This article explains how you can fix the “Unable to Activate. An update is required to activate your iPhone” error on iPhone 18 Pro or iPhone 18 Pro Max.
Several iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max users have reported this issue. Users have said that they run into this error with a “No Signal” in the status bar, a shutdown button and an exclamation mark after they reset or update their devices.
The error message further says “learn more at apple.com/support.” which is the URL of Apple’s main support page. This page does not offer any real help for this issue specifically.
If you are having an issue activating your iPhone 18 Pro after updating iOS or resetting your device, please try the following troubleshooting tips:
Please try each step until you resolve your issue:
1-Restart your iPhone. Press and hold either volume button and the side button until the power-off slider appears. Drag the slider, then wait 30 seconds for your device to turn off. To turn your device back on, press and hold the side button (on the right side of your iPhone) until you see the Apple logo. 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 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.
2-Remove the SIM card and put it back again. If your iPhone 18 Pro has a physical Sim, simply locate your SIM tray and insert a paper clip to pop open. To pop open the SIM tray, insert a paper clip or a SIM-eject tool into the hole beside the tray. Push in, towards your iPhone, but don’t force it. Apple explains how you can do this. And then re-place your SIM card. If this doesn’t work, then try to remove the SIM and turn off your device and now put the SIM in and then turn on your device.
3-Please follow the steps below:
- Restart your computer
- Make sure that you have the latest version of macOS or the latest version of iTunes.
- Check that your computer has an internet connection.
- Connect your device to your computer. Open the Finder on your Mac, or open the Apple Devices app on your PC. If your PC doesn’t have the Apple Devices app, or your Mac is using macOS Mojave or earlier, open iTunes instead.
- Open the Finder window on a Mac with macOS Catalina or later. Select your device in the left sidebar of the Finder window. Click General, then click Check for Update. Click Download and Update. Continue following the onscreen instructions. If asked, enter your passcode.
- Open iTunes on your Mac with macOS Mojave or earlier or on your Windows PC. Click the device button in iTunes toolbar. Click the Summary tab. Click Check for Update. Click Download and Update. Continue by following the onscreen instructions. If asked, enter your passcode.
- In the Apple Devices app on your Windows device, select the device in the sidebar. Select General in the sidebar. Select Update. You may need to first select Check for Update to see if an update is available. If an update is available, the Update button appears.
4-Update your Mac by going to Apple menu > System Settings > General > Software Update.
5-Please follow the steps below:
- Connect your iPhone to your computer
- Open the Finder on your Mac, or open the Apple Devices app on your PC.
- While your device is connected, force restart your iPhone. Here is how you can do that: Press and quickly release the Volume Up button. Press and quickly release the Volume Down button. Press and hold the side button until you see the “Connect to computer” screen.
- You will be presented with two different options: Update and Restore
- Choose Update and then follow the on screen instructions.
If nothing above helps you, you may want to live chat with an Apple support representative or make a Genius Bar reservation.
