Verizon outage: iPhones, Android devices stuck in SOS mode

Verizon says that service has been restored. A full update added below.

A widespread Verizon outage is causing iPhones and Android devices to enter SOS mode, preventing them from making mobile calls unless they use WiFi calling.

The Verizon wireless outage started at approximately 9:30 AM ET, with the outage tracking site Downdetector reporting that approximately 100,000 users are impacted by the issue.

When a phone enters SOS mode, it means it cannot connect to a cellular network and only allows the making of emergency calls.

While not every Verizon wireless customer is impacted by the outage, many have taken to social media, particularly X, to report the disruption.

"SOS on my phone, I have Verizon and am in Chicago. What is the outage and what are the updates? I need my phone to work," tweeted a customer from Chicago.

"Phoenix area cell outage?? Several phones on Verizon showing SOS can only call using WiFi," another reported from Phoenix.

On iPhones, affected users see messages like "your phone's not registered on a network so you can only make emergency calls" and an "SOS only" text at the top of the screen, confirming that their devices are stuck in SOS mode.

The outage is mostly impacting iPhone users, with some Android users stating they are affected as well.

Those who are impacted by the outage say they have attempted to reboot their devices, but it does not fix the problem.

Verizon has not yet provided a clear explanation for the outage or any updates on when the issue might be resolved.

Update 9/30/24 07:16 PM ET: Some users have reported that their phones are working again after being stuck in SOS mode since this morning.

Verizon also shared a statement with BleepingComputer confirming that they resolved the outage and recommended users restart their devices if they still have issues.

"Verizon engineers have fully restored today's network disruption that impacted some customers. Service has returned to normal levels," Verizon told BleepingComputer.

"If you are still having issues, we recommend restarting your device. We know how much people rely on Verizon and apologize for any inconvenience.  We appreciate your patience."

Verizon has not shared an explanation as to what caused the outage.