When you see "Unable to Activate iPhone" on the screen after the first startup, factory reset, or iOS upgrade, it's understandable to feel anxious. After all, without activation, the iPhone is almost unusable.
Don't worry; this issue is not uncommon, and in most cases, it can be resolved with some simple steps. This article will systematically analyze the common causes of iPhone activation issues and provide several effective solutions to help you quickly restore your device to normal use.
Before trying to fix the issue, it's important to understand what causes the unable to activate iPhone error. If you are unable to activate your iPhone after a factory reset, the following are some possible reasons:
1. Unstable or Unavailable Network Connection
The iPhone activation process requires a connection to Apple's servers. If the current Wi-Fi signal is weak, the network is restricted, or cellular data is unavailable, activation may fail.
2. Apple Activation Server Temporarily Unavailable
When Apple's servers are undergoing maintenance, experiencing system failures, or when a new iOS version is released, and users rush to activate their devices, activation requests may be delayed or denied.
3. SIM Card Issues
If the SIM card is not inserted, is damaged, not supported, or if there's an issue with the carrier service, the iPhone activation process may be affected.
4. iOS System Issues
If an iOS upgrade fails or an error occurs during the restore process, the activation flow may be disrupted, preventing normal activation.
5. Device Locked (Activation Lock)
If the iPhone is still linked to the original Apple ID and the account or password is forgotten, it may get stuck on the activation screen.
After you know the reasons for being unable to activate iPhone 15/16/17, here are 9 proven solutions you can try to fix it.
If your iPhone won't activate because the activation service is unavailable or the server cannot be reached, it's best to wait. The issue is likely due to Apple's servers being down or overloaded, preventing the request from being processed. Give it a few minutes before trying again.
Is your iPhone unable to activate after you install your SIM card in it? The SIM card plays a key role in the activation process. If the SIM card has poor contact or fails to be recognized, the system may be unable to complete the carrier verification, resulting in the iPhone being unable to activate. For iPhones with dual SIM capability, ensure both SIM cards are securely inserted.
To check, use the SIM ejector tool that came with your iPhone to open the SIM tray. Then, inspect the SIM cards for any damage or dust. It's also a good idea to clean the SIM tray before reinserting the cards.
Performing a force restart on your device can often fix temporary glitches. It's a simple yet effective solution to resolve issues like the "an update is required to activate your iPhone" problem. Here are the steps:
iPhone 8 and later:
iPhone 7 / 7 Plus: Press and hold "Power" + "Volume Down".
iPhone 6s and earlier: Press and hold "Home" + "Power".
Network issues are one of the most common reasons for iPhone activation failures. Activating an iPhone requires a stable, unrestricted network connection. Make sure your device is connected to a reliable Wi-Fi network.
Sometimes, the "cannot activate iPhone" issue isn't related to your device at all. Apple's activation servers may experience temporary outages or maintenance, which can prevent the iPhone from activating.
To check if this is the case, visit Apple's System Status page to see if the iOS Device Activation service is functioning properly. If there's an outage, you'll need to wait until Apple resolves the issue before attempting to activate your iPhone again.
Activation Lock can prevent setup if the iPhone is reported lost or factory reset while still linked to the previous owner's Apple ID. To avoid this, check the iPhone's lock status using its IMEI number. If it's locked, reach out to the seller or original owner to have the iCloud account removed.
If your iPhone is locked to a specific mobile network, you won't be able to use a SIM card from a different carrier. To fix this, you should unlock the iPhone from the previous network first, allowing you to use it with a new carrier's SIM card.
If you're still unable to activate your device, try using iTunes or Finder. Before you begin, ensure that you have the latest version of iTunes installed. Once iTunes is up-to-date, follow these steps:
Step 1. Turn off your iPhone and connect it to your computer.
Step 2. With the device connected, power it on and open iTunes or Finder.
Step 3. Select your device in iTunes, and you should see "Activate your iPhone".
Step 4. Enter your Apple ID and password and click "Continue" to activate your iPhone.
If you're still unable to activate your iPhone after trying all the solutions mentioned in this article, reaching out to Apple Support or your mobile carrier's customer service is your best option. There could be a hardware issue preventing activation, but if your iPhone is still under warranty, you should be able to get a replacement.
If your iPhone still shows "unable to activate iPhone" after trying all standard fixes, the issue is likely caused by a deeper iOS system error. iOS System Recovery is a professional tool designed to fix iOS-related issues, including activation failures, without data loss in Standard Mode.
Main features of iOS System Recovery:
How do I fix unable to activate iPhone 15/16/17 without losing data? Follow these steps:
01Launch the program on your computer and connect your iPhone via USB cable. The program will automatically detect your device and display the interface. Then, click on "More Tools" > "iOS System Recovery".
02The program will automatically detect any issues with your device, such as being stuck on the Apple logo, Recovery mode, iTunes errors, screen problems, etc. Click "Start" to continue.
03Verify your iPhone's information. If it's correct, click the "Repair" button to begin fixing the issue. The program will identify your current iOS version and download the latest firmware for your device.
There are multiple ways of solving the "unable to activate iPhone" problem. You may follow any of the above methods to solve the problem. If the first few methods fail to work, you can use the professional method. The iOS System Recovery software was developed to fix iOS issues, such as being unable to activate the iPhone easily. With it, you can fix common iOS issues and bugs without a hitch and without data loss.
Related Articles:
How to Fix iPhone Stuck on Setting Up Apple ID? - 8 Effective Ways
How to Bypass iCloud Activation Lock on iPhone/iPad? Solved in 5 Ways
How to Activate iPhone Without SIM Card (The Last One Is The Easiest)
4 Best Methods to Factory Reset iPhone without Password/Passcode
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