An AT&T outage has caused iPhones to enter SOS mode, leaving users unable to make regular calls or texts. If you find yourself in this situation, here are some steps you can take to get your phone out of SOS mode:
Check the Basics
- Is it really an outage? Check AT&T’s website or social media for outage reports in your area. If there’s no confirmed outage, it might be another issue with your phone.
- Airplane Mode: Did you accidentally turn it on? This blocks all connections, even SOS. Swipe down from the top of your screen and check for the airplane icon. Turn it off if it’s on.
- Restart your phone: This simple trick can sometimes fix temporary glitches. Hold down the power button and restart your phone.
If the Basics Don’t Work
- Reset Network Settings: This resets your phone’s connection to the network, sometimes clearing up issues. Go to Settings > General/System > Reset > Reset Network Settings. Warning: This also forgets saved Wi-Fi passwords, so be prepared to reconnect to those.
- Check your SIM card: If it’s loose, damaged, or incorrectly inserted, it can cause SOS mode issues. Gently remove and reinsert the SIM card, ensuring it’s secure.
During an outage, even these fixes might not get you full service back, but they can potentially allow you to make emergency calls if needed.
What Can You Do?
- Connect to Wi-Fi: If you have Wi-Fi access, you can use Wi-Fi calling to make and receive calls even without cellular service. Check if your phone supports Wi-Fi calling and how to enable it.
- Use another phone: If you have access to another phone, even on a different network, you can use it to make emergency calls.
- Contact AT&T Support: If none of the above steps work, reach out to AT&T support for assistance. They may be able to provide further troubleshooting steps or information about the outage.
If you have a genuine emergency, don’t wait for your phone to work again. Find another way to get help, like going to a nearby emergency service location or using someone else’s phone.
Keep an eye on AT&T’s website and social media for updates on the outage status in your area. The faster the outage is resolved, the sooner you’ll be back to full service!
Remember, patience is key during outages. Hopefully, these tips help you get out of SOS mode and stay connected, even when things are a bit rough.
