This article explains how you can fix the “Unable to Activate. An update is required to activate your iPhone” error.
Before you begin
- If you get an error message that says “No SIM” or “Invalid SIM,” learn what to do.
- Check the list on the System Status page. If the box by iOS Device Activation isn’t green, try to activate your iPhone later.
- If asked to enter your password as you activate your iPhone, enter the password. (A password prompt means that Activation Lock might be enabled in Find My iPhone.)
Still need help? Use the next section.
Follow these steps
- Restart your iPhone.
- If you’re using a cellular-data connection, connect to a reliable Wi-Fi network instead.
- If you get an error message on your iPhone that says the activation server is temporarily unavailable or cannot be reached when trying to activate, wait a few minutes, then repeat the previous steps.
If you still can’t activate your iPhone, try again using your computer instead. Here’s how:
- Make sure that you have the latest version of macOS or the latest version of iTunes.
- Check that your computer has an Internet connection.
- With the cable that came with your iPhone, connect your iPhone to your computer. Locate your device on your computer.
- Wait while your computer detects and activates your iPhone:
- If you see an alert that shows “Set up as New” or “Restore from Backup,” it means your iPhone is activated.
- If you get an error message on your computer that says that the SIM card isn’t compatible or is invalid, contact your carrier.
- If you get an error message that says the “activation information was invalid” or “activation information could not be obtained from the device,” use recovery mode to restore your iPhone.
The error message further says “learn more at apple.com/support.” which is the URL of Apple’s main support page. This page does not offer any real help for this issue specifically.
If you are having an issue activating your iPhone after updating iOS or resetting your device, please try the following troubleshooting tips:
Please try each step until you resolve your issue:
1-Remove the SIM card and put it back again. Simply locate your SIM tray and insert a paper clip to pop open. Apple explains how you can do this. And then re-place your SIM card. If this doesn’t not work, then try to remove the SIM and turn off your device and now put the SIM in and then turn on your device.
2-Please follow the steps below:
- Restart your computer
- Open iTunes (make sure that you are running the latest version of the iTunes software. If not, update to the latest version of iTunes). If your computer is a Mac, go to Apple menu > System Preferences, then click Software Update. If your computer is a Windows PC, you may download and update it.
- Connect your iPhone to your computer using the USB cable
- Select your iPhone by clicking the iPhone icon
- Click Summary
- Click Update
3-Update your Mac by going to Apple menu > System Preferences > Software Update.
4-Please follow the steps below:
- Connect your iPhone to your computer
- Open iTunes on your Mac
- While your device is connected, force restart your iPhone. Here is how you can do that:
- If your device is an iPhone 8 or later: Press and release the volume up and then volume down button and then press and hold the side (on/off) button until you see the recovery screen below. Do not release the buttons until you see the recovery mode screen.
- If your device is an iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus: Press and hold the side and volume down buttons together until you see the recovery screen. Do not release the buttons until you see the recovery mode screen.
- If your device is an iPhone 6 or earlier: Press and hold the side and the Home buttons together until the recovery screen below appears. Do not release the buttons until you see the recovery mode screen.
Recovery Mode Screen
- You will be presented with two different options: Update and Restore
- Choose Update and then follow the on screen instructions.
5– If your device is an iPhone 7, Apple has said that a small number of iPhone 7 models may experience this issue because of a hardware problem. Apple explains the problem here in more details. Model numbers A1660, A1780, and A1779 may experience this issue (please note that you may find the model number on the back of your device). If you think that your device is also affected, then simply contact Apple. Apple may have to replace your device.
If nothing above helps you, you may want to live chat with an Apple support representative or make a Genius Bar reservation.