Iphone won't activate. What is useful to know

Useful tips

After iOS 11 is released and the security policy is updated, it is impossible to activate the flashed device. The problem may also occur on iPhones that have been reset to factory settings or not repaired by an official service center. Then after starting the device a message appears - failure iPhone activation 5s. Read on to find out what to do to resolve the error.

Possible reasons for activation failure

If the device has not been reflashed or repaired by unofficial service centers, the error may appear for the following reasons:

Check if the SIM card is installed correctly. Try using a different SIM card. To activate the device, a SIM card is required. Even if you do not have a contract for the provision of communication services.
Make sure your device is connected to the network. Try rebooting your smartphone, connecting to another Wi-Fi hotspot or use mobile internet.
Make sure Apple servers are available. This can be done using the official service. Often activation failure occurs after the release of an update for iOS and other large-scale changes in privacy and data security policies.
If an error appears when activating an iPhone through iTunes, make sure you are using the latest version of the program. You can check for updates through the Settings menu. If necessary, completely uninstall and download the latest version of the distribution from the official website.
Produce full reboot iPhone. To do this, press and hold the Power and Home buttons at the same time. Wait for the device to turn off and start it normally. If necessary, go to dfu mode(recovery mode) and reflash the device.

After this, the iPhone should work. If this does not help and you are sure that the device has not been repaired in third party services and has not been reflashed, then try using one of the methods described below.

If activation fails iPhone happened after resetting iOS 11 to factory settings, then do not try to solve the problem yourself. Contact an authorized service center for assistance or contact support at http://apple.com/en/support.

Rollback to iOS 10.3.3

The activation problem appeared after the release of iOS 11. If the failure appears after downloading new version firmware, then try rolling back from iOS 11 to iOS 10.3.3. Procedure:

Connect your device to your computer using the original USB cable and launch iTunes.
Download the required version iOS from another site. Try to use only proven resources.
Switch to iTunes and click on the smartphone icon (in the upper left corner).
Go to the review tab. On the left side of the window, click on the “Restore iPhone” button while holding down the Shift (for Windows) and Alt (for Mac) buttons on your keyboard.
In the window that appears, select the firmware file that you want to install on your iPhone. If it doesn't appear, make sure you're pressing the correct key on your keyboard.

Confirm downloading the new version of iOS and wait for the installation to complete. During the process, the smartphone may turn on and off several times. Once the firmware is loaded, the screen will display system notification. Only after this can the device be disconnected from the computer.

Beta firmware version

If you are using a beta version of the firmware, a message may appear on the screen with the text: “Your iPhone could not be activated because it could not contact the server or the device is not registered in the Apple Developer Program.” In this case, you must perform the following steps:

Using another smartphone or computer, go to "developer.apple.com" and log in account developer using your Apple ID and password. After that, register the device on the network and restart the iPhone.
If beta testing has completed (you can find out information at official resource), then you need to reflash the device with using iTunes(last iOS version available on the official Apple website).
If testing is completed, you cannot reinstall iOS using a computer, then you can “revive” the iPhone via iCloud (the method is only relevant if the “ Find iPhone"). To do this, go to the website cloud storage, log in to your account and remove it from the list of available ones. In this case, all user data will be destroyed.

The steps described above are only relevant if you are using a beta version of the firmware. Then a message will appear on the screen that the device is not registered in the developer program.

If the methods described above do not help, and when you try to update via iTunes, a system notification appears with the text: “The iPhone could not be activated because it was not possible to obtain information from it,” then most likely serial number, IMEI, MAC address or other device data does not match the official Apple database. Then, to eliminate the error, you need to contact the company’s official service center.

A screen that frightens users and displays the message activation error can appear for a number of reasons. Regardless of what exactly led to the “breakdown,” the user should know that the further scenario will require, if not repairs in the service, then certainly a system rollback and a number of other manipulations. Unfortunately, the more “dead” the smartphone model is, the less likely it is that the iPhone activation failure can be corrected. It is important not only to conduct an external inspection of the phone, but also to restore the picture that preceded the breakdown. This will help you understand why the iPhone activation failed in the first place, as well as what you should do next. It is likely that you will need to not only roll back (return previous version) changes made into the smartphone, but also to clean the device itself. However, it is fair to note that there is still a chance for the smartphone to be restored.

