Help! My Phone Says 'Emergency Calls Only': A Traveller's Troubleshooting Guide (And How to Prevent It!)

You’ve just landed overseas, excited to start your adventure – only to see those dreaded words on your phone screen: “Emergency Calls Only.” Panic sets in. No data. No calls. No way to contact anyone. What’s going on?

Don’t worry – you’re not alone, and it’s usually an easy fix. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what this message really means, how to sort it out fast, and how to avoid it altogether with a travel SIM or eSIM tailored to your destination.

What Does “Emergency Calls Only” Mean When You’re Overseas?

That message means your phone isn’t connected to a regular mobile network – but it can still make emergency calls (like 000, 911 or 112). It doesn’t mean your phone is faulty, and it doesn’t necessarily mean your SIM is dead either.

In most cases, it’s a network connectivity issue, often something minor like a misconfigured setting or a temporary loss of coverage.

Do This First: Immediate Troubleshooting Steps

• Restart Your Phone
  It’s basic, but often effective. A quick reboot can force your phone to reconnect to a working network.
• Toggle Flight Mode On and Off
  Turn Flight Mode on for 10 seconds, then switch it off again. This resets the network connection and triggers a new search for available carriers.
• Reinsert Your SIM Card (Physical SIM Users)
  Take out your SIM card, gently clean it (wipe it with a clean cloth), and pop it back in. Make sure it clicks firmly into place.
• Check Your eSIM Activation (eSIM Users)
  Go into your settings and make sure the eSIM profile is active and hasn’t been switched off by mistake. Look for “Mobile Plans” or “SIM Manager” depending on your device.
• Manually Select a Network
  Head to:
  Settings > Mobile Networks > Network Operators > Search Networks
  Select a carrier manually. This is especially helpful for travel SIMs that work with multiple local networks.
• Enable Data Roaming
  Even with a travel SIM, data roaming must be turned on in your phone settings.
  Find it under: Settings > Mobile Data > Data Roaming – and switch it on.
• Check APN Settings
  Your phone needs the correct Access Point Name (APN) to connect to mobile data. Most travel SIMs and eSIMs set this up automatically, but it’s worth verifying.
  Go to: Settings > Mobile Network > Access Point Names
  Ensure the APN matches your SIM provider’s recommendation.
• Confirm Your Plan Is Active
  For prepaid travel SIMs, your plan may have expired or used up its credit. Log into the provider’s app or website to confirm.

Using one of our travel SIMs or eSIMs and still seeing ‘Emergency Calls Only’?
Please get in touch with our support team straight away. We’ll help you get connected quickly so you can continue your journey stress-free.

Why This Happens: Common Causes for Travellers

• Weak or No Coverage: You might be in a remote area with limited reception.
• Unsupported Network: Your phone may be trying to connect to a network that doesn’t support your SIM.
• SIM Not Activated: This is common with physical SIMs that weren’t activated before travel.
• Data Roaming Off: If using your home SIM, your provider may require you to manually activate roaming.
• Device Incompatibility: Some older or region-specific phone models don’t support international network bands.

The Best Prevention? A Dedicated Travel SIM or eSIM

Here’s the good news – most of these issues are completely avoidable with the right travel SIM or eSIM. Here’s why:

• Pre-Configured for the Destination: Travel SIMs and eSIMs are set up to connect to reliable local networks without the hassle of configuring roaming settings.
• Local Network Priority: They connect to the strongest available carriers in the region, offering better coverage and faster speeds.
• Clear Data & Call Inclusions: Know exactly what’s included. No bill shock, and you’re less likely to hit a limit without realising.
• Easy Support: Choosing a provider that understands travel means you’ll have dedicated help if anything goes wrong.

Don’t Get Stuck with “Emergency Calls Only” on Your Trip

A working phone is your lifeline while travelling – whether it’s for navigating with Google Maps, coordinating airport pick-ups, or simply checking in with family. Don’t risk being cut off without connectivity.

Browse our wide range of travel SIMs and eSIMs, all pre-activated and ready to keep you connected from the moment you land.

If you ever run into trouble, we’re just a message away – our friendly support team is here to get you back online fast.