Verizon goes down for MILLIONS across US with users struggling to make calls or send texts

Verizon experienced a nationwide outage this morning, leaving many customers unable to send calls or texts.

The outage began around 9:30am ET with customers reporting their cell service was completely down.

Reports showed that phones were stuck in SOS mode while others said they have data bars, but they still can't receive any ingoing or outgoing calls and texts.

Verizon has not informed customers why it's service has gone down and has yet to comment on the outage.

Verizon has more than 143 million users in the US - but the amount hit by the outage is unknown. 

People took to Downdetector, a site that monitors online issues, to report the outage on Monday morning in areas as widespread as Chicago, Atlanta, New York City and Phoenix. 

However, Tea Storm Chasers, a non-profit that chases storms and police scanner calls, said the outage is primarily impacting Verizon customers across the Midwest.

'Well over 100,000 customers are reporting issues with mobile phones,' the non-profit wrote on X. 

'We have had many messages about issues in the area as well. There is currently no ETA for full restoration of services.'

One Verizon user reported on Downdetector that they were able to get a few minutes on 5G if they switched airplane mode on and off, but then their phone returned to SOS.

SOS is automatically activated on all phones when their isn't cell service but is a distress signal that can still be transmitted to request immediate assistance in a life-threatening emergency.

An individual from Madison, Wisconsin also commented on Downdetector: 'In SOS mode. I've restarted my phone (iPhone 14pro), turned off cellular and back on & then it shows bars but immediately goes back to SOS.'

In Indiana, one Verizon user reported that their phone isn't working for just some calls and texts, but not all and suggested people do a software update if they can and use WiFi calling. 

However, another person commented that does not seem to be an option, writing: 'In Southern Illinois, we also are seeing no signal from towers (SOS on signal indicator). 

'What makes me think it's even bigger, however, is even connected through WiFi with cell connection turned off, WiFi calling and texting is not available.'

DailyMail.com has reached out to Verizon for comment.