Introduction — what happened (verizon outage)
On Aug. 30, 2025, Verizon told customers a software problem was affecting wireless service for some users. Many people could not make normal calls or use mobile data and saw “SOS” or “Emergency Calls Only” on their phones. Verizon said its engineers were working to fix the issue and pointed users to its Check Network Status page.
Crowd-reporting sites and local news showed a big rise in outage reports during the afternoon. At the peak, Downdetector and trackers logged more than 20,000 reports across the U.S., with big spikes in cities such as Chicago, Los Angeles, Tampa and Orlando. Many customers had service back by evening, though some pockets had problems longer.
Why phones say “SOS”
“SOS” or “Emergency Calls Only” means the phone cannot register with the carrier’s normal network but can still call 911. During this outage, many phones lost normal network registration and switched to SOS. Verizon said the cause was a back-end software issue, not physical damage to towers.
Which places were hit most
Trackers and local reporting showed the largest number of complaints in large U.S. cities: Chicago, Los Angeles, New York area, Tampa, Orlando and Minneapolis. The pattern matches the map on Downdetector during the outage.
What Verizon said
Verizon posted a short statement: “We are aware of a software issue impacting wireless service for some customers. Our engineers are engaged and we are working quickly to identify and solve the issue. Please visit our Check Network Status page for updates.” The company apologized for the trouble and asked customers to watch official channels for area updates.
Easy steps to fix SOS
These steps fix most registration problems for most people:
- If nothing works, visit Verizon’s Check Network Status page or contact Verizon support.
- Turn Airplane Mode on for 10–15 seconds, then turn it off.
- Restart your phone (turn off → wait 10s → turn on).
- Check for carrier settings updates (Settings → About on iPhone; similar on Android).
- Enable Wi-Fi calling if you can — this lets calls and texts use Wi-Fi.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Verizon down right now?
Verizon confirmed a software issue on Aug. 30, 2025. Many areas had service restored by evening, but check Verizon’s Check Network Status page for the latest updates.
Why does my phone say “SOS” on Verizon?
“SOS” means your phone can’t register on the normal network but can still call emergency numbers. This often appears during network outages.
How can I fix SOS mode on my phone?
Try these steps: toggle Airplane Mode on and off, restart your phone, check for a carrier settings update, or enable Wi-Fi calling. If none work, contact Verizon support.
Where can I check official Verizon outage updates?
Visit Verizon’s Check Network Status page and follow Verizon’s official social channels for area-specific notices and updates.
Conclusion — What this means for businesses and users
When a big carrier has a multi-hour outage, it can stop two-factor texts, banking alerts, ride apps and business calls. Experts and regulators watch these events because they show how important network software and testing are. Verizon said engineers worked to restore service and many users got service back the same day.
Suggested Posts:
