How to Turn Off SOS on the iPhone 14 – A Step-by-Step Guide

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In today's fast-paced world, having a feature on your smartphone that can quickly connect you to emergency services can be a lifesaver.

Apple's iPhone 14 lineup offers an SOS function designed to do just that, including the ability to even send alerts using satellite communication.

But, what if you accidentally set this feature into motion, causing unnecessary worry and potential complications?

Or maybe you've seen "SOS" or "SOS only" pop up on your status bar, and you're there wondering what's going on?

If you're an iPhone 14 or iPhone 14 Pro / Pro Max user and these scenarios sound familiar, you've come to the right place.

In this guide, I'm going to break down the SOS feature, explain its ins and outs, and show you how to disable it. Let's jump right in.

What Is the SOS Feature and Why Would I Want to Turn It Off?

Before we go any further, it is useful to understand the core of the iPhone's SOS feature.

When the SOS icon pops up on your iPhone's status bar, it's essentially your phone's way of telling you that it is unable to connect to cellular service.

In these situations, your iPhone will limit you to dialing only the emergency services number.

Now, while the SOS feature undoubtedly adds an extra layer of safety in emergencies, there might be instances where turning it off becomes necessary.

Here’s why:

1. Tackling Technical Glitches

   • There might be times when your iPhone 14 decides to act up and gets stuck in SOS mode. In such cases, turning it off can help you troubleshoot the issue.

2. Personalizing Your iPhone Experience

   • For those who love to customize their phones, disabling the SOS feature can prevent unintentional activations, particularly if you've reassigned the side button for other tasks.

3. Maintaining Emergency Line Integrity

   • Keeping emergency channels clear for real emergencies is crucial. Accidental calls could mean vital resources are redirected from those genuinely in need.

4. Avoiding Unintended Alerts

   • If someone new to tech or Apple products, like a friend or family member, is using your iPhone, they might accidentally trigger an SOS call.

5. Saving Battery Life

   • If the SOS feature is continually activated or running, especially in areas with weak connectivity, it can quickly drain your battery. And the last thing you want is to be left with a dead phone when you need it the most.

How to Turn Off Emergency SOS on Your iPhone 14

While the SOS feature is a lifesaver in emergencies, there might be situations where you'd want to switch it off.

Let's walk through the steps to do just that:

1. Start-Up

   • Fire up the Settings app on your iPhone.

2. Locate the SOS Feature

   • Scroll through the options until you come across "Emergency SOS". Tap it to open the SOS settings.

3. Turn Off

   • Here, you'll see several options like "Call with Hold and Release", “Call with 5 Button Presses” and "Call After Severe Crash" (available only on iPhone 14 and 15).

   • Switch these toggles off to deactivate the SOS feature.

4. Verify

   • Once you've made your changes, exit the settings menu, then re-enter to double-check that your new preferences have been saved.

Disclaimer

While disabling the SOS feature is a straightforward process, it's important to understand what you're giving up.

Turning off this feature may eliminate accidental calls, but remember, it also means you won't have that quick lifeline to emergency services at your fingertips in a genuine crisis.

Why Does My iPhone 14 Say “SOS Only”?

If you've ever noticed "SOS" or "SOS only" displayed on your iPhone's status bar, it's not just a random glitch. This indicates that your regular cellular service is currently unavailable.

However, you might still be able to make emergency calls, like dialing 911. For those with an iPhone 14 or a newer model, there's the added advantage of sending satellite alerts.

And if you're within the range of a Wi-Fi network and have the necessary login credentials, you can still use the internet.

But what if you're in an area where you typically receive a strong cellular signal and still see the "SOS only" mode?

Here are some troubleshooting steps:

1. Airplane Mode

Airplane Mode is a feature designed to cut off all your phone's communication abilities, ensuring no signals are sent or received.

In our case, this can serve as a quick fix to reset your device's network settings and sort out unexpected glitches, including those related to SOS mode.

1. Activation

   • Begin by accessing the Settings app on your iPhone.

   • Once inside, you'll find the "Airplane Mode" option prominently displayed at the top. Toggle this option on, turning it green.

