Fixing "No Service" or "SOS Only" on Your Phone

If your phone shows No Service, SOS Only, or Searching... in the status bar, it can't reach the cellular network. Most of the time it's a quick fix on the phone — here's how to work through it.

Quick Fixes (Try These First)

These resolve the majority of "No Service" issues.

1. Toggle Airplane Mode on for 10 seconds, then off.

2. Restart the phone (full power off, then on).

3. Move locations — step outside, away from thick walls, or to a higher floor. Some buildings block cellular signal.

4. Check that the SIM is seated — if you've recently changed phones, remove the SIM tray and reinsert it. For eSIM, make sure the Parrot Mobile eSIM is set as the active line.

If you're still stuck, work through the sections below in order.

Step 1: Confirm Your Service Is Active

1. Sign in at https://www.parrotmobile.com/app.

2. Open your line. The status should say Active.

3. Check Settings > Billing for any past-due invoices — past-due lines can be suspended. See Failed Payments, Past Due Lines, and Reactivating.

If your line is Pending Activation, finish the activation steps in Activating Your Service and Fixing Activation Issues.

Step 2: Check Network Selection

Your phone may be stuck searching on the wrong network.

iPhone

1. Open Settings > Cellular > Network Selection.

2. Toggle Automatic off, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on.

3. If a list of carriers appears, choose the one Parrot Mobile uses in your area (typically T-Mobile in the US).

Android

1. Open Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > Choose Network.

2. Toggle Automatically select off and back on, or pick the carrier manually.

Step 3: Update Carrier Settings (iPhone)

1. Connect to Wi-Fi.

2. Open Settings > General > About.

3. If a carrier-settings update is available, you'll get a popup — tap Update.

Step 4: Reset Network Settings

This clears Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth pairings but is the most reliable cellular fix.

• iPhone: Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings.

• Android: Settings > System > Reset > Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth.

After the reset, restart the phone.

Step 5: Check Coverage

If you've just moved or you're somewhere new, you may simply be in a low-coverage area. Check coverage at https://www.parrotmobile.com/coverage.

If you're indoors with weak signal, set up Wi-Fi Calling so calls and texts use your home internet instead of the cellular network — see Using Wi-Fi Calling with Parrot Mobile.

About "SOS Only"

SOS Only (or Emergency calls only) means your phone can reach 911-style emergency services but isn't allowed on a regular network for that line. Causes are usually:

• The line isn't fully provisioned yet (still activating).

• The phone isn't authorized on the carrier network — try the network reset above.

• The phone is locked to another carrier (less common, but possible on used phones). See Supported Devices & Compatibility.

Still No Service?

Email support@parrotmobile.com with:

• Phone make, model, and OS version

• Whether it's eSIM or physical SIM

• What the status bar says exactly (No Service, SOS Only, Searching, etc.)

• Approximate location (city/ZIP) and whether other phones near you have signal

We'll check what we see for the line on our side and walk you through anything device-specific.