logo appears.
Perform an Airplane mode fix by turning it on and then off.
When To Contact Verizon Support
If connection problems persist, Apple suggests contacting your phone carrier or Verizon support to determine whether there are any issues with your carrier or account that could be affecting your service, such as another outage in your area or an unpaid account.
As of 8 hours into the outage, we have not received any update from Verizon in over 4 hours. We have requested another update from the network as of [insert specific time].
Users nationwide, including in Georgia, Massachusetts, Florida, Texas, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina, continue to experience outages. Some briefly regain service before losing it again.
A friend in New York reported briefly seeing 5G on their iPhone Pro Max before it disappeared again. Likewise, my colleague Lance Ulanoff has experienced Verizon signal bars appearing and vanishing on his iPhone 17 Pro Max.
Some users report that their service is returning and lasting longer. Further network improvements may result in more areas of regaining connectivity.
Verizon has provided an update stating it will work through the night to restore its network.
Five hours after its previous update, at [insert specific time or range], Verizon announced the issue is still unresolved.
The carrier admits it lets customers down and promises that teams will work overnight until service is restored to all customers.
A full recovery may take hours, though Verizon says it is working nonstop and making progress.
Verizon has also announced that affected customers will receive account credits and that additional updates will be provided soon.
Verizon stated it did not meet customer expectations and acknowledged customer dissatisfaction.
We are working non-stop and making progress. Our teams will continue working through the night until service is restored to all impacted customers.
Verizon said it will provide account credits to affected customers. Updates to be shared soon.
