iPhone Stuck in SOS Mode Dilemma: How To Fix It

So, how do you even activate SOS Mode? Apple made it pretty straightforward but also added a few safeguards. For most iPhones, like the iPhone 14, you hold down the side button and one of the volume buttons until the Emergency SOS slider pops up. Slide it, and boom—it’s calling emergency services and alerting your contacts.

And if you’re someone who accidentally triggers SOS Mode while fumbling with your phone, don’t worry. You can head to Settings and disable the rapid press method that activates it by pressing the side button quickly five times. Apple thought of everything here, making it easy to avoid unwanted calls while still keeping the feature accessible for those who need it.

When you activate SOS Mode, your iPhone uses GPS, Wi-Fi, and cellular data to pinpoint your location with laser accuracy. Not only that, it keeps sending your location info to emergency services for a while after the call starts, so they can track you if you’re on the move. And if you’ve set up your Medical ID in the Health app, that info gets shared too, which could be crucial in an emergency situation.

SOS Mode isn’t just a theoretical feature. There are real-world scenarios where it’s saved lives. Whether it’s finding someone lost in the wilderness, helping domestic violence victims discreetly call for help, or assisting in natural disaster recovery efforts, SOS Mode steps up when it matters most.

We’ve even seen it help hikers who were lost in remote areas with no cell service. The iPhone’s ability to keep sending location updates through SOS Mode is a game-changer when every second counts.

For more on how your iPhone’s haptics enhance your experience, check out our blog on what are haptics on iPhone.

When the iPhone is stuck on SOS only, one big culprit is software bugs. After some iOS updates, people have reported that their iPhones get stuck in SOS Mode. Apple usually drops a patch pretty quickly, but it’s still something to watch for.

Then there’s the physical side of things: damaged buttons can trigger the mode unintentionally, and if you’ve dropped your phone in water or exposed it to extreme conditions, SOS Mode might kick in as a safety measure. That’s right, your iPhone’s trying to protect you, but if the damage is severe, it could stay stuck until the phone is dried out or repaired.

The emergency call screen is designed to be foolproof, with a simple layout, big buttons, and instant access to emergency services. Even if your phone is locked, you can swipe over and make the call. In some places, this screen even lets you pick specific emergency services, depending on what’s needed.

When you’re in SOS Mode, you can still make emergency calls, even if you don’t have a SIM card or an active cellular plan. But here’s the catch: you can’t make regular calls, like hitting up your hotel or an Uber service. You’re locked into emergency calls only. It’s a lifesaver when you need it, but don’t expect to order pizza when you’re stuck in SOS Mode.

With the iPhone stuck in SOS Mode, even third-party apps are totally blocked. Even core apps like Settings are limited to basic troubleshooting features. Apple does this to ensure nothing interferes with emergency services. The restrictions are locked in at the iOS kernel level, so there’s no bypassing it.

When your iPhone’s stuck in SOS mode, a force restart is usually the first thing you want to try. Think of it like rebooting your computer—it shuts down all running processes and clears out the RAM without messing with your data. This can be especially useful if there’s a temporary software glitch causing the SOS mode to stick.

To do a force restart:

• iPhone 8 or later: Press and quickly release the Volume Up button, then the Volume Down button, then hold the Side button until you see the Apple logo.

• iPhone 7: Hold the Volume Down and Power buttons simultaneously until the Apple logo appears.

It’s a safe step and won’t affect your stored data, so no worries about losing anything here. This method clears out any bugs, and it’s designed to avoid accidental restarts, so you won’t trigger it just by fumbling with your phone.

If all else fails, be sure to check out this YouTube video from Payette Forward. It can help you with a visual guide on what to do when your iPhone is stuck in SOS mode.

Sometimes, iOS updates include fixes for issues like SOS Mode malfunctions. Apple collects diagnostic data to identify bugs, and when they spot a recurring problem, they’ll release a patch to fix it. If you’ve been skipping updates, it’s a good idea to check for the latest software.

Go to Settings > General > Software Update to see if an update is available. iOS verifies the integrity of the software before installing it, so you’re not likely to cause any new problems. And if there’s a beta version of iOS that addresses urgent SOS Mode issues, it might be worth considering if this problem keeps happening.