Why activation is needed

Before thinking about the question of what to do if the activation of the iPhone fails, some angry users will blame the developers from Apple Inc. for the imperfection of the device. Many Apple supporters have repeatedly seriously criticized the activation procedure as ineffective and problematic.

In fact, the process of activating a smartphone helps to personalize it and specify it to the needs of the owner. It is not recommended to skip this process, as this may later lead to data loss or disruption of the synchronization process. Therefore, the corporation strongly recommends that users go through the activation process every time the device requires it.

What is the reason for the failure

The most common are two specific problems iPhone activation failure. The first is the hardware, both the device itself and Apple servers.

If the user is asked to wait with the activation process until a certain conditional period, then it is quite possible that the problem is in the hardware. This happened when iOS update 9.3, when the company’s servers went down due to the simultaneous start of the download process from several million devices. This problem can be solved by simply rebooting during the least peak periods. I would like to add that technical support Apple promptly resolves platform load issues.

Modem malfunction

If the problem is hardware in nature, but Apple's servers are fine, then the problem is in the device. If the iPhone writes that the operation failed, but another device is updated without problems, then the issue is most likely in data processing specific device. Checking this is quite simple, just select the item with the letter “i” circled, after which it will become clear whether the device is capable of receiving data. This item also shows devices. If this is not the case, then the problem is almost 100% in the smartphone modem.

How to fix it

A hardware failure in activating an iPhone can be fixed either at a licensed service center for a fairly significant amount, or using homemade technologies.

The latter include common private services, but even in such an organization the technician will undertake to repair the phone with great reluctance. The more expensive the device, the more advisable it is to send it to a service center rather than try to solve the problem yourself.

Also, the reason for iPhone activation failure may be short circuit in the contacts of the board where the modem is located. In some cases, a sudden change in temperature can help, when the smartphone is suddenly cooled down or, on the contrary, heated up. However, such manipulations should be carried out at your own peril and risk.

Software glitch

In case of software failure we're talking about about the installation of suspicious software or the shell in general. In this case, saving the entire smartphone, as well as fragments of the system and user data, is possible only by rolling back all changes in the gadget to the previous version.

Therefore, it is recommended to perform these functions not only at the request of the software, but also independently. A system rollback can also be performed in a regular service, after which the chances of resuscitating the device are high. Otherwise, the gadget will also have to be sent to an official service, where the system will simply be torn down and reinstalled, which will also be expensive. Moreover, the owner will have to say goodbye to his files.

Several other reasons for iPhone activation failure

The iPhone activation procedure itself may be terminated for a number of other reasons independent of the software. Before going to the service center, you should first carry out a few simple manipulations with the device: check for a SIM card in the slot, rearrange it, and then try to activate the device again. It is also recommended to change the Internet channel. It is quite possible that the next device update is too heavy or that the data packet transmission channel is occupied by another gadget. Another option is to activate the device through iTunes. If this does not help, the service will offer to restore data, after which the device will automatically return to its previous state.

If the device is not registered

Failure to activate an iPhone on the network when the gadget and Apple servers are working properly can also be dictated by the fact that a beta version of the firmware was installed on the smartphone. In this case, upon release, already full version with corrections certain number devices may “fall out” of the register. In this case, you can fix the iPhone activation failure by going to the developers’ website, where the gadget will have to be added to the database manual ways by entering information. If this does not help, then you need to contact an official service center, after which the device will be working properly. If the iPhone says activation failed, then this is always a reason to contact a service center.

Sometimes it is difficult to say for sure why the iPhone activation failed. Some factors leading to an error may be interrelated. The owner can only be recommended to conduct a full external inspection of the device, after which not to resort to artisanal methods of restoring the gadget, but to immediately turn to professionals. Almost any instance of activation failure can be fixed, with the exception of a modem failure. Much more destructive are attempts by users to solve the problem themselves, after which the gadget can no longer be repaired.

There are many reasons why you might see a "Could not activate iPhone" or "Could not activate iPhone" error when trying to set up your iPhone. In this tutorial we will look at the causes of activation error and possible ways error fixes that will help you set up your iPhone

Apparently, many people are having difficulty activating their new iPhone X, so if you've encountered this error, know that you're not alone.

But activation issues are not limited to the iPhone X. There have been issues with people being unable to activate their iPhone after updating to iOS 11. Although this issue mainly affects the iPhone 5S or earlier.

