Why is my phone in SOS mode? Verizon faces 'nationwide' outage

Verizon is suffering a "nationwide" outage, leaving customers without phone service or internet . Verizon says users have made reports indicating problems.

There was a noticeable increase in reports of issues with texting and calling beginning around 9.30am EST, according to DownDetector.com, which tracks tech-related complaints.

Many users find themselves trapped in SOS mode on their phones, making them incapable of texting or making calls. X, previously Twitter, has exploded with angry users relaying their issues. One customer wrote: "I’ve been stuck on SOS mode for 30 minutes now. I tried using their website for web assistance and their site isn’t loading properly .

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"Second time this has happened in a month," while a second is in the same predicament: " I restarted my phone and everything, updated to the new iOS, still stuck in SOS ". A third chimed in: "Central Illinois here and I'm in SOS too".

iPhone users experiencing "SOS only" mode should know that it signifies a lack of connection to cellular networks , though emergency calls are still possible. Normal service will resume once the iPhone reconnects to a network.

What to do if your phone is affected

According to Apple , a device isn't connected to a cellular network if 'SOS' is displayed the status bar rather than bars. However, your device can still make emergency calls in the US, Canada, and Australia .

First, try turning cellular data off and back on again. To do this go to settings and tap the Mobile Data button. If there's still no connection, try restarting the device.

The next thing to try is resetting the network settings. Go to settings, then click General, then click on Transfer or Reset, Reset and Reset Network Settings.

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A force restart is also an option. To try this, press and quickly release the volume up button, then the volume down button and then press and holding the side button until the Apple logo appears . Release the button and restart as usual. Another possible method is to turn it off and charge it for one hour, accord to Mac Observer.

Verizon has yet to issue a statement regarding the widespread outages on their social platforms . However, they have been addressing individual grievances on their support page on X.

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Customers are being urged to direct message them with their problems.

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