If your iPhone stays on SOS or SOS only, the network reset to consider—after trying simpler checks—is Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings. It removes saved network configuration, including Wi-Fi passwords and some cellular, VPN, and APN settings. Do not choose Delete All eSIMs or Erase All Content and Settings instead.
What SOS or SOS only means
SOS in the status bar means your iPhone is not connected to your normal cellular network. Emergency calls may still be possible through another carrier’s network, depending on local availability. It does not mean the Emergency SOS feature is active. Apple explains the status icon in its iPhone status icons guide.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
In some supported regions, an iPhone may also offer satellite emergency features when cellular service is unavailable. Availability depends on the iPhone, feature, and location; see Apple’s satellite features information.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Try these checks before resetting network settings
Work through the lower-disruption checks first. A network reset removes saved settings, while several common causes—such as an outage, account restriction, or disabled line—need a carrier or a different fix.
#1 Best Overall
- NO CONTRACT: Pay $5 - $25/month for a fully customizable phone plan - choose your talk, text, and data with no strings attached; upgrade, downgrade or cancel your plan anytime with no penalties
- UNIVERSAL SIM CARD INCLUDED: The kit contains one three-in-one SIM card (nano, micro, and standard sizes) to fit most unlocked GSM-compatible smartphones
- NATIONWIDE 5G COVERAGE: Stay connected coast to coast with nationwide coverage on America's largest 5G network
- INTERNATIONAL CALLS TO 60+ COUNTRIES: All Tello plans include international calling to over 60 countries
- EASY ACTIVATION: Bring your own phone and activate your SIM on the Tello website; check your phone compatibility and coverage maps before purchasing to confirm service in your area
- Toggle Airplane Mode. If a cellular network is available, turn Airplane Mode on, wait at least 15 seconds, then turn it off.
- Restart the iPhone. This gives it another chance to register with the cellular network.
- Check with your carrier. Ask about account standing, local coverage or outages, device blocks, and whether your plan is set up correctly. Only the carrier can access and manage your account details.
- Check for updates. Install any available iOS update. While connected to Wi-Fi, open Settings > General > About and check for a carrier settings update.
- Verify the cellular line and SIM. On a Dual SIM iPhone, open Settings > Cellular and make sure the intended line is enabled. If a physical SIM is missing from settings or appears damaged, contact your carrier; where appropriate, remove and reinsert it.
- Reset network settings only if the problem remains. Apple’s guidance is to use this reset only after other solutions fail.
How to reset network settings
- Open Settings.
- Tap General.
- Tap Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Tap Reset.
- Choose Reset Network Settings and confirm.
Menu wording can vary with iOS version. Choose the option named Reset Network Settings, not a broader reset or an erase option.
What Reset Network Settings changes
The reset removes saved Wi-Fi networks and passwords, cellular settings, and VPN and APN settings. Apple’s Wi-Fi troubleshooting instructions say to use it only if other solutions fail. Apple’s iPhone settings reset guide adds that previously used networks and VPN settings not installed by a configuration profile or mobile device management are removed; Wi-Fi turns off and back on, disconnecting the iPhone from the current network; and cellular data roaming may also be turned off. Manually trusted certificates can become untrusted, and the device name may reset to “iPhone.”
Rank #2
- BRAND NEW DIRECTLY FROM VERIZON
- SIMBROS SIMKEY INCLUDED FOR EASY ACCESS TO THE SIMTRAY OF ANY DEVICE!
- THIS TRIPLE CUT SIM CAN BE BROKEN DOWN INTO EVERY SIZE SIM CARD SO IT WILL FIT IN ANY VERIZON DEVICE MADE!
- THIS WORKS ON BOTH THE 5G AND 4G NETWORKS!
- Compatible with both prepaid and postpaid Verizon accounts. Not compatible with MVNO's
Afterward, reconnect to Wi-Fi and restore any network details you need, such as VPN or APN settings. If your carrier or workplace supplied those settings, ask them how to restore them.
Choose the right reset option
| Option | What it does | Use it for an SOS status problem? |
|---|---|---|
| Reset Network Settings | Removes saved network configuration, including Wi-Fi networks and passwords, cellular settings, and VPN/APN settings. | This is the relevant reset to consider after simpler checks fail. |
| Reset All Settings | Resets many more iPhone preferences than network settings alone. | No. It is broader than the network reset described here. |
| Delete All eSIMs | Removes stored eSIMs; cellular service then needs to be set up again. | No. Do not use it as a substitute for Reset Network Settings. |
| Erase All Content and Settings | Erases the iPhone’s content and settings. | No. It is not the network reset for this issue. |
If SOS remains after the reset
Contact your carrier again if you have not already confirmed there is no account, plan, device-block, coverage, or outage issue. If the carrier confirms service is available and the iPhone still cannot connect, Apple says service may be needed when hardware is suspected. Persistent SOS alone does not identify whether the cause is carrier-side or device-side.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- WHAT YOU GET: Three (3) months of unlimited talk, text, and data delivered on the nation's largest 5G network. Data speeds may slow after 50GB when network is busy but data is unlimited. Videos stream at 480p.
- OH, YOU GET THIS TOO: 5G for Free + free mobile hotspot + Wi-Fi calling and text + free international calls to Mexico and Canada
- HOW YOU GET IT: The SIM Kit comes with a 3-in-1 SIM card that includes standard/micro/nano sizes, insert the SIM into your device, and activate on the Mint Mobile website or app. You can activate service on your own unlocked device with our Bring Your Own Phone (BYOP) program. Check your coverage and phone compatibility on the Mint Mobile website.
- WHO SHOULD GET IT: Anyone who hates their phone bill
- WHY YOU SHOULD GET IT: Mint Mobile took what’s wrong with wireless and made it right. We re-imagined the wireless shopping experience and made it easy and online.
Rank #3
- No Catch: Enjoy the Unlimited Plan for just $22 mo forever. No annual contract, no hidden fees, and no changes to your bill.
- Activate with any unlocked Apple iPhone, Google phone, or Samsung smartphone using SpeedTalk Mobile’s affordable nationwide wireless service plans, available for purchase upon activation. Other plans available starting at just $5/mo.
- How does it work: The SIM Kit includes a 3-in-1 SIM card (standard, micro, and nano sizes) to fit most unlocked devices and supports eSIM activation on Apple, Google, and Samsung devices (please see the device compatibility chart in this listing). Activation is required to begin SpeedTalk Mobile service.
- eSIM: Bring your own unlocked phone, keep your current number (or get a new one), and activate online in minutes. During activation, you can choose to keep using your physical SIM or switch to eSIM. The eSIM is available on iPhone 11 and newer models, Google Pixel 2 and higher, and compatible Samsung devices.
- Easy activation: Valid credit card is needed at activation, No contracts, Cancel anytime. Speedtalk Mobile offers its services through subscription plans.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
