Encountering "Emergency Calls Only" on your device indicates a critical loss of regular network connectivity. This state demands immediate troubleshooting to restore essential communication.
Common Causes & Expert Solutions
- Network Outage/Weak Signal: Verify service status via carrier's official channels. Temporarily relocate outdoors or near windows. Enable then disable Airplane Mode to force reconnection.
- SIM Card Issues: Power off device, eject SIM, clean gold contacts with dry cloth, and reseat firmly. Test with another carrier's SIM if available.
- Incorrect Network Settings: Navigate to Settings > Mobile Networks > Network Operators. Select "Choose Automatically." Reset APN settings to carrier defaults (found on official carrier documentation).
- Software Glitches: Perform a PRL update (CDMA devices) or carrier settings update (iOS: Settings > General > About). Apply pending OS updates immediately.
Critical Hardware Checks
- IMEI Validation: Dial #06#. If IMEI displays as "null," "0," or is missing, hardware failure or blacklisting is likely. Contact carrier for status check.
- Physical Damage Indicators: Water exposure (check LDI stickers) or impact damage requires professional diagnostics. Baseline repair steps won't resolve modem/baseband issues.
Professional Service Guidance
Seek carrier or repair technicians if:
- All troubleshooting fails across multiple locations/SIMs.
- IMEI verification confirms blacklisting or corruption.
- Device shows "No Service" or "Searching" indefinitely after fixes.
Provide technicians with IMEI, troubleshooting history, and observable symptoms (e.g., error codes, persistent "X" icon) for accelerated diagnosis.
