iphone not activated

Hi all - I'm in Ethiopia using an ethio telecom sim card for the last year on this iphone, which has been registered with them. It was bought new, factory unlocked. Yesterday it suddenly didn't connect with the ethio telecom network and I was getting the "iphone not activated, please contact carrier" error. I updated the software, reset network settings, obviously restarted several times and took sim card in and out. Nothing. Any ideas?

iPhone 7

Posted on Jan 21, 2019 11:11 PM

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2 replies

Jan 21, 2019 11:32 PM in response to risha272

I am not clear as to whether "SIM not Activated" or "Device Not Activated", however...


Follow these steps for Device Activation

  1. Check the list on the System Status page. If the box by iOS Device Activation isn't green, try to activate your iPhone later.
  2. If asked to enter your password as you activate your iPhone, enter the password. (A password prompt means that Activation Lock might be enabled in Find My iPhone.)
  3. Restart your iPhone.
  4. If you're using a cellular data connection, connect to a reliable Wi-Fi network instead. 

If you still can't activate, here's how to activate your iPhone through iTunes instead:

  1. Make sure that you have the latest version of iTunes.
  2. Check that your computer has an Internet connection.
  3. Open iTunes on your computer. With the cable that came with your iPhone, connect your iPhone to your computer.
  4. Wait while iTunes detects and activates your iPhone: 
    • If iTunes shows, "Set up as New" or "Restore from Backup," it means that iTunes activated your iPhone. 
    • If an error in iTunes says that the SIM card isn't compatible, contact your carrier.


  • Follow these Steps if error says "No SIM" or Invalid SIM"
  1. Make sure that you have an active plan with your wireless carrier. 
  2. Update your iPhone to the latest version of iOS.
  3. Restart your iPhone.
  4. Check for a carrier settings update. Go to Settings > General > About. If an update is available, you'll see a prompt to select OK or Update.
  5. Remove your SIM card from the SIM card tray and then put the SIM card back. Make sure that the SIM tray closes completely and isn’t loose. If you use a SIM tray from a different model iPhone or from another phone manufacturer, it might not fit properly.
  6. Try using another SIM card. If you don't have one, go to your carrier's retail store and ask them to test with another SIM card. You might need to replace your SIM card.


If you can't activate your iPhone - Apple Support

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201407

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iphone not activated

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