iPhone SOS mode stuck on and won't turn off
Emergency SOS mode is designed to be persistent on purpose — for safety. Tapping Cancel should exit it, but if that doesn't work, force-closing the screen or using Siri to cancel it for most people works within seconds.
When iPhone's Emergency SOS mode gets stuck, it's for most people because the Cancel button isn't responding or the app is frozen. We'll try tapping Cancel, using Siri to cancel, and force-restarting to get back to normal mode.
Risk: High
⏱ 5–10 minutes
Beginner
⚡ Before you start
- ✓Stay calm — Emergency SOS is meant to be persistent but you can still exit it
- ✓Make sure you're not accidentally pressing the Side button or Volume buttons, which trigger SOS
- ✓Have access to your iPhone so you can interact with the screen
Fix-IT-Bot will walk you through each step, just tap, no typing needed.
Skip, I just want a technicianCommon mistakes to avoid
- Continuing to press the Side button and Volume button together thinking it will help — this just activates SOS again
- Not realizing the Cancel button exists and trying to force-restart immediately — Cancel should always work first
Signs you need professional help
- If you can't exit Emergency SOS even after tapping Cancel, using Siri, and force-restarting your iPhone, give us a call. There can be a hardware issue with your screen or buttons.
Book a technician
We can fix most issues remotely in 15 minutes. Book your weekend slot and we handle the rest.
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