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The massive Verizon service outage that left over 1.5 million customers in "SOS mode" on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, has finally been resolved. After a grueling 10-hour blackout that affected users across the U.S., including major hubs like Florida, the network is officially back online.
Is Verizon Service Back?
Yes. Verizon confirmed late Wednesday night (10:30 p.m. ET) that the issue has been fixed. However, many users are still seeing the dreaded "SOS" or "No Service" icon on their status bars.
The Fix: If your phone isn't reconnecting, Verizon officially recommends restarting your device. Simply turn it off and back on to refresh the network connection.
[URGENT: Check Your Line Eligibility for the Verizon $25-$50 Service Credit Here]
Will You Get Paid for the Inconvenience?
Verizon has publicly apologized for the disruption, stating, "Today, we let many of our customers down." The Good News: Verizon announced on X (formerly Twitter) that account credits will be provided to those impacted by the outage. Details will be sent directly to customers via email or account notifications in the coming days. Don't miss out on your refund!
What Caused the 10-Hour Blackout?
While many feared a cyberattack, Verizon stated there is no indication of a hack. However, the event was so significant that the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) has launched an investigation to find out exactly what went wrong with the nationwide connectivity.
What Does "SOS" on Your Phone Mean?
If you saw "SOS" or "SOS Only," it means your phone couldn't find your carrier's network but could still reach emergency services via other available networks.
Pro Tip for Future Outages:
- iPhone 8 or newer: Press and hold the side button + volume button for the Emergency SOS slider.
- iPhone 7 or older: Rapidly press the side/top button 5 times.
- AT&T poked fun at Verizon on X, reminding everyone that their network was "solid."
- Krispy Kreme offered a "sweet backup plan" with free Original Glazed doughnuts for those who couldn't make calls.
[REVEALED: 3 Secret Settings to Keep Your Data Working During a Network Outage]
The Funny Side of the Outage
While customers were frustrated, competitors and brands had some fun:
