This disclosure relates to techniques for network delaying cellular re-registration during critical conditions. A wireless device may register for cellular service with a cellular network. The wireless device may receive a configuration update command from a network element of the cellular network. The configuration update command may request re-registration of the wireless device. The wireless device may determine to delay responding to the configuration update command based at least in part on one or more conditions in effect at the wireless device. For example, one possible such condition may include if a protocol data unit session associated with emergency services is active at the wireless device.