An update is an inevitable part of a smartphone. Update not only upgrades the operating system of your phone but also improves the security system along with introducing new features that make smartphone use quite easy. iPhone users get regular iOS updates, however, these updates sometimes come with an error that halts iPhone use. If you are someone dealing with the same issue, then you have come to the right place for the answers. We have got you covered with our helpful guide that will enlighten you about fixes for an update is required to activate iPhone problem. So, let us begin by knowing what causes this unable to activate iPhone an update is required issue and ways to fix it.

Ways to Fix An Update is Required to Activate iPhone

Not just one but many reasons cause unable to activate iPhone problem after an update. Let us discuss them briefly in the points mentioned below:

• Improperly inserted SIM card or SIM card not supported by iPhone
• Network instability or when iPhone cannot connect to the network
• Activation inability due to congestion or busy network
• The activation lock is not disabled
• Internet connectivity issue with the device
• Failed iTunes verification of the iPhone
• The device is locked by the old user

For users looking for methods to fix Unable to activate iPhone 100 issue, we have perfect solutions for you that are simple and effective, so let us begin with them:

Note: Since Smartphones do not have the same settings option, and they vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, hence ensure the correct settings before changing any. The following steps were performed on iPhone 13.

Method 1: Visit Apple Status Page

The first thing that you can do to resolve unable to activate iPhone an update is required issue is by checking the official Apple Status Page to see if the Apple servers are behind the problem. If the servers are down, they can be the reason behind the inability to activate iPhone. If this is the case, then wait for the server to become less busy.

Method 2: Reinsert SIM Card

If the above-mentioned method of checking the servers didn’t work for you then another simple way to resolve the issue is by reinserting the SIM card in your iPhone. Your SIM card might not be placed properly in the slot, so begin by placing it correctly with the help of the following steps:

1. Locate the SIM tray on your iPhone and insert a pin in the hole to open the tray.

2. Take the SIM card out of the tray.

3. Now, place the SIM card properly in it again and push back the tray inside the phone.

4. Next, turn on your iPhone to check if Unable to activate iPhone 100 error has been resolved.

Also Read: How to Check Someone’s Location on iPhone

Method 3: Restart iPhone

The next method to apply if you are still unable to activate iPhone 100 is to restart iPhone. This can be done in different ways depending upon your iPhone mode. This step is usually used in cases where there is a minor glitch, bugs or conflicts within the iPhone. So, try the steps given below to restart your iPhone:

1. Hold the Power and Volume up/down buttons of your iPhone.

2. Next, slide to power off the iPhone.

3. Once the iPhone is turned off, turn it on again by pressing the Power button of your iPhone.

In case you have a different iPhone mode, you can check how to force restart iPhone from the official Apple website.

Method 4: Troubleshoot Network Connection

Another way to make sure you don’t face the unable to activate iPhone problem is by checking the network connection. If your network is blocking your iPhone from working on a few ports, you can face the said issue.

1. Open Settings on your iPhone.

2. Tap on Wi-Fi.

3. Then, tap on a new connection under NETWORKS.

4. Connecting to a new and reliable connection helps in restoring iPhone activity and helps to resolve unable to activate iPhone an update is required error.

Also Read: How to Split Screen on iPhone

Method 5: Verify iPhone Locked or Not

If trying the above methods has not helped you out in any way and you are still struggling with unable to activate iPhone an update is required issue, then your iPhone may be locked. Checking it is essential because if you have recently bought your iPhone from someone then the probability that the activation lock is on is quite high. To ensure this is not the case, check our guide on How do I know if my phone is unlocked.

Method 6: Activate iPhone via iTunes

If you are still struggling to activate your iPhone via the methods given above, it is time that you try to reactivate your iPhone via iTunes and resolve an update is required to activate iPhone issue. Even if you do not have a SIM card, you can activate your iPhone using iTunes.

Note: Ensure that you have an updated version of iTunes on your computer.

1. Connect your iPhone to your PC.

2. Launch iTunes and locate your iPhone.

3. Once iTunes detects your iPhone, it will start to activate.

4. If not, click on the Activate your iPhone option on the left side of the iTunes interface.

5. Log in with your Apple ID and Password to complete the activation process.

Also Read: How to Control iPhone using Windows PC

Method 7: Use Recovery Mode

Using recovery mode on your iPhone is another way that can help you with an update is required to activate iPhone error. Recovery mode will rule out any possibility that might cause the issue on your iPhone.

Note: Back up your iPhone data before performing the steps given below and use the latest version of iTunes.

1. Connect your iPhone to your PC/laptop.

2. Open the iTunes app on your system.

3. Once iTunes detects your iPhone, restart your device.

4. Go to recovery mode, now select the Update option, and follow the on-screen instructions.

You can learn more about how to put iPhone in Recovery Mode from the official Apple website.

Also Read: How to Make Find My iPhone Say No Location Found

Method 8: Contact Apple Support

If recovery mode did not help you in resolving an update is required to activate iPhone problem, then you must contact officials for help. In such a case, Apple Support Team helps a lot in easily understanding your problem and fixing it professionally.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. How can I update my iPhone to activate it?

Ans. You can update your iPhone to activate it by connecting it to iTunes. When your device is detected by iTunes, it will prompt it to install the update.

Q2. How long does it usually take to activate an iPhone?

Ans. It usually takes about 2-3 minutes to activate an iPhone. If it takes longer than that, you might need to contact Apple Care.

Q3. Why is my iPhone activation taking so long?

Ans. If your iPhone is taking a long time to activate it might be due to a faulty SIM card. In such a case, you are suggested to change your SIM card or get a new one from your carrier.

Q4. Why do I keep seeing an update required to activate your iPhone error?

Ans. Seeing the error an update is required to activate your iPhone has many reasons behind it, including, a weak internet connection, a glitch with iTunes not detecting iPhone, an improperly placed SIM card, unavailable server due to traffic, and if the iPhone is locked by the previous user.

Q5. Can I force iPhone activation?

Ans. Yes, you can certainly force to activate your iPhone by switching it off manually which is described well in method 3 above.

Recommended:

We hope that our guide helped you in every way possible with fixing an update is required to activate iPhone issue. If yes, then let us know which one of the methods was the most informative. If you have any queries or valuable suggestions to impart to us, please leave them down in the comments section below.