Could Not Activate iPhone? Here are the Solutions

Part 1: 12 Methods to Fix ‘Could Not Activate iPhone’

If you meet above problems, try these 12 methods to fix it.

• Method 1: Go to check Apple System Status.
• Method 2: Retry after waiting for a while.
• Method 3: Check your network connection.
• Method 4: Connect to iTunes.
• Method 5: Use latest iTunes.
• Method 6: Check your SIM card.
• Method 7: Restart your device.
• Method 8: Restore your device.
• Method 9: Force to reboot your device.
• Method 10: Contact with your carrier.
• Method 11: Go to Apple Store.
• Method 12: Contact Apple.

Method 1: Go to check Apple System Status.

If your problem is listed there then what you can do is just wait. When the dot in front your problem becomes green, you can try again.

Method 2: Retry after waiting for a while.

Occasionally, Apple activation server might be busy, try to activate your iDevice after a while.

Method 3: Check your network connection.

Check if your network connection is stable. Try to change a Wi-Fi or use personal hotpot.

Method 4: Connect to iTunes.

Connect your device to Itunes to activate it. If you meet the problem in case 2 then ignore this method.

Method 5: Use latest iTunes.

Ensure your iTunes is the latest version if you fail to activate you device through iTunes.

Method 6: Check your SIM card.

Make sure you have installed a SIM card. Remove your SIM card and reinsert it. Or change a supported SIM card.

Method 7: Restart your device.

Sometimes, you may find that restart is a magical way to fix any problem.

Method 8: Restore your device.

If you still can't activate your device, you can connect it to the iTunes. Click the icon of your device and choose Restore from iTunes. Then try to activate it again.

Method 9: Force to reboot your device.

For iPhone 6 and older models, you should keep holding home button and power button at the same time until you see Apple logo appears.

For iPhone 7 and 7 plus, you should keep holding power button and volume down till the logo appears.

For iPhone 8 and later models, first press and release volume up button, and press and release the volume down button, then press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears.

Method 10: Contact with your carrier.

Ensure your SIM card is compatible and not invalid and ask for advice.

Method 11: Go to Apple Store.

You can order a support on website of Apple support, and go to nearby Apple Store that can provide support for help.

Method 12: Contact Apple.

If above methods can’t solve your problem, then you can contact Apple to report your issue.

Part 2: Use PassFab Activation Unlocker to Fix ‘Could Not Activate iPhone’

Still can’t active iPhone after trying methods above? Then try this PassFab Activation Unlocker. With powerful features, this tool can help you remove activation lock, fix activation error and could not activate iPhone. Just follow 3 steps after launching the software on your computer.

Step 1: Connect your iDevice to the computer and Click Start.

After reading the agreement and select Next, the program will recognize your device automatically and down load the jailbreak tool for you.

Step 2: Follow the guide on the interface to jailbreak your iDevice.

After the program reminding you that The jailbreak tool has downloaded successfully, click the Start Jailbreak button and follow the steps to jailbreak your device.

Step 3: Click Start Remove to remove activation lock and it will be done after a while.

Now, you can set up your device bypassing the activation. You can sign in your Apple ID in App Store or iTunes & App Store from Settings over Wi-Fi. Then you can download applications from APP Store and use them under Wi-Fi.

Part 3: FAQs about iPhone Activation

Q1: What does it mean when your iPhone cannot be activated?

It can be your iPhone goes wrong, or you network connection is unstable. Also, maybe the iOS system have some problems to be repaired, or your SIM card is not compatible or is invalid.

Q2: How do I know if my iPhone is activated?

Connect your iPhone to iTunes, if it prompts that Set up as new or Restore from backup, it indicates that your iPhone is activated.

Q3: Can you activate iPhone without SIM?

You can activate iPhone by connecting it to latest iTunes or using an R-SIM or X-SIM card. If these two all failed, you can try to jailbreak your iPhone.

Final Words

All in all, if you meet the problems we introduced in 3 cases or other activation issues, you can try 12 methods we mentioned before. Also we introduced a worthy Activation Lock Removal tool for you. With this software, you can bypass activation lock of your iDevce or fix activation error quickly and safe.