When using an eSIM, you may see "SOS" or "SOS only" displayed on your smartphone screen, which can prevent you from using mobile communication.
This can be particularly frustrating when you arrive in Japan and start using your eSIM, as you might encounter messages like, "I set up the eSIM, but it shows SOS" or "It shows SOS instead of the antenna."
The cause of the SOS display is not solely related to the eSIM setup. There are multiple factors to consider, including the communication area, network connection, line activation, and device settings.
In this article, we will explain the main causes of the eSIM showing SOS and the troubleshooting steps you should check when you cannot connect.
Order of Checks When eSIM Shows SOS
- Check if you are in a communication area
- Toggle airplane mode on and off
- Check if the eSIM you are using is activated
- Check the mobile data communication line
- If necessary, check the data roaming settings
- Restart your smartphone
- If the issue persists, contact your eSIM provider
Even if you see the SOS display, it is not advisable to delete the eSIM immediately. First, check the basic communication settings.
What Does eSIM SOS Display Mean?
If you see "SOS" or "SOS only" on your smartphone, it may indicate that you are not properly connected to the mobile network you usually use.
In this state, you may not be able to use regular mobile data communication.
However, just because it shows SOS does not necessarily mean that the eSIM itself is faulty. It is important to check the signal conditions, settings, and the network you are using.
Main Causes of eSIM Showing SOS
| Cause | Check Points |
|---|---|
| Out of communication area / weak signal | Move to a different location and check again |
| eSIM is disabled | Turn on the eSIM line you are using |
| Not properly connected to the network | Try toggling airplane mode or restarting |
| Incorrect line settings | Check the settings of the eSIM you are using |
| Data roaming settings are required | Check the setup guide from your eSIM provider |
| Temporary network outage | Change the time or location and try reconnecting |
Check Communication Area and Signal Conditions
First, check the signal conditions in your current location.
In basements, deep inside buildings, or mountainous areas, the signal may weaken, temporarily causing the SOS display.
- Move from underground to above ground
- Move outside the building
- Check near a window
- Change your location slightly and wait to reconnect
If moving to a different location restores the normal antenna display, it is likely that the signal environment was affecting it.
Toggle Airplane Mode On and Off
If the SOS display continues even within a communication area, try turning airplane mode on and then off.
- Turn on airplane mode
- Wait a few seconds
- Turn off airplane mode
- Wait to reconnect to the mobile network
- Check if the SOS display disappears
If it is a temporary network connection issue, reconnecting may resolve it.
Check if the eSIM You Are Using is Activated
If you have multiple SIMs or eSIMs registered, please check if the eSIM you are using for your trip to Japan is activated.
The display may vary by device, but you can check the status of the eSIM line you are using from the mobile communication or SIM settings screen.
- Is the eSIM for Japan added to your device?
- Is the eSIM line turned on?
- Are you selecting the correct eSIM?
Check the Mobile Data Communication Line
If you are using dual SIMs, check which line is selected for mobile data communication.
Make sure that the eSIM you plan to use for data communication in Japan is correctly set as the mobile data communication line.
Be careful not to accidentally use your regular SIM for data communication abroad, as this may incur international roaming charges depending on your contract.
Check Data Roaming Settings
Depending on the travel eSIM, you may need to turn on data roaming to communicate in Japan.
However, this is not necessarily required for all eSIMs. If the eSIM you purchased instructs you to turn on data roaming, please follow the setup instructions provided.
Additionally, data roaming mainly pertains to data communication settings. The SOS display may not necessarily be resolved solely by adjusting the data roaming settings, so be sure to check other items as well.
Restart Your Smartphone
If the SOS display continues after checking the settings, try restarting your smartphone.
Restarting may reload the network settings, allowing you to connect to the mobile network properly.
Check Network Selection
Depending on the device and eSIM service, the selection of the mobile network you are using may affect the communication status.
Usually, it can be used with automatic selection, so if your eSIM provider has not instructed you to select a specific network, generally follow the provided setup method.
