How to Fix Unable to Activate iPhone an Update is Required [7 Easy Ways]

Part 1. Why is Your iPhone Asking for an Update to Activate?

First, what’s the culprit behind this frustrating issue? Here’s a look at some common reasons why an update is required to activate your iPhone.

• Unstable Network Connection:

Your device is connected to slow Wi-Fi or cellular data and cannot connect to Apple servers.

• Outdated Software:

Your iPhone has not installed the latest iOS updates. The older system version may not sync properly with the activation servers.

• Misplaced SIM Card:

Network details are essential for completing the activation process. Improperly inserted SIM card makes it difficult to connect with the carrier.

• Activation Lock is On:

Are you trying to activate a second-hand iPhone linked to the previous owner? Then, the activation lock can be the culprit.

So, that’s why an update is required to activate your iPhone! Now, let’s see how to fix it quickly.

Part 2.Effective Ways to Fix Unable to Activate iPhone an Update is Required

Ready to regain access to your iPhone? We have gathered the most effective methods, with stepwise instructions, to help you resolve this issue without any fuss!

Let’s explore these one by one.

Fix 1. Restart Your iPhone

If your iPhone needs an update to activate, restarting it is a simple solution. This will reset your iOS system and help resolve any minor glitches causing the issue. The process for restart varies for different iPhone models.

Here are the steps to restart your device.

For iPhone 8, SE, X and later:

• Click and release the Volume Up button.
• Press and release the Volume Down button.
• Hold the Power button until you see the Apple logo.

For iPhone 7 and 7 Plus:

• Long-press the Volume Down and the Sleep/Wake buttons.
• Continue to press until the Apple logo shows up.

For iPhone 6s and Earlier Models:

• Long-press both the top/side button and the Home button simultaneously.
• Keep pressing until you see the Apple logo.

Fix 2. Re-insert the SIM Card

Sometimes, a misplaced SIM card can be why an update is required to activate your iphone. This restricts your device’s communication with the carrier’s network, causing activation issues.

Here’s what to do to fix it.

Step 1. Power off your device. Then, look for a small pinhole on the right or top of the iPhone.

Step 2. Insert the ejector pin or a paperclip into the pinhole. Press it gently until the tray slides out.

Step 3. Take out the SIM card and inspect it for damage. Then, clean any dust particles from the tray and SIM.

Step 4. Place the card on the tray and insert it back into its slot. Once it clicks into place, turn on your device.

Fix 3. Reset Network Settings

A stubborn network glitch can prevent your iPhone from connecting to Wi-Fi. If your iPhone needs an update to activate, resetting network settings can help clear any glitches.

Here’s how it works.

Step 1. Open your iPhone’s “Settings.” Then, press the “General” option.

Step 2. Scroll down and tap “Transfer or Reset iPhone.” A new screen will open up.

Step 3. On the new screen, press the “Reset” button. Then, tap “Reset Network Settings.”

Fix 4. Bypass the Activation Lock

Facing the Unable to activate: an update is required error when setting up a second-hand iPhone? The reason can be the activation lock linking the device to the original owner’s ID.

But don’t worry! You don’t have to contact the previous owner to unlock it. Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) offers an easier and faster solution.

It lets you bypass iCloud’s activation lock with and without a jailbreak in easy steps. Plus, you don’t need a password to do it. Besides the activation lock, you can also unlock Apple ID and all types of screen locks!

Here’s how to fix the issue of ‘unable to activate an update is required’ using it.

Step 1. Download and install Wondershare Dr.Fone. Launch it and select “Toolbox > Screen Unlock > iOS.”

Step 2. Select “iCloud Activation Lock Removal” on the new screen to unlock your phone.

Step 3. A new window will appear. Click “Start” from here to initiate the process.

Step 4. Connect your iPhone to your computer with a USB cable. Review its details once your phone is recognized and click “Unlock Now.” Then, press “Got it” from the popup.

Step 5. A popup will appear. From here, click “Jailbreak Guide” or “Watch Video.” Then, follow the outlined instructions to jailbreak your device.

Step 6. Dr.Fone will start unlocking your device. You can see the completion message on your screen once the process ends.

That’s it! Your iPhone has bypassed the activation lock in just a few steps! Turn it on, and there won’t be any activation issues this time!

