How to Turn Off SOS on iPhone: A Simple Useful Guide!

Apple’s Emergency SOS feature is a vital tool for alerting emergency contacts and services when you need help urgently. However, there are times when this feature might get triggered accidentally, causing unnecessary panic and disruptions. If you find yourself in such situations frequently, it’s helpful to know how to turn off SOS on your iPhone.

This guide will walk you through the steps to disable this feature, ensuring that you can control when it’s activated.

We’ll also cover how to fix the “SOS” or “SOS Only” status that sometimes appears on your iPhone, indicating network issues.

The Emergency SOS feature on iPhones is designed to be a lifesaver during emergencies. It allows users to quickly contact emergency services and alert their emergency contacts.

However, this feature can sometimes be triggered accidentally, especially by curious children or during activities like hiking or driving. For users in India, this can lead to unnecessary stress and confusion. 

Therefore, it’s important to know how to manage this feature properly. In this comprehensive guide, we will explain how to turn off SOS on iPhone, ensuring that you only use it when truly necessary. 

How to Turn Off Emergency SOS on iPhone

Disabling Emergency SOS on your iPhone involves turning off the various activation shortcuts. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

1. Open the Settings App: Begin by unlocking your iPhone and tapping on the Settings app, which is typically represented by a gear icon.
2. Navigate to Emergency SOS: Scroll down through the Settings menu until you find the “Emergency SOS” option. Tap on it to access the settings related to this feature.

3. Disable Activation Shortcuts:

• Call with Hold and Release: This setting triggers Emergency SOS if you hold down the side button and one of the volume buttons simultaneously until a countdown starts. To disable this, simply turn off the toggle next to “Call with Hold and Release.”
• Call with 5 Button Presses: This setting activates Emergency SOS if you quickly press the side button five times. Turn off the toggle next to “Call with 5 Button Presses” to disable this shortcut.
• Call After Serious Crash (for iPhone 14 or later): This feature automatically calls emergency services if your iPhone detects a severe car crash. While it’s recommended to keep this feature enabled for safety reasons, you can turn it off if you prefer by toggling off the “Call After Serious Crash” option.

Even with these settings disabled, you can still initiate an Emergency SOS call manually. To do this, press and hold the side button and one of the volume buttons until the Emergency SOS slider appears, then swipe the slider to make the call.

How to Turn Off “SOS” or “SOS Only” on iPhone

Sometimes, you might notice “SOS” or “SOS Only” in the status bar of your iPhone. This indicates a network issue rather than the Emergency SOS feature. When your iPhone displays this status, you can only make emergency calls, and normal phone functions like calls, messaging, and data usage are restricted. Here’s how you can resolve this:

1. Check Network Coverage: Poor network coverage is often the cause of this issue. Try moving to a different location to see if the signal improves.
2. Toggle Airplane Mode: Turning on Airplane mode for a few seconds and then turning it off can reset your network connection. Swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen to open the Control Center, then tap the airplane icon to enable Airplane mode. Wait a few seconds, then tap it again to disable it.
3. Restart Your iPhone: A simple restart can often fix many issues, including network problems. To restart your iPhone, press and hold the side button and one of the volume buttons until the power-off slider appears. Drag the slider to turn off your iPhone, then press and hold the side button again to turn it back on.
4. Check Your SIM Card: If your SIM card is not properly inserted or is damaged, it can cause network issues. Use a SIM ejector tool or a paperclip to remove the SIM card tray, check the card, and reinsert it.
5. Update iOS: Keeping your iPhone’s software up to date can help resolve many issues. To check for updates, go to Settings > General > Software Update. If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to install it.
6. Contact Your Network Provider: If the problem persists, there might be an issue with your network provider. Contact their customer service for assistance.
7. Enable Data Roaming: If you are traveling, ensure that Data Roaming is enabled on your iPhone. Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options and toggle on Data Roaming.

Wind Up 

Knowing how to turn off SOS on iPhone is essential for preventing accidental emergency calls. By following the steps outlined above, you can disable the Emergency SOS feature’s shortcuts, ensuring that you have full control over when it is activated. Additionally, understanding how to resolve “SOS” or “SOS Only” network issues can help you maintain normal phone functions.

This guide aims to help iPhone users in India manage their devices more effectively, reducing unnecessary stress and ensuring that emergency features are used only when truly needed.

Remember, while it’s useful to know how to turn off these features, the Emergency SOS function is designed to protect you in critical situations. Always keep safety in mind and consider re-enabling these features when you think they might be necessary. If you have any further questions or need additional help, feel free to leave a comment below.