If you need to manually change the network, please select the carrier specified by your provider.
Is SOS Display the Same as "Out of Service"?
Both may be displayed when you are not properly connected to the usual mobile network, but the display may differ depending on the device and situation.
It is important not to judge solely by the display, but to check if the eSIM is activated, if you are in a communication area, and if you can connect to the network.
Do Not Immediately Delete eSIM When SOS Display Appears
It is not advisable to delete the eSIM as a first response just because the SOS display does not disappear.
Depending on the eSIM, once deleted, you may not be able to reinstall it using the same QR code.
First, check the communication area, airplane mode, eSIM activation, and network settings, and if the issue persists, contact your eSIM provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean when "SOS" is displayed on eSIM?
If you see "SOS" or "SOS only," it may indicate that you are not properly connected to the mobile network you usually use.
This does not necessarily mean that the eSIM is faulty; it could be due to signal conditions, communication area, line settings, or network connection issues.
Why does it show SOS even though I set up the eSIM?
Even if you have added the eSIM to your device, it may show SOS if the line you are using is not activated or if you are not connected to a compatible network.
First, check if the eSIM is activated, if you are in a communication area, and if airplane mode is off.
What should I do if the eSIM shows SOS after arriving in Japan?
Check if the eSIM for Japan is activated, and try toggling airplane mode on and off or restarting your device.
Additionally, depending on the eSIM you are using, you may need to adjust settings like data roaming. Be sure to check the setup guide for the eSIM you purchased.
What if my iPhone shows "SOS only"?
First, check the mobile communication settings from "Settings" to see if the eSIM line you are using is turned on.
Then, sequentially check airplane mode, restart the device, and network settings. The settings may vary depending on the iOS version.
Can Android also show SOS?
The display method for when you cannot connect to the network may differ depending on the device or OS.
For Android, check if the eSIM is activated, if the mobile network settings are correct, and if you are in a communication area.
Will turning on data roaming make the SOS display disappear?
It does not guarantee that it will disappear. While some travel eSIMs require data roaming to be turned on, the SOS display can also be related to signal conditions and network connection issues.
Check the instructions from the eSIM service you are using to see if data roaming is necessary.
What is the difference between SOS display and out of service?
Both may be displayed when you cannot use the usual mobile network. However, the actual display and meaning may vary depending on the device and network status.
In either case, it is important to check the communication area, eSIM activation, and network settings.
Can I still use Wi-Fi with SOS display?
Even if you cannot use the mobile network, if you can connect to an available Wi-Fi network, you may still be able to access the internet.
If the SOS display persists while traveling, it is advisable to use a safe Wi-Fi environment, such as at a hotel or airport, to check the eSIM setup guide or support information.
Is it okay to delete the eSIM if the SOS display does not go away?
It is not advisable to delete the eSIM as a first response. Depending on the eSIM, deleting it may prevent you from reusing the same QR code, requiring reinstallation or reissuance.
If checking the settings does not resolve the issue, contact your eSIM provider before deleting it.
What should I do if the SOS display does not go away no matter what I try?
If you have checked the communication area and eSIM settings, and toggled airplane mode or restarted the device without improvement, contact the support of your eSIM provider.
When contacting them, it is helpful to provide the device name, OS version, current location, displayed status, and the troubleshooting steps you have tried for a smoother resolution.
Conclusion
If your eSIM shows "SOS" or "SOS only," it may indicate that you are not properly connected to the mobile network you usually use.
However, you cannot determine that the eSIM is faulty based solely on the SOS display. Check the communication area, device settings, eSIM activation, and network connection in order.
- Check the communication area and signal conditions
- Toggle airplane mode on and off
- Check if the eSIM you are using is activated
- Check the mobile communication line settings
- If necessary, check the data roaming settings
- Restart your smartphone
- Do not immediately delete the eSIM just because of the SOS display
- If the issue persists, contact your eSIM provider
If you plan to use an eSIM during your trip to Japan, it is helpful to check the setup method before departure, so you can respond more easily to issues like SOS displays upon arrival.
