Unable to activate iPhone without internet connection

This iPhone cannot be activated without an internet connection. You can try again, or activate by connecting this iPhone to a Mac or PC.


[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: unable to activate

iPhone 6s, iOS 15

Posted on Sep 11, 2025 12:56 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Sep 11, 2025 3:06 AM

Start here >>> If you can't activate your iPhone or iPad (Wi-Fi + Cellular) - Apple Support


If you are experiencing difficulties with activation of your iPhone, you may have more success if you connect your iPad to a Windows PC (with iTunes for Windows installed p or more recent Apple Devices App) or a Mac computer (with iTunes or Finder - as appropriate for the installed version of macOS). Once connected to your computer, your iPhone will be detected - and you should be able to activate using iTunes.


  1. Make sure that you have the latest version of macOS or the latest version of iTunes.
  2. Check that your computer has an Internet connection.
  3. With the cable that came with your iPad, connect your iPad to your computer. Locate your device on your computer.
  4. Wait while your computer detects and activates your iPad:
  • If you see an alert that shows "Set up as New" or "Restore from Backup", it means your iPad is activated.
  • If you get an error message that says the "activation information was invalid" or "activation information could not be obtained from the device", use recovery mode to restore your iPhone.



If you are having difficulty connecting to your home WiFi, a restart of your WiFi Router may also be helpful.


To restart you home router, disconnect power - then wait at least 30 seconds before restarting. When you router has rebooted (which may take several minutes), force-restart your iPhone:

Force restart iPhone - Apple Support


Should it be necessary to escalate your issue to Apple Support, the quickest route to engaging with Apple Support will be via the Support link at top-right or bottom-left of this page - or using this link:

Official Apple Support

2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Sep 11, 2025 3:06 AM in response to Shazad445

Start here >>> If you can't activate your iPhone or iPad (Wi-Fi + Cellular) - Apple Support


If you are experiencing difficulties with activation of your iPhone, you may have more success if you connect your iPad to a Windows PC (with iTunes for Windows installed p or more recent Apple Devices App) or a Mac computer (with iTunes or Finder - as appropriate for the installed version of macOS). Once connected to your computer, your iPhone will be detected - and you should be able to activate using iTunes.


  1. Make sure that you have the latest version of macOS or the latest version of iTunes.
  2. Check that your computer has an Internet connection.
  3. With the cable that came with your iPad, connect your iPad to your computer. Locate your device on your computer.
  4. Wait while your computer detects and activates your iPad:
  • If you see an alert that shows "Set up as New" or "Restore from Backup", it means your iPad is activated.
  • If you get an error message that says the "activation information was invalid" or "activation information could not be obtained from the device", use recovery mode to restore your iPhone.



If you are having difficulty connecting to your home WiFi, a restart of your WiFi Router may also be helpful.


To restart you home router, disconnect power - then wait at least 30 seconds before restarting. When you router has rebooted (which may take several minutes), force-restart your iPhone:

Force restart iPhone - Apple Support


Should it be necessary to escalate your issue to Apple Support, the quickest route to engaging with Apple Support will be via the Support link at top-right or bottom-left of this page - or using this link:

Official Apple Support

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Unable to activate iPhone without internet connection

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