An update is required to use cellular data on this iPhone

My iPhone 11 has no service and the cellular bars at the top is just searching. I don’t have the option of turning on cellular data because it only says the above message in my settings. I tried to update to iOS 17 but it only gets to “Verifying update…” and gets stuck there then I have to force restart my phone. I’ve tried taking out my SIM, restarting, and putting it back in. I’ve tried resetting my network settings. I’ve tried turning Cell Network Search on and off. Nothing works. This all happened suddenly two days ago and I’ve been limited to only using wifi since. If anyone can help, please let me know!

iPhone 11, iOS 16

Posted on Nov 12, 2023 7:51 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Nov 12, 2023 8:10 AM

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.

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Nov 12, 2023 8:10 AM in response to chrzrd

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.

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An update is required to use cellular data on this iPhone

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