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The status bar on your iPhone acts as a useful dashboard that gives you an overview of your smartphone’s key metrics. You’re likely accustomed to seeing the Wi-Fi and cellular data symbols in this display area, along with the battery level of your iPhone. However, there may be a time when you encounter something less recognizable. Specifically, we are talking about messages such as “SOS Only,” “No Service,” or “Searching.”
When your iPhone is in SOS Only mode, this indicates that the device isn’t linked to a cellular network. Consequently, you won’t have the ability to make standard phone calls or send text messages, though you might still be able to contact emergency services like police, fire, coast guard, and other critical response teams if you are in the U.S., Canada, or Australia. “No Service” or “Searching” reflects that your iPhone or iPad (Wi-Fi + Cellular) lacks any carrier connection, making it impossible to reach emergency services.