How to Fix Unable to Activate iPhone 16/15 Issue

Issue: Unable to activate iPhone 16/15

Encountering difficulties while setting up new iPhone 16/15 and receiving an Activation Error message stating that your iPhone cannot be activated?

Here are a few variations of the messages you might encounter:
• "Unable to Activate. An update is required to activate your iPhone."
• "Unable to Activate. Your iPhone could not be activated because the activation server cannot be reached."
• Additionally, some users may find themselves stuck on the screen that reads, "It may take a few minutes to activate your iPhone."

When your iPhone 16/15 fails to activate, it signifies that the device is not being properly configured for use. This is a common issue that surfaces from time to time. Remember, you're not alone in experiencing this challenge. There's no need to excessively fret, as there are potential solutions available to help you address the "unable to activate iPhone 16/15" problem.

Why you meet iPhone 16/15 activation issue

Understanding the root cause of the issue is the key to finding its solution. Here are a few potential reasons why the "iPhone 15 unable to activate" error might occur:
⛔ Weak Internet connection.
⛔ Incorrectly inserted SIM cards.
⛔ Your iPhone might still be locked to the previous carrier.
⛔ Temporary unavailability of the activation server.

Fixes to unable to activate iPhone 16/15 problem

iPhone 15 not activating problem can occur due to one or two reasons. You can try the following solutions in turn to troubleshoot the iPhone 15 activation issues.

Tip 1. Check Apple System Status

First of all, go to check the Apple System Status. It is a support page that shows real-time information related to the services offered. Find iOS Device Activation and check its status.

If it is not green, it indicates an issue with the activation process. In this scenario, it's advisable to await Apple's resolution for the matter. On the other hand, if the color does appear green, this indicates the server's operational status is normal. At this juncture, you can proceed to explore alternative solutions.

Tip 2. Check SIM card

Activating an iPhone necessitates the presence of a SIM card, as its absence will lead to encountering the issue of being unable to activate the iPhone. It is crucial to verify the proper insertion of SIM cards into your iPhone. To achieve this, extract the SIM card tray and inspect whether the cards have been correctly positioned.

Tip 3. Check Internet connection

The occurrence of the "Unable to activate iPhone 15" error is often linked to inadequate internet connectivity. Whether you're reliant on a cellular network or Wi-Fi, it's imperative to ensure that the signal strength remains robust and dependable. Nevertheless, opting for a Wi-Fi connection is the more advisable route as compared to relying solely on cellular data.

Tip 4. Force restart your iPhone

Engaging in a force restart can prove effective in resolving certain glitches that might be responsible for the activation problems encountered with your iPhone 15.

Initiate this process by pressing and promptly releasing the volume Up button, followed by pressing and swiftly releasing the volume Down button. Subsequently, press and hold the Side button. Once the Apple logo becomes visible, release the button in question.

Tip 5. Activate iPhone with iTunes

When you are facing some iOS issues such as “iPhone 15 won’t turn on”, “unable to activate iPhone 15”, and more, you have the option of utilizing iTunes to facilitate the activation of your iPhone 15.

Step 1. Download and install the latest version of iTunes on your computer.

Step 2. Turn off your iPhone and connect it to computer via USB cable.

Step 3. Launch iTunes and turn on your iPhone.

Step 4. When iTunes detects your iPhone, the “Activate your iPhone” window will appear.

Step 5. Enter your Apple ID and passcode > Click Continue to start the activation.

Upon successful activation of your iPhone, a set of choices will become available, including the options "Set as New" or "Restore from Backup".

Tip 6. Contact carrier

What remains evident is that attempting to activate your iPhone with a SIM card from a different carrier will undoubtedly result in activation failure. To rectify this, you have two courses of action: you can either replace the SIM card with one that corresponds to the current carrier, or alternatively, reach out to the carrier and request them to unlock your iPhone.

Tip 7. Contact Apple

If all the aforementioned strategies have been exhausted without successfully activating your iPhone 15, and the issue persists, consider reaching out to Apple's online support or visiting an Apple Store in person. This will afford you the opportunity to engage with professionals who can thoroughly assess and address the situation.

Bonus: An easy way to transfer data to new iPhone 16/15 without backup

Subsequent to the activation process, the next step is to transfer data to your iPhone 15.
>> If your prior device was an Android, a seamless data migration to iPhone 15 is attainable via the Move to iOS app.
>> If you are upgrading from a previous iPhone model, you have the option to either set up new iPhone from backup or perform a direct data transfer.

Apple offers a comprehensive method to facilitate complete data transfer, yet it doesn't accommodate selective transfer. Moreover, media content such as songs are excluded from the transfer process.

For personalized data transfers, a professional iPhone data transfer tool is needed. FoneTool stands out as an apt solution for this purpose. FoneTool enables full and selective data transfers, encompassing media files, between two iPhones or between an iPhone and a computer.

FoneTool Free Download

Transfer all content and settings
The iPhone to iPhone transfer function can help you transfer all content and settings with one click.

• Open FoneTool > Connect both old iPhone and new iPhone 15 to computer via USB cables.

• Choose Phone Transfer > Go to iPhone to iPhone and click Start Transfer.

• Confirm the source iPhone and the target iPhone > Enable backup encryption > Click Start Transfer.

Transfer specific data
Using iPhone to PC/PC to iPhone transfer functions, you can selectively transfer photos, videos, music, contacts, messages, etc. It will be a nice choice if you need to transfer data from iPhone to iPhone after setup.

• Open FoneTool and plug in old iPhone.

• Click Phone Transfer > Go to iPhone to PC and click Start Transfer.

• Click the plus icon > Choose the data you need > Select a path to save the data from Transfer Settings > Click Start Transfer to confirm.

• When the transfer is completed, unplug old iPhone and plug in iPhone 15.

• Choose PC to iPhone instead > Click anywhere in the box to select the data you want to transfer > Click Start Transfer to add them to new iPhone 15.

Final words

We trust that you'll overcome the "unable to activate iPhone 15" issue and embark on your journey with your new iPhone 15.

Should concerns persist regarding potential activation interruptions, consider minimizing activation time and, post-setup, download FoneTool for swift data transfer between iPhones. For inquiries or feedback, don't hesitate to reach out to us.