If you’ve recently purchased a new iPhone 14 and noticed the SOS icon on your status bar, you may have been alarmed. This icon has never been displayed by any iPhone before. However, there’s no need to worry. The SOS indicator simply means that your phone is not connected to a cellular network but can still make emergency calls. It appears in the area where the carrier name usually goes.
In the US, iPhones can use nearby cell towers to initiate emergency 911 calls even with no active cellular plan. This is made possible by regulations from the Federal Communications Commission. Cellular carriers are required to transmit all 911 calls to an emergency call center, regardless of the phone’s carrier status. This capability is available not only to all iPhone and Android models but to all phones in the US, regardless of the platform.
So, if you’re experiencing an emergency and your phone shows a “No Service” status, remember that it can still complete a 911 call if you’re near a cell tower.
However, if you’re paying for cell service and still see the SOS icon, there may be an issue with your iPhone connecting to the network. This could be due to incomplete activation, errors with the cellular provider recognizing your iPhone, or simply being outside the coverage area. Since users can only make emergency calls while in range of a cell tower, Apple took things further with emergency SOS via satellite.
This feature offers iPhone 14 users a lifeline while hiking or traveling without cellular coverage. By pointing their device to the sky, users can locate and connect to a satellite and transmit a message to emergency dispatchers.
While seeing the SOS icon may be concerning, it just serves as a reminder that you still have access to emergency services even without a cellular connection. So, rest assured that your iPhone is equipped to handle emergencies, even if it’s not connected to a cellular network.
In conclusion, the SOS indicator on your iPhone simply means that your phone is not connected to a cellular network but can still make emergency calls. It’s a helpful reminder that you can access emergency services even without a cellular connection.