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My iPhone message reads: update required to access cellular data. What can I do to fix the problem?

My iPhone 7 says it needs an update to cellular data. What can I do to fix the problem?

iPhone 7, iOS 15

Posted on Nov 17, 2022 2:03 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Nov 17, 2022 2:20 PM

As it’s an iPhone 7 first check this link→iPhone 7 Repair Program for "No Service" Issues - Apple Support


Next, try this→If you see a Cellular, Ultra Wideband, or Apple Pay Issue message after an iOS update or restart - Apple Support


And finally: 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.

10 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Nov 17, 2022 2:20 PM in response to Jewel2016

As it’s an iPhone 7 first check this link→iPhone 7 Repair Program for "No Service" Issues - Apple Support


Next, try this→If you see a Cellular, Ultra Wideband, or Apple Pay Issue message after an iOS update or restart - Apple Support


And finally: 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.

Nov 17, 2022 2:23 PM in response to Jewel2016

I assume that you are using the latest update for the iPhone 7, which is IOS 15.7.1. If not, that would be the place to start.


Settings > General > Software Update


If you see No Service, Searching, or SOS on your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support


Sooner or later you are going to have to call your carrier. If it were me, that would be the first thing I would do. Chances are the "update" that is required will be provided by the carrier.

My iPhone message reads: update required to access cellular data. What can I do to fix the problem?

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