How to fix the “Unable to activate iPhone” error

There are many other reasons why you might not be able to activate your iPhone, and we'll list them below, along with a number of fixes that should allow you to activate your iPhone. Next, we will talk about possible ways to fix the “Unable to activate iPhone” error.

Reasons why you can't activate your iPhone

Activation lock set

You may have trouble activating if the iPhone you're using is still linked to a different account iCloud recordings with activation lock. Next, we will look at the solution to how to fix the “Unable to activate iPhone” error in this situation when starting the smartphone.

Your operator may have a problem

In the case of iPhone X activation issues, they seemed to be mostly limited to AT&T and Verizon customers in the US.

The activation server may be unavailable

The Apple server that verifies that your device can be activated may be down or experiencing a high volume of traffic. You can check if the Apple server is located here LINK https://www.apple.com/support/systemstatus/.

Your SIM card may not be supported

The SIM card in your device may not work with iPhone.

Activation could not be completed

There may be problems connecting to the Internet or iPhone.

How to fix iPhone activation errors

Make sure your iPhone has a SIM card

You cannot activate an iPhone without a SIM card. Find out more about it here: How to set up iPhone without SIM card.

wait a bit

It is possible that the servers at Apple are busy (especially if there are new iPhone or update for iOS). Check server status Apple activation by visiting the status page Apple systems Here. LINK https://www.apple.com/support/systemstatus/

Remove the SIM card and reinsert it

It is possible that the SIM card is not seated in the SIM tray correctly, so insert it and check if this has changed. Now let's move on to other ways to fix the “Unable to activate iPhone” error.

Reset your iPhone
How you reset or reset your iPhone depends on the model. With older ones iPhone models you can hold the Home and Sleep/Wake buttons together for about 10 seconds. With iPhone 7 and 8 the process is different in that the Home button is a sensor that depends on the system and if software If the button functions, it does its job, so to speak. And with the iPhone X, the process is different because there is no Home button.

Unlocking the lock
The purpose of Activation Lock is to keep your iPhone and the data on it safe if your iPhone is stolen.

If the phone you're trying to activate has an activation lock, it may still be locked by a previous user (perhaps a used model). To disable Activation Lock, you will need to enter the ID and Apple password previous user or ask them to go into Find My iPhone and remove that iPhone from their iCloud account. Alternatively, you can call AppleCare or go to Apple Store, and as long as you can provide proof of ownership and Apple can confirm that it's your iPhone, they can remove Activation Lock for you.

Make sure you don't have a locked iPhone
If your iPhone is locked to a specific mobile network, you will not be able to use a SIM card from another network. The previous network must unlock your iPhone so you can use it with the new carrier's SIM card.

Check if your WiFi network is working

Try it alternative network Wi-Fi if you can block Apple servers are blocked (if you don't have WiFi networks, connect iPhone to your Mac or PC and use iTunes, see next step).

Try activating your iPhone through iTunes

Below are the steps you should take if you want to try activating your iPhone through iTunes:

Make sure iTunes is up to date.
Turn off your iPhone and connect it to your computer via a USB cable.
Turn on your iPhone and it should launch iTunes to open (or open iTunes if it doesn't).
Once iTunes detects your iPhone, it will ask you to follow several steps to activate your iPhone.
If it doesn't happen automatically, select your device in the left pane and you should see how to activate your iPhone.
Sign in to your Apple ID and click Continue.
Call your carrier

If none of the above resolves the issue, please contact your retailer for advice. And if they can't solve the problem...

Contact Apple

There may be a bug in your iPhone that is preventing you from activating it. Apple should be able to help or replace the iPhone if it's faulty and still under warranty. In this case, contact support.

conclusions

We hope you understand the possible ways to fix the “Unable to activate iPhone” error. If you know other solutions to this error, please write about them in the comment form.

After purchasing a fresh iPhone, iPod or iPad, or simply doing full reset, for example, to fix problems with the operation of the device, the user needs to perform the so-called activation procedure, which allows you to configure the device for its further use. Today we will look at how device activation can be performed through iTunes.

Activation via iTunes, that is, using a computer with this program installed on it, is performed by the user if the device is not able to connect to a Wi-Fi network or use cellular communication for Internet access. Below we will take a closer look at the procedure for activating an Apple device using the popular iTunes media combiner.

How to activate iPhone via iTunes?

