Apple

How to Fix iPhone 15 Activation Problems

Published

1 month ago

02/22/2024

If you’re setting up a new iPhone 15 or iPhone 15 Pro, and you’re unable to activate it properly, here are a few things you can try.

The first thing you should do is check and make sure Apple’s systems are up and running. You can do that over on the company’s System Status page.

If you see green next to iOS Device Activation, Apple’s services should be working normally.

You’ll also want to make sure your iPhone 15 or iPhone 15 Pro is running the latest version iOS 17. If there’s a software update available, you’ll want to download it.

If the activation process still doesn’t work, try these fixes:

Make sure you have an active plan with your wireless carrier
Restart your iPhone
Check for a carrier settings update. Go into Settings > General > About. If an update is available, you’ll see a prompt to select OK or Update

If you’re still having issues, you can try using a computer to activate the device. Before you do that, make sure your computer is connected to the internet and it’s running the latest version of macOS and/or the latest version of iTunes.

After you’ve done that, follow these steps:

Connect your iPhone 15 or iPhone 15 Pro to your computer
Now you’ll want to wait while your computer detects and activates your iPhone or iPad

If your computer shows you an error message saying the SIM card isn’t compatible or is invalid, you’ll need to contact your carrier for help.

If you receive an error message stating the “activation information was invalid” or “activation information could not be obtained from the device,” you’ll need to use recovery mode to restore the device.

At this point you may want to contact Apple support for assistance.

4 Reasons Not to Install iOS 17.4.1 & 11 Reasons You Should

Install iOS 17.4.1 for Better Security

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If security is important to you, think about installing Apple's iOS 17.4.1 update right away.

The iOS 17.4.1 update includes security patches, but Apple hasn't revealed them yet. It's probably waiting until it releases additional software for Mac and other devices.

The update's patches will help keep your device and its data protected from harm. And that makes it an important upgrade.

If you missed iOS 17.4 and older software, you'll get the security patches from updates you missed when you upgrade to iOS 17.4.1.

iOS 17.4 had four security patches on board.

The update also delivered quantum security protection for iMessage. The company says the upgrade gives iMessage "the strongest security properties of any at-scale messaging protocol in the world."

The iOS 17.3 update brought 15 new security patches to iPhone. The software also added Stolen Device Protection to iPhone.

It increases the security of your iPhone and Apple ID by requiring Face ID or Touch ID to gain access to passwords, make purchases in Safari, and more. This is useful if someone gets access to your iPhone and its passcode.

iOS 17.2 delivered 10 new security patches to iPhone. If you wish to find out more, you can head on over to Apple's security site for the details.

iOS 17.2 also included iMessage Contact Key Verification which improves the security of iMessage. The company also fixed an exploit that let the Flipper Zero multi-tool lock up iPhones.

iOS 17.1.2 had two security patches on board. Both were related to WebKit. If you want to learn more, you can do so right here.

iOS 17.1 brought 18 security fixes to iPhone. It addressed issues within Weather, Status Bar, WebKit, and more.

iOS 17.0.3 brought two patches for two security issues Apple identified within the software. If you want to read about the patches, head here.

iOS 17.0.1 delivered three important patches to iPhone. If you're interested in the exact nature of these improvements, you can read about them over on Apple's security website.

As for iOS 17 itself, it brought 40+ new security patches with it. A staggering number to say the least. If you want to learn more about them, head over to Apple.

In addition to those patches, iOS 17 brings some additional enhancements to privacy and security including improvements to Communication Safety beyond Messages.

It now includes content sent by AirDrop, Contact Posters in the Phone app, FaceTime, and the systemwide photo picker. You now have an option to blur out sensitive photos and videos before you choose to view them.

There's also an expanded Lockdown Mode which will help protect you against cyber attacks.

Apple's also improved sharing permissions and you now have more control over what you share with the apps on your device.

The company also notes that starting in iOS 17, Voice Memos encrypts the titles of recordings stored in iCloud, in addition to the recordings themselves.

If you skipped older versions of iOS, you'll get the security patches from those updates with your iOS 17.4.1 update as well.