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Phones & Tablets

How do I fix an iPhone that shows SOS only after switching carriers?

Answer

Finish the carrier transfer, then refresh cellular settings: toggle Airplane Mode, restart, wait on Settings > General > About for carrier updates, confirm the line is turned on, and turn off Call Forwarding. If both phones stay on SOS only, the number may still be stuck mid-port with the old or new carrier.

Follow these steps

  1. Refresh the radio with Airplane Mode

    Open Settings, turn Airplane Mode on for about 30 seconds, then turn it off and wait for signal bars or a carrier name to return.

    You should see: The phone reconnects to the network or still shows SOS only after a fresh attempt.

  2. Restart the iPhone

    Restart the iPhone completely, unlock it, and check whether normal cellular service returns after a minute or two.

    You should see: The phone finishes booting and rechecks the cellular line.

  3. Wait on the About screen for carrier settings

    Go to Settings > General > About and stay on that screen for about 30 seconds so iOS can download carrier settings if an update is available. Install any Carrier Settings popup that appears.

    You should see: Any pending carrier settings update installs, or no update appears.

  4. Confirm the cellular line is enabled

    Open Settings > Cellular, select the line for your number, and make sure Turn On This Line is enabled. If you have dual lines, set the default voice line to the number you expect to use.

    You should see: The intended line is on and selected for calls.

  5. Turn off Call Forwarding

    Go to Settings > Phone > Call Forwarding and turn it off if it is on, then try placing a call again.

    You should see: Call Forwarding is disabled and outbound calls are attempted on the active line.

  6. Check the port with both carriers if SOS remains

    If both phones still cannot call, contact the new carrier to confirm the port completed, and ask the old carrier whether the number was released. Keep the account PIN ready for official support only.

    You should see: A carrier confirms the number status and either finishes activation or explains what is still pending.

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Extra tips

What to look for: Status text such as SOS only, No Service, or a missing network name, plus whether Turn On This Line is enabled under Cellular.

Before you change anything: Confirm the number port or new-line activation was submitted with the new carrier. Keep both phones charged and on Wi-Fi for account messages. Note any error texts from the old or new provider. Do not share account PINs or one-time codes with unexpected callers.

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