"An update is required to activate your iPhone" error message even though iPhone is up to date

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Level 1

5 points

"An update is required to activate your iPhone" error message even though iPhone is up to date

Context: I have an old iphone XR and stopped using it since when an update or something (I have forgotten) some how rendered it unusable and now I have no way to reactivate the iphone.

I have reactiavated it once using my computer with a older version of macOS but since I was gonna give the phone to a friend I reset it again. (it did not reactivate after that)

Thus.. now

I put the phone in DFU mode and installed iOS 18.2.1 (22C161) multiple times since I suspected maybe the software was corrupt or something.

I dont have a sim card for the device but it should be able to be activatied by Wifi if Im correct.

Either way the WiFi route leads to a screen with only the shutdown button at the bottom avaliable and sayin

"An update is required to activate your IPhone."

followed by

"Learn more at apple.com/support"

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Posted on Jan 21, 2025 11:51 PM

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Answer 1

Jan 22, 2025 12:04 AM in response to BIOS308

It's not always the iOS update's fault! Many things can cause phone problems. If you tell people you think it's an iOS update, it might make it harder to fix or find a solution for the real issue.

Remember, the right question often leads to the solution!

Was/Is your device Jailbroken? If that's the situation, please be informed that attributing the issues to iOS updates may not be accurate.

iOS updates aim to enhance user experience, boost security, and fix bugs rather than disrupt core features. The majority of the issues after updates might stem from underlying, unmentioned factors. Updates won't typically alter personal data but may refine settings or features. Backup before major updates for safety. Review Apple's update details and backup advice for a smooth process.

Kindly consider checking your settings and addressing any device issues before attributing the issue to external factors. This could be a pure coincidence that the iOS update affected the iPhone functions.

Before initiating a standard iOS update, it's advisable to create a backup. Have you completed this step? If yes, proceed with the restoration from the backup.

See what each update does: About iOS 18 Updates, About iOS 17 Updates, About iOS 16 Updates, About iOS 15 Updates, About iOS 14 Updates, About iOS 13 Updates, About iOS 12 Updates, and so on...

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Answer 2

BIOS308 Author

Level 1

5 points

Jan 22, 2025 10:59 AM in response to SravanKrA

I haven't jailbroken the iPhone or atleast I think I didn't.

I just downloaded the signed iOS 18.2.1 from IPSW and installed using finder.

I dont think I created a backup since this phone has been like this for quite awhile now and I have reinstalled iOS multiple times (Idk if thats how it works).

The phone is currently not able to be setup/activated so I dont know how I can check the settings and as for restoring the device I tried the "update and restore prompt" when connected to my mac but when trying to activate again I could not.

I could also see if there is a possibility of something inside the phone being disconnected but I doubt that would be the case.

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