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iPhone 11 unable to activate and is stuck in searching for service

So, I bought a second hand iPhone and replaced the display but the cellular didn't work and it couldn't be activated. Tried all of the existing support steps but they were useless. Then contacted apple support and they said something like: "iphone 11? go buy iphone 12." Then I got a new logic board, it worked fine and then I tried updating it to ios 17 and it's the same again. It doesn't detect any sim, recovery mode and updating with iTunes doesn't do anything and when I try to activate it, it has the message "unable to activate update required". Please help me.

Posted on Oct 15, 2023 8:23 AM

Reply
1 reply

Oct 16, 2023 10:35 AM in response to Luba008

Hi Luba008,


It sounds like you're having an issue activating your iPhone. If so, check out and clear the steps in the section "Before you begin" from the article here: If you can't activate your iPhone or iPad (Wi-Fi + Cellular)


Specifically the steps for contacting your carrier and completing all that's outlined in: If you see 'invalid SIM' or 'no SIM' on your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support


If the issue remains, test the steps below found in the first article shared.


"Follow these steps 

  1. Restart your iPhone or iPad.
  2. If you're using a cellular-data connection, connect to a reliable Wi-Fi network instead.
  3. If you get an error message on your iPhone or iPad that says the activation server is temporarily unavailable or cannot be reached when trying to activate, wait a few minutes, then repeat the previous steps.

If you still can't activate your iPhone or iPad, try again using your computer instead:

  1. Make sure that you have the latest version of macOS or the latest version of iTunes.
  2. Check that your computer has an internet connection.
  3. With the cable that came with your iPhone or iPad, connect your iPhone or iPad to your computer. Locate your device on your computer.
  4. Wait while your computer detects and activates your iPhone or iPad: 
    • If an alert appears that says "Set up as New" or "Restore from Backup," it means your iPhone or iPad is activated.
    • If you get an error message on your computer that says that the SIM card isn't compatible or is invalid, contact your carrier.
    • If you get an error message that says the "activation information was invalid" or "activation information could not be obtained from the device," use recovery mode to restore your iPhone or iPad."



If the recovery mode restore doesn't work as expected, contact Apple for your service options to have a technician check the hardware. Get Support


Cheers.



iPhone 11 unable to activate and is stuck in searching for service

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