Verizon outages reported across U.S.

WASHINGTON — Verizon customers were reporting outages on their mobile service on Wednesday.

Downdetector, which tracks outages, reported a spike in outages after noon ET Wednesday, with more than 150,000 reports from across the country. Locations with reported outages include New York City, Chicago and Richmond, Va.

On the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, Verizon said they are aware of outages impacting their customers and are working to resolve the issue.

In a statement, Verizon confirmed it was “aware of an issue impacting wireless voice and data services for some customers. Our engineers are engaged and are working to identify and solve the issue quickly. We understand how important reliable connectivity is and apologize for the inconvenience.”

Customers can check their network status here.

If you have an iPhone, SOS mode is simply a way for your phone to tell you that you don’t have a proper cellular connection, meaning you’re only able to call or text emergency services through the cellular network.

iPhone 14 or newer models also have satellite SOS capability, so you’re able to call 911 even when outside of any cellular service range, unless you’re some place where signal can’t get out at all. 

Android phones will also let you call 911 without service, although it’s not called SOS mode.

The SOS icon will appear in the top right corner of an iPhone’s screen when service is unavailable, where your cellular connection bars usually display

On an iPhone 13 or earlier, if you go out of range for any cellular service, the icon will swap to “No service” until you’re back within range. 

SOS mode automatically turns on when there isn’t any cell service available from your phone carrier. If you’re experiencing an outage, you simply have to wait until service is restored to your area. If you have SOS mode activate because you’re out of your network’s coverage area, you’ll have to travel back inside the coverage area before you can make calls. 

Although SOS mode indicates you don’t have cellular service, it doesn’t mean the phone is useless. Most modern phones allow calling, texting and internet browsing over wi-fi. So if you have an internet connection through a wi-fi signal, you’ll be able to use your phone like normal. You’ll only be able to contact other phones that are on a wi-fi network while in SOS mode. 

Wi-Fi calling is a built-in feature on most Android devices and iPhones and can be turned on under the phone’s settings.

If Wi-Fi isn’t available, there are few options for cell phone users. It’s possible to switch services if a phone is unlocked, but that requires signing up online and porting your phone number.

Some apps, including Google Maps, have limited service offline. Payment apps also do not use a phone’s cell service to work and should also be useable.