In today’s fast-paced world, smartphones have become our primary means of communication. With advancements in technology, devices like the Samsung Galaxy S21 come equipped with a plethora of features. One of these features is the “Emergency Calls Only” mode, which, while useful in certain scenarios, can sometimes be inconvenient when you wish to connect with friends, family, or colleagues. If you find yourself stuck in this mode and wish to turn it off, you’re in the right place. This article will guide you through the steps required to disable “Emergency Calls Only” on your Samsung S21, ensuring you can return to seamless communication.
Understanding the “Emergency Calls Only” Mode
Before delving into the steps to turn off this setting, it’s essential to understand what “Emergency Calls Only” means. When your Samsung S21 displays “Emergency Calls Only,” it indicates that the phone is unable to connect to your mobile network, allowing you to only make emergency calls. This feature is designed for those unfortunate instances when you might find yourself without connectivity. However, it can be triggered unintentionally or due to network issues, leading to frustration if you’re unable to communicate normally.
Why is Your Samsung S21 Stuck in “Emergency Calls Only”?
There could be several reasons your Samsung S21 is stuck in this mode. Some common culprits include:
Network Issues
When you’re in an area with poor reception, your device may be unable to connect to your mobile carrier. This situation can lead to the “Emergency Calls Only” status.
SIM Card Problems
Issues with your SIM card, such as improper placement or damage, can also result in connectivity issues.
Software Glitches
Occasionally, software bugs may lead to network connectivity problems. Keeping your device updated can often solve these issues.
Airplane Mode
It’s easy to forget that Airplane Mode is enabled. In this mode, cellular connections are disabled, leading to the “Emergency Calls Only” status.
Steps to Turn Off “Emergency Calls Only” on Samsung S21
Now, let’s dive into the practical steps to turn off the “Emergency Calls Only” mode on your Samsung Galaxy S21. Follow these guidelines carefully to restore your device’s full functionality.
Step 1: Check Network Signals
Before attempting to change any settings, check the signal bars on your device’s status bar. If you see “Emergency Calls Only,” take the following actions:
1.1 Move to a Different Location
If you’re indoors, try moving outside to a location with better network coverage.
1.2 Toggle Airplane Mode
Swipe down from the top of your screen to access the Quick Settings panel. Look for the airplane icon and toggle it on and off. Wait a moment to see if your device reconnects to the mobile network.
Step 2: Restart Your Device
If the problem persists, sometimes a simple restart can solve connectivity issues.
- Press and hold the Power button on the right side of your device.
- Tap “Restart” to reboot your Samsung S21.
Once your phone restarts, check if you can connect to the network.
Step 3: Examine Your SIM Card
If you’re still unable to turn off “Emergency Calls Only,” inspect your SIM card.
3.1 Power Off Your Device
Before removing your SIM card, power off your phone to ensure safety.
3.2 Remove and Reinsert the SIM Card
Use the SIM card ejector tool (usually included in the phone box) to remove the SIM card tray. Carefully reinsert the SIM card to ensure it’s seated correctly. Then, power on your device.
3.3 Test Connectivity
After your device powers on, check the network connection once more.
Step 4: Update Your Device’s Software
If you are still encountering the “Emergency Calls Only” issue, it may be time to check for software updates.
- Open the “Settings” app on your Samsung S21.
- Scroll down and select “Software Update.”
- Tap “Download and Install.” If an update is available, follow the prompts to download and install it.
Once the update is complete, check whether the connectivity issue has resolved.
Step 5: Reset Network Settings
If none of the above steps work, resetting your network settings may help.
5.1 Navigating to Reset Settings
Go to “Settings” > “General Management” > “Reset.”
5.2 Select Reset Network Settings
Choose “Reset Network Settings” and confirm your choice. Note that this will erase saved Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth connections.
5.3 Restart Your Device
After resetting, restart your device and check if you can connect normally.
Step 6: Contact Your Service Provider
If all else fails, the problem might lie with your mobile carrier. There may be outages, or your account could have issues. Reach out to your service provider’s customer support for assistance.
Prevention Tips to Avoid “Emergency Calls Only” Mode
Understanding how to avoid getting into this mode again can enhance your overall smartphone experience. Here are some tips:
Regular Updates
Ensure your device’s software is regularly updated to fix potential bugs and improve network connectivity.
Proper SIM Card Management
Avoid removing and reinserting your SIM card unnecessarily. If you face issues, consider checking it only when you suspect damage.
Check Network Coverage
Be aware of the network service quality in locations you frequently visit. If your home or workplace has poor coverage, consider discussing alternatives with your service provider.
