"I accidentally got my iPhone XR into Zoom and also the Emergency mode. I have the new IOS 15 installed. If I push the volume and side buttons, the phone will not shut off. It goes to the Medical ID and Emergency SOS sliders combination. If I slide up on the screen, it goes to a screen asking for my phone passcode. It only shows a keyboard with letters. I have numbers in addition to letters in my passcode. I tried to scan a sheet with my passcode, but it kept repeating the passcode, so I couldn't sign in. Then I tried sliding from the right-hand upper corner. If I select an App, the screen requesting my passcode appears. How do I get out of this state?"
- from Apple Community
If your iPhone suddenly shows Emergency SOS at the top of the screen and you can no longer make normal calls, send messages, or use mobile data, you're not alone. Many users report their iPhone stuck on Emergency SOS without any warning, even when the device worked perfectly before.
In most cases, this issue is related to network errors, system glitches, or temporary iOS malfunctions rather than serious hardware damage. In this guide, we'll explain why your iPhone gets stuck in Emergency SOS mode and walk you through step-by-step solutions to fix it safely and effectively.
If your iPhone is stuck on the Emergency SOS screen, the following are some possible reasons:
If your iPhone 15/16/17 stuck in SOS mode, here are six useful solutions you can try to exit the Emergency SOS screen.
If your iPhone is stuck in Emergency mode and is unresponsive to touch, the simplest solution is to let the battery drain completely. Once the battery runs out, the iPhone will shut down and won't restart until it's plugged into a charger.
Typically, this method should bring your iPhone back to the main screen. However, be cautious, as completely draining the battery could potentially harm it over time.
A force restart is also an effective method to fix an iPhone stuck in Emergency SOS mode. It quickly refreshes the system and helps the iPhone exit SOS mode.
Here is how to fix an iPhone stuck on Emergency SOS during setup via force restart:
iPhone 8 and later:
iPhone 7 / 7 Plus:
iPhone 6s and earlier:
If force restarting doesn't work, you can restore your iPhone in recovery mode using iTunes to fix iPhone 15/16/17 stuck in SOS mode. However, keep in mind that if you haven't backed up your iPhone beforehand, this process will erase all your data.
Here is how to fix an iPhone stuck on Emergency SOS in recovery mode:
Step 1. Update iTunes to the latest version, open it, and connect your iPhone to the PC.
Step 2. Put your iPhone into recovery mode following the steps below:
Step 3. Once in recovery mode, a pop-up will appear on your PC. When prompted, choose "Update" to reinstall iOS. If the update fails, select "Restore" to reset the device to exit SOS mode.
If your iPhone is unresponsive or you cannot exit Emergency SOS normally, you can remotely erase it through iCloud. To reset your iPhone using this method, you'll need to have your Apple account details and the "Find My" feature enabled on your device.
Here is how to fix an iPhone stuck in Emergency mode via iCloud:
Step 1. Visit iCloud.com and select "Find My iPhone".
Step 2. A pop-up window will appear. Click on "All Devices".
Step 3. Locate and select your iPhone from the list.
Step 4. You'll see three options; click on "Erase iPhone" to return it to factory settings.
Once that's done, you can restore your iPhone from an iCloud backup to recover your data. This method can help resolve issues like being stuck on the emergency SOS screen.
If you've tried the above methods and your iPhone is still stuck on the SOS screen, or if you prefer to avoid more complicated and less reliable solutions, a professional iOS system repair tool is a safer option. iOS System Recovery can fix issues like an iPhone being stuck on Emergency SOS without erasing your data.
The key features of iOS System Recovery:
How do I fix an iPhone stuck on Emergency SOS without data loss?
01Download and install the software on your Windows PC or Mac. Once installation is complete, launch the program. On the main screen, select "iOS System Recovery" to enter the system repair module.
02Connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable and wait for the software to detect the device. When your iPhone is recognized, click "Start" to begin the system diagnosis.
03Choose "Standard Mode" and then click "Confirm" to proceed.
04Verify your iPhone model, iOS version, and other device details displayed on the screen. If any information is incorrect, adjust it manually. Afterward, click "Repair" to allow the software to automatically download the correct firmware for your iPhone.
05Wait while the firmware is downloaded and verified. Once the repair process begins, the software will automatically resolve the iOS issues. After the repair is complete, your iPhone will restart and return to its normal functioning state.
Apple Support Team also offers technical sup port to help users to solve different system issues. If your iPhone is stuck on Emergency SOS mode and you cannot resolve it yourself, try to book an appointment on the Apple Support page before visiting the nearest Apple Customer Center. Technicians will examine your device and get it repaired.
Once your iPhone has returned to normal, if you're certain you no longer need to use the SOS emergency mode, you can disable it completely. Here is how to do it:
Step 1. Open "Settings" and tap on "Emergency SOS".
Step 2. Toggle off the "Call with Side Button" option.
An iPhone stuck on Emergency SOS can be frustrating, but it's rarely permanent. By following the solutions above, most users can restore normal functionality without replacing their device. If you want a safe, high-success-rate fix without data loss, iOS System Recovery is the most reliable option and well worth trying.
Related Articles:
Stop iPhone Screen Flickering: Troubleshooting Tips and Tricks
iPhone Stuck on Preparing to Transfer? Quick Solutions for You
How to Fix iPhone Stuck on Verifying Update? 15 Fixes in 2026
6 Best Ways to Fix iPhone Stuck in Headphone Mode Like a Pro
Feedback
Free Download for PC 
Free Download for Mac 
