Mobile Networks in Multiple Countries Display 'Stay Home' Message When Users Connect to Cellular Instead of WiFi

iPhone users in several countries who disconnect from WiFi on their devices will see a "Stay Home" message at the top of the Control Center where cellular network information is displayed.

stayhomeos

Image via Matt Navarra

According to reports on Twitter, the status bar messages are showing up in countries that include Germany, Belgium, United Arab Emirates, Peru, Turkey, India, Luxembourg, Romania, Indonesia, Nigeria, and more.

The message appears when WiFi is toggled off in the Control Center, causing cellular network connectivity information to appear, but it would also show up without turning off WiFi when leaving an available WiFi network and transitioning to cellular. No U.S. networks appear to be showing the Stay Home wording this time.

Countries where the Stay Home message is showing up are encouraging residents to stay inside and practice social distancing to minimize the spread of the coronavirus, with the text serving as a reminder.

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Top Rated Comments

dannyyankou Avatar
61 months ago

What’s next? Concentration camps for those evil non-compliers?
No but your grandma might die
Score: 56 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Emanuel Rodriguez Avatar
61 months ago

What’s next? Concentration camps for those evil non-compliers?
No, but I believe public ridicule is warranted for putting many of our loved ones at risk through completely selfish acts. If I ran a business, I would fire anyone not complying with the guidelines (if they have a choice). It's completely disgusting to care so little about your fellow human that you'd put them at risk like that.
Score: 26 Votes (Like | Disagree)
konqerror Avatar
61 months ago

thanks apple.
Nothing to do with Apple. It's an old GSM-era feature that allows the network and SIM card to set the operator name. It is used when networks rebrand, to show roaming status, to show a MVNO's name, etc.
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jclo Avatar
61 months ago

Very weird/interesting; do most people in these countries turn off WiFi when leaving their house? ?
Not sure, but it'd also show up if you disconnect from WiFi and transition to LTE when leaving the house. Turning off WiFi is just an easier way to see it.
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
AlyMourad Avatar
61 months ago
Here in Egypt it’s displaying whether you have WiFi on or off.

Some networks say “Stay Safe” and some “Stay Home“

Attachment Image
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jpn Avatar
61 months ago
love it.
this reminder is able to reach populations who should be more concerned - especially young people - in an in yr face way that is only slightly annoying. i consider it a kind of public service announcement.
thanks carriers who are using this, and apple for making great devices.
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)