2. Wait and Deactivate

   • After activating Airplane Mode, let your phone sit in Airplane Mode for a few moments.

   • This allows it to fully disconnect from all networks. After waiting, tap Airplane Mode again to turn it off.

3. Verification

   • After deactivating the Airplane Mode, check if the SOS mode or any related issues have been resolved following this network "time-out."

2. Cellular Data Toggle

Cellular data is what keeps your phone online when you're not connected to Wi-Fi.

Sometimes, issues with cellular data can trigger the SOS mode or cause other related problems. Giving this connection a refresh can often do the trick.

1. Navigation

   • Start by heading to the Settings app. Within the list of options, you'll find "Cellular."

   • Tap on it to access cellular settings.

2. Toggle Data

   • The "Cellular Data" option is inside the Cellular settings.

   • Toggle it off, wait for about 10 seconds, and then toggle it back on.

   • This action serves as a soft reset for your phone's data connection.

3. Check Results

   • Keep an eye on your phone after toggling cellular data to see if the SOS-related issues persist.

   • If they do, it might be time to explore other solutions or contact Apple support.

3. Roaming Settings

If traveling, especially internationally, ensure that 'Data Roaming' is enabled.

1. Open Settings on your iPhone.

2. Navigate to Cellular > Cellular Data Options.

3. Enable 'Data Roaming'.

However, be cautious about potential roaming charges.

4. SIM Card Check

If you're using a physical SIM card (as opposed to an eSIM), it might be worth checking it.

1. Remove the SIM card from your iPhone.

2. Do a quick inspection for any visible damage.

3. If all looks good, re-insert it back into your iPhone.

5. Restart Your Device

A classic solution for many tech issues – simply turn off your iPhone and restart it. This can often resolve minor bugs and restore cellular service.

1. Press and hold the side button and the volume up or down button until the power off slider appears.

2. Drag the slider, then wait 30 seconds for your device to turn off.

3. To turn your device back on, press and hold the side button until you see the Apple logo.

Final Take

The SOS feature on the iPhone 14 is a clever mix of tech and safety, making sure you can get help fast when you need it.

But knowing its ins and outs is key to avoiding any unexpected surprises, and it also helps with issues like your iPhone constantly showing “SOS Only”.

Whether you choose to keep it on or switch it off, always make your safety a priority and have a Plan B for emergencies.

Got some insights, questions, or experiences you want to share? I'm all ears! Drop your thoughts down below in the comments.

Want more buying guides, reviews, or handy tips? Don't miss out – subscribe to my newsletter and stay in the loop.

Thank you very much for reading!

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FAQ

• 1. What is the SOS feature on the iPhone 14?

  The SOS feature is a built-in emergency response system that allows you to quickly contact emergency services and notify your emergency contacts with just a few button presses.

• 2. Can I customize my emergency contacts?

  Absolutely! You can add or remove emergency contacts through the Health app on your iPhone.

  These contacts will be notified when you activate the SOS feature.

• 3. Is it possible to turn off location sharing during an SOS call?

  No, location sharing is automatically enabled during an SOS call to assist emergency services in locating you.

  However, you can turn off the SOS feature if this is a concern.

• 4. What happens if I accidentally trigger an SOS call?

  If you accidentally trigger an SOS call, you'll have a few seconds to cancel it.

  If the call goes through, it's crucial to stay on the line and inform the operator that it was an accidental call.

• 5. Does the SOS feature drain my battery?

  While the SOS feature itself is not a significant battery drain, continual activation, especially in areas with poor connectivity, can consume more battery life.

• 6. Can I still use the SOS feature if my phone is locked?

  Yes, the SOS feature can be activated even if your phone is locked, making it accessible in emergency situations.

• 7. How do I deactivate the SOS feature?

  To disable the SOS feature on your iPhone, navigate to the "Emergency SOS" section in the Settings app.

  Then, turn off options like "Call with Hold and Release", “Call with 5 Button Presses” and "Call After Severe Crash".

  Finally, verify the changes by exiting and re-entering the settings menu.

• 8. Is the SOS feature available in all countries?

  The SOS feature is available in most countries. However, the emergency number it dials may vary depending on your location.

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