Buzz
There are various reasons why your phone displays Emergency Calls Only. It could be a software issue, hardware malfunction, or network service problem. There's a long list of potential causes for this problem. Technically, you won't be able to use the most basic features of your smartphone—making calls and using the internet.
Fortunately, there are simple troubleshooting methods you can apply. Taimienphi.vn has compiled a comprehensive guide on why your phone is reporting Emergency Calls Only, along with corresponding solutions.
Phone Stuck on Emergency Calls Only - Here's the Fix
1. Turn on/off Airplane Mode
Enabling airplane mode disables the wireless functions of your smartphone. Simply turn on airplane mode, wait a few seconds, and then turn it off. Now, check if your phone has a network connection.
2. Restart Your Phone
Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve many issues. Turn off your phone and wait for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, then power it back on. Restarting your phone forces it to attempt a network connection again. If it's a minor software-related issue, this method might resolve it.
However, if restarting the phone doesn't work, you can try removing the battery for phones with removable batteries. This is a kind of 'soft reset' that can also fix software glitches. Just make sure to unplug the charger and remove the battery while the phone is active.
3. Check the SIM Card
If the SIM card is improperly placed, it fails to communicate with the mobile phone, resulting in your phone reporting Emergency Calls Only. Accidentally dropping your phone might misalign the SIM card. In such cases, turn off your phone, remove the SIM card, ensure it's correctly placed, then restart your phone to check if the issue persists.
Furthermore, if your phone still shows no SIM card and Emergency Calls Only, the SIM card could be damaged or dusty. If you find anything affecting the card's function, try cleaning the chip with a soft eraser or dry cotton cloth. To ensure the SIM works normally, insert it into another phone using the same network. If the phone reports no service and Emergency Calls Only, it's time to replace the SIM card.
4. Use the Phone in Areas with No Signal
Emergency Calls Only notifications appear everywhere you go, and it happens consistently? If not and it only occurs in specific locations, the issue may be poor signal from the network provider in those areas. If others around you also face similar issues, it's beyond your control.
5. Search for Network Service
Go to Settings > Wireless and Networks (or More networks depending on your Android OS version) > Mobile networks > Network operators (if available) > Search networks. Then, turn off and on your phone, and see if the phone has network service.
If your Android device has the Network operators option, and it appears grayed out, not allowing you to open it for network search, the settings on your phone may already be correctly configured, and you can skip this step.
6. Phone Marked as Lost or Stolen
If your phone is reported lost or stolen, the network may block the phone's IP address and disable services. Networks don't want stolen phones in normal use because thieves might exploit the phone for fraudulent activities. Therefore, a phone marked as lost or stolen may only allow a specific type of call from that point onwards, and that's emergency calls.
In this case, find out if your phone is marked as stolen by contacting your network service provider and inquiring about the device's status.
7. Design and Physical Damage
* Antenna
Smartphones no longer flaunt external antennas like before, but that doesn't mean antennas don't exist and aren't crucial. Some phones integrate antennas into their rear surfaces. This means if the back cover is removed or damaged, the antenna is gone, and so is the service. The solution here is to contact the phone manufacturer or a reputable repair shop to purchase a replacement back cover for the device.
* Damage from Drops or Water Exposure
If your phone is frequently dropped or exposed to water when this issue arises, it can lead to damage and cause the 'Emergency Calls Only' error. Most phones have Liquid Damage Indicator (LDI), and it changes color if the phone comes into contact with enough liquid to cause damage. If the LDI contacts liquid, it will change color from white to red or pink. At this point, you should take the phone to a reputable repair center.
* Time and Environment
Network service disruptions also occur. If you are in traffic during peak hours or in a densely populated area, too many people using the network can cause congestion, leading to the Emergency Calls Only error.
* Weather and Natural Disasters
This is one of the rarest causes, but rain, wind, storms, hail, and other weather conditions can impact whether your phone has service or not. Natural disasters are one of the worst causes and often lie beyond anyone's control. For example, a storm can knock down mobile signal towers, causing network service loss or disruptions.
8. Software Issues
Problems related to software are things you can troubleshoot on your own.
* Applications
Some software issues on phones are often related to third-party apps that users download and install. If you've recently downloaded an app and encountered an error, try uninstalling the app to see if the issue is resolved.
* Firmware and Software Updates
Make sure you've upgraded your phone to the latest version, and don't forget to update all installed apps on your phone. In many cases, an outdated operating system version is the culprit for various issues, and updating can often resolve them.
* Check IMEI
If your phone is stuck with an Emergency Calls Only notification, the network may have blocked your device for some reason. In such cases, your phone's IMEI might be blacklisted. To check the IMEI status on your smartphone, you can visit www.imei.info.
Additionally, you can dial *#06# on your phone, and if the IMEI shows Null, it means the EFS directory might be corrupted or blocked. In that case, you may need to flash the latest firmware and see if it restores the default EFS directory.
* Errors or Viruses
If a malicious app or file downloaded from the internet causes your phone to malfunction or gets infected by a virus, it can be challenging to identify and remove the culprit. Even uninstalling the offender doesn't guarantee it leaves no traces on your phone. Therefore, exercise caution, avoid downloading files and apps from unreliable websites.
* Factory Reset
A virtually foolproof way to address software issues on mobile devices is to perform a factory reset, also known as a hard reset. A hard reset wipes everything from the phone and restores it to default settings.
While a hard reset can eliminate all errors, glitches, viruses, malicious apps, etc., it also completely erases all user data. Therefore, it's essential to back up all information on the phone before executing a hard reset to avoid losing any important data.
9. Remove the SD Card
Unlike the SIM card, SD cards rarely cause issues on phones, and if they do, it's unlikely related to the network. However, to rule out any potential causes, power off the phone, remove the external SD card (if any), and then power on the phone. Check if removing the SD card resolves the Emergency Calls Only issue. If the error disappears, the problem lies with the SD card, and you may need to replace it with a new one.
10. Contact the Network Provider
If, after trying various troubleshooting methods, the Emergency Calls Only issue persists, consider reaching out to your current network provider. Explain the entire situation, and they will undoubtedly make every effort to assist you in resolving the problem.
The Emergency Calls Only error and lack of service can be among the most frustrating issues on a mobile phone. However, by following the solutions shared above, you can identify the actual cause and get your phone back to normal operation.
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Moreover, if you're unsure how to set up emergency calls on your device, learn about Setting up Emergency Calls on a Phone [here].