Use Reliable Cases
If you use a phone case, ensure it doesn’t obstruct the antenna. Some metal cases can interfere with signal strength.
Conclusion
Encountering the “Emergency Calls Only” mode on your Samsung Galaxy S21 can be an unexpected disruption, halting your ability to connect with friends, family, and work. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be able to effectively troubleshoot this issue and turn off the “Emergency Calls Only” setting, regaining full access to your mobile capabilities.
Remember, while this mode serves a crucial function during emergencies, it’s essential to be proactive in checking your device’s network settings and SIM card status to minimize any disruptions in connectivity. Keep your device updated and maintain good practices with your SIM card to ensure seamless communication in the future. Enjoy your Samsung Galaxy S21, and may your calls always go through!
How do I access the Emergency Call settings on my Samsung S21?
To access the Emergency Call settings on your Samsung S21, start by unlocking your device and going to the home screen. From there, swipe down from the top of the screen to open the notification panel. Tap on the gear icon to open the Settings menu. You can also find the Settings app in your app drawer.
Once you’re in the Settings menu, scroll down until you find the “Safety and emergency” option. Tap on it to open the relevant settings. Here you will find various options related to emergency services, including the “Emergency SOS” feature and settings for emergency contacts, along with the ability to disable the ‘Emergency calls only’ mode if it is currently activated.
What does ‘Emergency calls only’ mean on my Samsung S21?
The ‘Emergency calls only’ message typically indicates that your phone is not connected to a cellular network capable of regular calls, meaning you can only place emergency calls. This mode activates when your device cannot detect any network signal or if it is in a place where carrier coverage is weak or unavailable. Users often encounter this issue when they are in remote areas, rural locations, or have service interruptions.
It’s essential to differentiate between ‘Emergency calls only’ and network issues like being out of range or poor signal. If you find yourself seeing this notification frequently, it may be worth checking your coverage area or contacting your mobile service provider to ensure there are no underlying issues with your service. This message should not be confused with deliberately setting your phone to a mode that limits it to emergency functionality.
Can I turn off the ‘Emergency calls only’ mode?
Yes, you can disable the ‘Emergency calls only’ mode on your Samsung S21 quite easily. If your device is showing this message but you expect it to be connected to a mobile network, first check that Airplane Mode is turned off. If Airplane Mode is on, you’ll need to toggle it off to re-enable your cellular connections, which should resolve the issue.
If you are still seeing the ‘Emergency calls only’ notification after turning off Airplane Mode, try restarting your device. A simple reboot can often help restore your connection to your mobile network. If problems persist, consider going into your Settings, navigating to “Connections,” and ensuring your mobile network settings are appropriately configured.
What should I do if my Samsung S21 is stuck on ‘Emergency calls only’?
If your Samsung S21 is stuck in ‘Emergency calls only’ mode, first ensure that you are in an adequate service area. Sometimes, moving to a different location or stepping outside can help re-establish a strong connection to the cellular network. Make sure that you’re not in a zone where service is deliberately blocked or significantly limited, like certain buildings or underground locations.
If a location change does not resolve the issue, try toggling your mobile data and Wi-Fi off and on again. You may also want to remove and reinsert your SIM card after turning off the device. This can help reset your connection to the carrier, which in many cases resolves the issue. If after trying these steps the problem continues, consider contacting your network provider or Samsung support for further troubleshooting assistance.
Will turning off ‘Emergency calls only’ affect my phone’s functionality?
Disabling ‘Emergency calls only’ will not negatively impact your phone’s functionality; instead, it will restore your ability to make standard phone calls and access data services. If your device was displaying ‘Emergency calls only’ due to being out of range or other connectivity issues, re-establishing a connection to your mobile network will significantly enhance your device’s usability.
Keep in mind that while the ‘Emergency calls only’ mode can restrict calls to emergency services, it does not affect phone settings for emergencies like emergency contacts or SOS features. Those functionalities remain in place, ensuring you can access necessary services in urgent situations, while also being able to make regular calls once the phone reconnects to the cellular network.
Is there a way to prevent my Samsung S21 from going into ‘Emergency calls only’?
While you cannot directly prevent your Samsung S21 from showing ‘Emergency calls only’ in all situations, you can take some proactive measures. First, ensure your phone is in an area with strong mobile coverage. Regularly check your carrier’s network status to make sure there are no outages in your area that might affect connectivity.
Additionally, keep your device’s software up to date to ensure it has the latest features and improvements for better connectivity. In the Settings menu, check for system updates under “Software update” to install any available patches. Lastly, consider reaching out to your mobile provider if you frequently experience this message, as there may be solutions available to improve coverage quality in your location.