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Fix 5. Activate iPhone Using Mac

It’s possible that the activation lock is not the cause, and the message ‘unable to activate iPhone; an update is required.’ is still present. In that case, you can use a Mac PC to activate your iPhone.

Here’s how to do it.

Step 1. Press the power and home button to turn off your device. Keep holding until you enter the restore mode and the iTunes logo is visible.

Step 2. Connect your device to a Mac with a USB cable. Then, launch iTunes.

Step 3. Once iTunes recognizes your iPhone, it will automatically start the activation process.

Step 4. Wait until the process finishes. Then, click “Continue.” Select “Set up as a new iPhone” or “Restore from Backup” as needed. Follow the outlined steps to wrap it up.

Fix 6. Update/Restore iPhone Via iTunes

Another reason the update is required to activate the iPhone is outdated software. If you are stuck on the activation screen, you can update your device using iTunes.

Here’s how!

Step 1. Put your iPhone in recovery mode. To do this,

• iPhone 8 or later: Press and release the Volume Up button. Press and release the Volume Down button. Hold the Side button until you see a message on your screen.
• iPhone 7/7 Plus: Hold the Volume Down and Side buttons until recovery mode appears.
• iPhone 6s or earlier: Hold the Home and Side/Top buttons together until you enter the recovery mode.

Step 2. Link your iPhone to a PC and launch iTunes. A popup message will show up indicating a problem with the iPhone.

Step 3. Click “Update” to update your device without losing data. Alternatively, click “Restore” to factory reset and update it.

Step 4. Follow the on-screen guidelines to finish the restore or update process.

Part 3. Fix "Unable to Activate iPhone: an Update is Required" with Dr.Fone – System Repair for iOS (Best!)

If you want a single solution to tackle all issues restricting your iPhone’s activation, Dr.Fone - System Repair (iOS) is the perfect option!

It’s the one-stop solution for fixing all iOS issues with and without data loss. So, if software glitches are why an update is required to activate your iPhone, Dr.Fone will get it back into action in no time.

Moreover, it lets you update your device safely without jailbreak or iTunes. Have trouble entering the DFU or Recovery Mode? Dr.Fone can help with that as well.

The best part? It supports all iOS versions, including even the latest iOS 18. This ensures you won’t encounter compatibility errors while repairing your device.

Dr.Fone - System Repair (iOS)

Fix "Unable to Activate iPhone: an Update is Required"

• Only fix your iOS to normal, no data loss at all.
• Fix various iOS system issues stuck in recovery mode, white Apple logo, black screen, looping on start, etc.
• Upgrade and Downgrade iOS without iTunes at all.
• Work for all iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch, running on all iOS versions

Available on: Windows Mac

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Here’s how to use it to fix the ‘Unable to Activate’ issue.

Step 1. Download and install Dr.Fone. Launch it and click Toolbox at the top left. Then, select the System Repair tool from the main screen.

Step 2. Select “iOS" as your device type from the next screen. Then, click “iOS Repair” from the many options.

Step 3. Choose the repair mode from the new window. Select “Standard Repair” to preserve your phone’s data.

Step 4. Follow the outlined guidelines to put your device into recovery mode. Then, click “Enter Recovery Mode.” Alternatively, click the “Guide” button for instructions for an unresponsive or abnormal device.

Step 5. Dr.Fone will recognize your iOS firmware automatically after entering the recovery mode. Click “Download” to install the firmware version for your device.

Step 6. Wait for the download to complete. Then, click “Repair Now” to begin the process.

Step 7. Once the installation finishes, you will see the “Repair complete” message indicating a successful process.

That was quick, right? Dr.Fone offers an easy way to tackle system glitches and resolve the issue of ‘an update is required to activate your iPhone.’

Conclusion

That's all about how to fix "unable to activate iPhone; an update is required". While the issue can result from several factors, there are some easy ways to fix it. All the fixes are effective. However, if you want a safe and reliable solution, try Dr.Fone—System Repair (iOS)! It can resolve all software issues in a few clicks. Plus, if the activation lock is the culprit behind the error, Dr.Fone—Screen Unlock (iOS) can help you bypass it easily.

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4,624,541 people have downloaded it