If your iPhone is stuck in Emergency SOS mode or keeps activating unintentionally, the issue can usually be resolved through a combination of software adjustments, hardware checks, and carrier-related troubleshooting. Emergency SOS mode may appear due to accidental button presses, software glitches, network connectivity problems, or incorrect settings configurations. The most effective solutions include disabling unintended SOS triggers in settings, performing forced restarts, updating carrier settings, and resetting network configurations. For persistent issues—especially on new devices like the iPhone 15 Pro Max or during activations—contacting your carrier or Apple Support may be necessary to resolve deeper activation or hardware-related problems.

Key findings from the sources:

• Disable accidental activations: Turn off "Call with Hold" or the 5-press side button trigger in Emergency SOS settings ^[3][4].
• Force restart the device: Use the volume up, volume down, then side button sequence for iPhone X and later models ^[2][6].
• Reset network settings: Go to *Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset Network Settings* to clear connectivity issues ^[8][9].
• Check carrier and SIM settings: Verify eSIM activation, update carrier settings, or contact your carrier for account-related fixes ^[1][5].

Fixing iPhone Emergency SOS Activation Issues

Disabling Unintentional SOS Triggers

Emergency SOS can activate accidentally when buttons are pressed in specific sequences, such as holding the side button and volume buttons simultaneously or rapidly pressing the side button five times. These features are designed for quick emergency access but can cause frustration if triggered unintentionally. To prevent this, adjust the settings or disable the shortcuts entirely.

• Turn off "Call with Hold":

Navigate to *Settings > Emergency SOS and toggle off Call with Hold*. This prevents the phone from calling emergency services when the side button and volume buttons are held down ^[3].

• Note: This setting is particularly useful if your phone is frequently placed in tight spaces (e.g., cup holders) where buttons may be pressed accidentally ^[3].

• Disable the 5-press side button trigger:

In the same Emergency SOS settings menu, turn off Call with 5 Presses to stop the phone from activating SOS after five rapid side-button presses ^[4].

• This is a common issue for users with protective cases that make buttons more sensitive to pressure ^[4].

• Stop automatic location sharing:

After an SOS call, the iPhone shares your location with emergency contacts. To disable this, go to *Settings > Emergency SOS and turn off Share When Emergency SOS is Called* ^[7].

If the issue persists even after adjusting settings, the problem may stem from a hardware malfunction (e.g., stuck buttons) or software bug. Proceed to the next section for broader troubleshooting steps.

Restoring Connectivity and Software Fixes

When an iPhone is stuck in SOS mode—displaying "SOS" or "No Service" in the status bar—it typically indicates a loss of cellular connectivity. This can happen due to network outages, incorrect SIM/eSIM configurations, or software glitches. The following steps address these issues systematically:

• Force restart the device:

For iPhone X and later models, press and release the volume up button, then the volume down button, and finally hold the side button until the Apple logo appears. This does not erase data but can resolve frozen states ^[2][6].

• Older models (iPhone 8 and earlier) require holding the side (or top) button and the home button simultaneously until the logo appears ^[2].

• Toggle Airplane Mode and restart:

Enable Airplane Mode in Control Center or Settings, wait 15–30 seconds, then disable it. Follow this by restarting the device normally. This resets the cellular radio and often restores service ^[1][6].

• If traveling internationally, ensure Data Roaming is enabled in *Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options* ^[1].

• Reset network settings:

Go to *Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings*. This clears saved Wi-Fi passwords, cellular settings, and VPN configurations but can resolve persistent SOS mode issues ^[8][9].

• Warning: You’ll need to re-enter Wi-Fi passwords afterward ^[8].

• Update carrier and iOS settings:

Check for carrier updates in *Settings > General > About. If an update is available, install it. Additionally, ensure your iPhone is running the latest iOS version via Settings > General > Software Update* ^[1][9].

• For Dual SIM users, verify the correct line is selected for cellular data in *Settings > Cellular* ^[1].

• Reactivate or replace the SIM/eSIM:

If the issue arises during activation (common with new iPhones like the 16 Pro Max), delete the existing eSIM and reactivate it through your carrier’s app or website. Users on Verizon reported success after a Level 2 support agent reset their activation system ^[5].

• For physical SIMs, eject the tray, clean the SIM, and reinsert it firmly ^[9].

If these steps fail, the problem may require hardware diagnostics. Contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store to check for antenna or button damage, especially if the issue follows a drop or exposure to liquids ^[4].