[Solved-5 Solutions] ″Activation Error″ After iPhone Reset or Restore

Error Description:

Some iPhone users say that they get a "Cannot activate your iPhone now" prompt time and time again.

There are various errors possibility that will cause this activation error：

The SIM card we inserted in our iPhone is not supported. (iPhone says no SIM card?)
The activation server is unavailable temporarily.
iTunes can't verify our iPhone/iPad.
iPhone is not recognized.

Solution 1:

Remove and Reinsert SIM Card

Remove the SIM card in your iPhone and reinsert it into the card tray. Chances are, the SIM card doesn't contact well with the card tray, which is the reason why this activation error occurs.

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Solution 2:

Check System Status Page

Check the system status page from Apple and try later if there's any box that is not green.

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Solution 3:

Restart or Reset iPhone

Restart iPhone by pressing on the "Power" button continuously on the side. Then, we will get a popup asking us to "Slide to Power off".

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If the iPhone can't be restarted currently, we need to reset that: Press on the "Home" and "Power" button simultaneously at the same time for around 10 seconds. When we see the Apple logo, we need to release the "Power" button and we've entered recovery mode and we can reset iPhone. Follow this guide if you need to restore your iPhone from iTunes backup.

Solution 4:

Check Find My iPhone Settings

If we are asked for an iPhone password when activating, we can check if we’ve enabled "Find my iPhone" on the iPhone. Go to "Settings" > "iCloud" > "Find My iPhone" and turn off the toggle and try it again.

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Solution 5:

Network/Wi-Fi Problem

Sometimes, the activation issues might be caused by network connection. If we use cellular data connection, try turning on Wi-Fi connection instead by scrolling down to check the Wi-Fi button or go to "Settings" > "Wi-Fi" to enable the Wi-Fi toggle and choose the network.

Note: If the Wi-Fi connection doesn't change a thing, try connecting to iTunes.

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