If your iPhone is stuck on SOS only and the force restart didn’t help, you can try resetting all settings. This won’t delete your data or apps, but it will reset system preferences and network settings, which can help clear out any conflicts causing the issue.

To reset all settings, go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Settings. After the reset, you’ll need to reconfigure some optimizations like Wi-Fi passwords and wallpaper settings. It’s a small hassle, but it can resolve deeper system conflicts.

Now we’re getting into hardcore troubleshooting territory. DFU mode (Device Firmware Update) is the nuclear option—it bypasses the regular iOS boot process, letting you fully restore your system from scratch. This is a go-to method if your iPhone has corrupted system files or if a bad software modification is causing the issue.

To get into DFU mode:

• Connect your iPhone to a computer.

• Perform a button sequence based on your model (similar to a force restart, but with slight variations).

• Your iPhone’s screen will go black, and you’ll know you’re in DFU mode.

From here, you can restore your iPhone using iTunes or Finder on a Mac. This should wipe out any software issues that could be causing the SOS mode glitch.

Apple’s remote support tools can do a lot more than you’d expect. They can run system checks, analyze low-level system info, and even apply specific software patches or modifications directly to your phone—all without you having to leave the house.

The whole support session is securely encrypted, so your privacy is protected, and you can rest easy knowing Apple’s engineers are running the show. If they can’t fix it remotely, they’ll let you know if you need to come in for a more hands-on repair.

When you head to the Apple Store, technicians can run hardware tests that just aren’t possible through software-based troubleshooting. They’ve got specialized equipment to test everything from the side button to the internal components, and if there’s a hardware issue causing your SOS mode problem, they’ll figure it out.

Plus, Apple technicians have access to internal resources that aren’t available to the public. If there’s a new or rare SOS Mode issue that’s just popped up, they’ll have the tools and info to fix it fast.

Turning on automatic updates is a solid way to make sure you’re always running the latest version of iOS. The system usually schedules these updates during low-usage periods to avoid interrupting you. And if something goes wrong during the update, iOS includes a rollback mechanism to revert to the previous version, so there’s minimal risk.

You can customize SOS Mode settings to fit your needs. For example, if you’ve got fall detection enabled, you can adjust the sensitivity, especially if you’re into extreme sports or have motor control issues. Some advanced settings let you configure SOS Mode behavior across multiple devices if you’re managing a group or organization.

And don’t forget to check how SOS Mode interacts with other iOS features like Medical ID and Emergency Contacts. Proper customization ensures you get the most out of these lifesaving features.

Let’s talk about why you need our Rokform cases for your iPhone. First off, we’ve put these things through the wringer. We’re talking military-grade tested protection you can rely on.. Our cases are built to take a beating without interfering with your phone’s sensors or antennas. You drop your phone from 6 feet? No big deal. It’s designed to handle it like a champ.

One of the coolest features of our cases is the RokLock™ twist lock system. This thing lets you lock your iPhone onto bike mounts, car mounts, motorcycle mounts, or even workout gear. Imagine being out on a ride, hitting rough terrain, and your phone’s locked in place, no worries. Plus, we’ve got built-in magnets, so you can slap your iPhone onto any magnetic surface. Whether you’re in the garage or chilling at the gym.

And here’s the kicker: our cases don’t mess with your phone’s thermal management or wireless signals. You stay connected, and SOS Mode works just like it’s supposed to, even in extreme conditions. Whether you’re out hiking, biking, playing a round of golf, or just living life, Rokform cases keep your iPhone protected so you don’t have to worry about it.

• [ ] Force restart your iPhone

• [ ] Check for and install any available software updates

• [ ] Reset all settings (if basic steps don't work)

• [ ] Attempt DFU mode restoration (as a last resort)

• [ ] Contact Apple Support if issues persist

• [ ] Consider visiting an Apple Store for in-person diagnostics

Still have some time on your hands? Be sure to check out our post on iPhoneography. For iPhoners everywhere, this post proves you don’t have to have a professional grade camera, so long as you have your trusted iPhone by your side. Until next time friends, here’s to hoping your phone is never in SOS mode again!