Verizon Outage Updates: Understanding the SOS Feature on Your Phone

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Verizon Outage Disrupts Service for Millions Across the US

Millions of Verizon customers experienced a significant service disruption on August 30, 2025, leaving many with phones displaying “SOS” mode.The outage impacted users primarily on the East Coast and in parts of California.

According to reports, over 23,000 customers reported the issue to downdetector.com. Verizon acknowledged the problem, attributing it to a “software issue,” and stated their engineers were working to resolve it.

Why Your Phone May Be in SOS Mode

An iPhone enters SOS mode when it loses connection to a cellular network. While restarting your device is a typical troubleshooting step, widespread network outages, like this one, require action from the carrier.

Verizon advised impacted customers to check the company’s Network Status page for updates.The company apologized for the inconvenience and expressed recognition for customer patience.

Updates as of August 30, 2025

Verizon released a statement confirming the outage, stating, “We are aware of a software issue impacting service for some customers. Our engineers are engaged and working quickly to identify and solve the issue.”

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as they become available.

What does emergency SOS attempt to do during a Verizon outage?

What is Emergency SOS on Verizon?

The Emergency SOS feature, available on most modern smartphones running iOS or Android and operating on the Verizon network, is a critical tool for contacting help when you’re experiencing a Verizon outage or find yourself in a situation where standard calling isn’t possible. It’s designed to work even with limited or no cellular signal, leveraging Wi-Fi calling and, in some cases, satellite connectivity. This feature isn’t just for Verizon customers experiencing Verizon wireless outages; it’s a vital safety net for anyone needing to reach emergency services.

How Emergency SOS Works During a Verizon Network Outage

When a Verizon service outage occurs, your ability to make regular calls and send texts might be compromised. Here’s how Emergency SOS attempts to circumvent these issues:

Wi-Fi calling: If you’re connected to a Wi-Fi network, Emergency SOS will attempt to route your call through that connection. This is particularly useful during localized Verizon cell tower outages.

Any Available Network: In certain specific cases, your phone may attempt to connect to any available cellular network – even a competitor’s – to reach emergency services. This is a temporary measure and doesn’t grant you access to that network for regular calls.

Satellite Connectivity (iPhone 14 and later): iPhone 14 models and newer include Emergency SOS via satellite. This allows you to send texts to emergency services when you’re outside of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage. While not a direct solution for a Verizon network down situation in populated areas,it’s invaluable in remote locations.

Text to 911: Many areas now support text to 911. If voice calls aren’t possible, you can text your emergency to 911. Check with your local emergency services to confirm availability.

Activating Emergency SOS on Your Verizon Phone

The activation process differs slightly depending on your phone’s operating system:

For iPhones:

1. Rapidly press the side button (power button) five times in succession.
2. The Emergency SOS screen will appear.
3. You can then directly call 911 or your emergency contacts.
4. To disable this feature (to prevent accidental activations), go to Settings > Emergency SOS and toggle the “Call with Side Button” option off.

For Android Phones (steps may vary slightly by manufacturer):

1. Quickly press the power button five times.
2. Your phone will display the Emergency SOS screen.
3. Tap “Emergency” to call 911.
4. To customize or disable the feature,navigate to settings > Safety & emergency > Emergency SOS. Look for options to change the activation method or disable it entirely.

Emergency SOS vs. Regular 911 Calls: What’s the Difference?

While both methods connect you to emergency services, there are key distinctions:

| Feature | Emergency SOS | Regular 911 Call |

|——————-|———————————————|——————————————-|

| Network Reliance | Prioritizes any available network (Wi-Fi, any cell) | Relies primarily on your carrier’s network |

| Satellite access| Available on iPhone 14+ in remote areas | Not available |

| Location Data | May transmit limited location data initially | Typically provides precise location data |

| Activation | Requires specific button presses | Direct dialing or voice activation |

During a Verizon outage map showing widespread disruption, Emergency SOS becomes significantly more valuable as it attempts to bypass the network issues.

Benefits of Knowing How to Use Emergency SOS

Peace of Mind: knowing you have a backup method to reach help can reduce anxiety, especially during Verizon service interruptions.

Increased Safety: In critical situations, even a limited connection can be life-saving.

Accessibility: Provides a lifeline for individuals with disabilities who may have difficulty making traditional calls.

Remote Area Support: Satellite connectivity (iPhone 14+) extends emergency access to areas without cellular coverage.

troubleshooting Emergency SOS Issues

If Emergency SOS isn’t working as was to be expected:

Check Wi-Fi Connection: Ensure you’re connected to a stable Wi-Fi network.

Verify Emergency Services Availability: Confirm that Text to 911 is supported in your area.

Update Your Phone’s Software: Outdated software can sometimes cause compatibility issues.

Restart Your Phone: A simple restart can often resolve minor glitches.

Contact Verizon Support: If the problem persists, reach out to Verizon customer service for assistance. You can find Verizon outage details and support contacts on their website.

Staying informed About Verizon Outages

Proactively monitoring Verizon outage status can help you prepare and understand when to utilize Emergency SOS. Here are some resources:

Verizon’s Website: Check the official Verizon website for outage alerts and updates. (https://forums.verizon.com/t5/x/bd-p/welcome)

* DownDetector: A popular website that tracks real-time reports of service outages. ([https://downdetector.com/](https://downdetector