My phone wont activate because it says it requires an update

Start with this support link→If you see "Software update is required to connect to your iOS device" on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support

If that doesn’t resolve the problem, Go to Settings/General/About and look at Modem Firmware. Is the entry blank? If it is you need to reinstall it by restoring the phone to factory settings, then restoring a backup. Back up the phone first, of course:

1. How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support
2. Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod to factory settings - Apple Support - follow the instructions to restore using your computer, do not using Settings/General/Reset (which is not included in those instructions)
3. Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch from a backup - Apple Support

If the modem firmware DOES have a value you may have a hardware problem. The first step is what I just posted, but after that you need to contact Apple support using the Get Support link at the top of this page.

Click ▶︎ Update your iPhone. 📲

Need more help?

• Call Apple Support at 1-800-APLCARE.
• International Support.
• Contact Apple Support.
• Chat using Messages.