1. Insert the SIM card into your smartphone and then turn it on. If you are using an iPod or iPad, start the device immediately. If you have an iPhone, then you won’t be able to activate the gadget without a SIM card, so be sure to take this point into account.

2. Swipe to continue. You will need to set the language and country.

3. You will be prompted to connect to Wi-Fi networks or use cellular network to activate the device. IN in this case neither one nor the other suits us, so we immediately launch on computer iTunes and connect the device to the computer using a USB cable (it is very important that the cable is original).

4. When iTunes detects the device, in the upper left area of the window, click on its miniature icon to go to the control menu.

5. Next, two scenario options can develop on the screen. If the device is linked to its account Apple records ID, then to activate it you will need to enter the address Email and the password for the identifier linked to the smartphone. If you are setting up a new iPhone, then of this message It can’t be, which means you can immediately move on to the next step.

6. iTunes will ask you what you need to do with your iPhone: set it up as new or restore it from backup copy. If you already have a suitable backup on your computer or iCloud, select it and click the button "Continue" to have iTunes proceed to activate the device and restore information.

7. On iTunes screen The progress of the activation process and restoration from backup will be reflected. Wait until this procedure is completed and under no circumstances disconnect the device from the computer.

8. As soon as activation and restoration from backup are completed, the iPhone will reboot, and after restarting the device will be ready for the final setup, which includes setting up geolocation, enabling Touch ID, setting up digital password and so on.

In general, at this stage, activation of the iPhone via iTunes can be considered complete, which means calmly disconnect your device from the computer and start using it.

On iOS 11 - a problem with which in Lately Many users of Apple phones face this problem. It manifests itself in the inability to activate the iPhone after resetting the content and settings or iOS reinstallation. Activating the phone via Wi-Fi user sees the message " . Your iPhone could not be activated because the activation server cannot be contacted". When you try to activate through iTunes on your computer, you receive an error message with the number 0xE8000013 or 4016, or the message "The iPhone could not be activated because it could not get activation information from it."

Why does iPhone activation fail?

There are three main reasons why the iPhone does not activate and displays a message about activation failure:

Problems with Apple activation servers

The most harmless option that may be due to the fact that at a particular moment in time the Apple activation server is indeed not available, as indicated in the error message. Check the status of web services Apple and if iOS service Device Activation will be unavailable, then the solution in this case may be to be patient and try to activate it a little later.

Hardware problems with iPhone

Activation failed may occur due to hardware problems with the iPhone. So, for example, if your phone has problems identifying a SIM card ( constant search network, regardless of whether a SIM card is inserted or not), the iPhone will not be activated. The solution to the problem if the phone does not activate, in such cases can be determined after diagnostics at a service center.

Problem activating iOS 11 on refurbished phones

More often iPhone activation error occurs among owners of refurbished phones. At the same time, here we are not talking about officially restored iPhones, which are produced under the control of Apple, but about Chinese handicrafts assembled devices. As a rule, such phones inside resemble a “Frankenstein monster” assembled from various parts. Very often, of the original components on such iPhones, only the processor board remains, and it may contain replaced components... Why do such phones most often have problems with device activation errors?

The problem is due to the fact that in iOS 11 Apple changed the rules of the device activation system. When activated, components are polled and compared technical information (UDID, Serial No, IMEI, MAC-Address etc.) with numbers in the official Apple databases. If for some reason (and for devices that are not officially restored, there are dozens of reasons) the information does not match, the device will not be activated.

How to protect yourself from problems?

You can check your device's serial number on the Apple website. If the test says "This serial number corresponds to a product that has been replaced" or the test displays information about another device that does not match yours in model, color, or memory capacity, your iPhone may be susceptible to an activation error. If you are the owner of a refurbished iPhone, it is highly not recommended to erase the contents of the device or restore the software on it through iTunes.

Is it possible to fix a refurbished iPhone with an activation error?

There is a solution. It consists of working with the memory chip and making changes to its firmware. This operation can only be performed by an experienced technician in a service center with good specialized equipment. Such repairs can be performed in our service center. Information on the cost and estimated time of completion of the work is presented in the table below.

However, the solution is not universal and will not suit every case. Since most owners of refurbished iPhones face this problem, it is possible to determine for sure whether we can help you only after inspection and diagnostics at a service center. We look forward to your visit and will be happy to help you solve problems with your iPhone!