An Update is Required to Activate your iPhone: If you can’t activate your iPhone or iPad
If your iPhone or iPad (Wi-Fi + Cellular) can’t be activated or an alert says the activation server is unavailable or the SIM card is unsupported, learn what to do.
Before you begin
- Learn what to do if you get an error message that says “No SIM” or “Invalid SIM”.
- Check the list on the System Status page. If the box by iOS Device Activation isn’t green, try to activate your iPhone or iPad later.
- If asked to enter your password as you activate your iPhone or iPad, enter the password. (A password prompt means that Activation Lock might be enabled in Find My iPhone.)
If you see Invalid SIM or No SIM on your iPhone or iPad
If you receive an alert that says Invalid SIM or No SIM Card installed, follow these steps.
- Make sure you have an active plan with your wireless network provider.
- Restart your iPhone or iPad.
- Check for a network provider settings update. Go to Settings > General > About. If an update is available, you’ll see a prompt to select OK or Update.
- Remove your iPhone SIM card or iPad SIM card from the SIM card tray and then put the SIM card back. Make sure the SIM tray closes completely and isn’t loose. If you use a SIM tray from a different model of iPhone or iPad, or from another phone manufacturer, it may not fit correctly.
- Try using another SIM card. If you don’t have one, go to your network provider’s retail store and ask them to test with another SIM card. You may need to replace your SIM card.
Follow these steps to Activate your iPhone
- Restart your iPhone or iPad.
- 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 or iPad 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 or iPad, try again using your computer instead:
- 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 or iPad, connect your iPhone or iPad to your computer. Locate your device on your computer.
- Wait while your computer detects and activates your iPhone or iPad:
- If an alert appears that says “Set up as New” or “Restore from Backup,” it means your iPhone or iPad 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 or iPad.
If you still can’t activate your iPhone or iPad, contact Apple Support.
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