Verizon Outage January 2026: Everything You Need to Know
If you’re seeing “SOS” or “SOS only” on your iPhone or have no Verizon service today, you’re not alone. A significant Verizon network outage is affecting thousands across the United States, from NYC to Atlanta, Houston to Chicago. This guide provides real-time information on the Verizon outage today, explains why your phone is in SOS mode, and answers the critical question: “When will Verizon be back up?”
🔴 Is Verizon Down Right Now? Current Outage Status
Reports of widespread Verizon service issues began flooding Downdetector and social media on the morning of January 14, 2026. Users nationwide are experiencing:
No cellular signal or “No Service”
Phones stuck in SOS mode or showing “SOS only”
Dropped calls and failed texts
Extrem slow or non-existent mobile data
Affected areas include major cities like New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Atlanta, Orlando, Tampa, Dallas, Boston, and Charlotte. You can check the Verizon outage map by zip code on Downdetector or Verizon’s official status page to see if your area is impacted.
📡 Why Is My Verizon Phone on SOS? Explained
What does SOS mean on iPhone? When your iPhone displays “SOS” or “SOS only” in the status bar, it means your device has lost connection to your Verizon cellular network but can still make emergency calls. SOS mode is not a problem with your phone; it’s a direct result of the Verizon network outage.
Why does my phone say SOS only during an outage?
Your phone constantly searches for a signal from Verizon towers. When those towers are down or experiencing a network outage, your phone fails to register on the network. It then defaults to the emergency SOS functionality, a safety feature built into all modern smartphones.
🗺️ How to Check: Is Verizon Down in My Area?
Follow these steps to confirm the outage:
Visit Downdetector Verizon Page: The site shows real-time outage reports and a map.
Check Verizon’s Official Outage Map: Log into your My Verizon account or the Verizon app for the most accurate, location-specific status.
Ask Neighbors or Local Social Media: Platforms like Nextdoor or local Facebook groups can confirm if others nearby are affected.
⏱️ When Will Verizon Service Be Restored? Latest ETA
Verizon outage update: As of the latest statement, Verizon engineers have identified the issue as a major network disruption and are working urgently on a fix. Historically, widespread outages can take several hours to a full day to fully resolve.
“When will the Verizon outage be fixed?” Verizon has not provided an exact nationwide restoration time. Service is being restored region by region. For the most current Verizon outage update, monitor:
Verizon’s Official Twitter (@VerizonSupport)
Verizon Newsroom Website
Your My Verizon App
🔧 Troubleshooting Steps You Can Try
While waiting for the network to be restored, you can attempt these fixes:
Toggle Airplane Mode: Turn on for 30 seconds, then off.
Restart Your Phone: A simple reboot can sometimes re-establish a connection.
Check for Carrier Settings Updates: Go to Settings > General > About.
Manual Network Selection: Go to Settings > Cellular > Network Selection, turn off “Automatic,” and try selecting Verizon manually.
Note: If the outage is widespread, these may not work until Verizon fixes its network issues.
📞 How to Contact Verizon Customer Service
During major outages, call centers experience high volume. Use these alternative methods:
Verizon Customer Service Number: 1-800-922-0204 (Expect long wait times)
Verizon Support on Twitter: Faster response via DM to @VerizonSupport
My Verizon App: Use the chat function within the app.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is this a nationwide Verizon outage?
A: Yes, reports indicate a nationwide Verizon outage affecting multiple states and millions of users.
Q: Why is Verizon down today? What caused the outage?
A: The exact cause of the Verizon outage is under investigation. Initial reports suggest a possible network software update failure or major infrastructure issue.
Q: Is my phone broken if it says SOS?
A: No. Your phone is functioning correctly. The SOS display is a symptom of the network outage, not a device fault.
Q: Are AT&T and T-Mobile also down?
A: Some users report issues, but the primary cell service outage today is focused on Verizon Wireless. Check Downdetector for AT&T outage or T-Mobile outage status.
Q: How long will Verizon be down?
A: The duration is uncertain. Stay tuned to Verizon outage updates for official restoration timelines.
📲 Stay Informed: Final Tips
Use Wi-Fi: Connect to Wi-Fi for iMessage, WhatsApp, emails, and browsing.
Enable Wi-Fi Calling: If you had it set up previously, it may work during the outage.
Conserve Battery: A phone searching for signal drains battery quickly.
Bookmark This Page: We will update this post with the latest Verizon news and outage updates.
Bottom Line: The Verizon wireless outage on 1/14/26 is significant. If your phone is in SOS mode, the problem is with the network, not your device. The estimated time for a full fix is still unknown. Patience and using alternative communication methods are key until Verizon service is restored.
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