Error "An update is required to activate your iPhone"

Question

Level 1

6 points

Error "An update is required to activate your iPhone"

Hi, I am trying to install a new OS, however, iPhone XR seems to become really bonkers over here. Does anyone know what could be the problem?

List of problems & things I have tried:

I lost the network on my phone
I went back to factory settings and cleaned up the phone
I tried to reinstall the OS, but this is what the Phone says (picture below)
I was able to connect to WiFi (but didn't get anything more than that)

Anyone know what could be the problem? Antena?

[Edited by Moderator]

Original Title: Unable to Activate - iPhone XR

iPhone 13, iOS 26

Posted on Sep 12, 2025 9:30 AM

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Answer 1

Branta_uk

Level 7

32,892 points

Sep 12, 2025 9:41 AM in response to bhav77virdi

What is the current state of your iPhone?

What do you see if you (try to) view the Home Screen? Do you get the unconfigured phone page ("Hello" and language choices) or is it something which looks like a usable iPhone where you can access Settings and menus?

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Answer 2

Sep 12, 2025 10:12 AM in response to bhav77virdi

Your tag line says you have an iPhone 13, running iOS 26. Yet you're asking about an iPhone Xr, which was released in 2018, 7 years ago. Perhaps a better explanation of what you're doing on what device would help. And please note, if you are trying to restore the backup of an iPhone 13, which is running iOS 26 Beta, you will never be able to restore the backup of that phone to an iPhone Xr, which will NEVER be capable of running iOS 26.

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Answer 3

bhav77virdi Author

Level 1

6 points

Sep 12, 2025 10:02 AM in response to Branta_uk

Hi Branta_UK, I can't even go to the homescreen, unfortunately.

I am stuck on that screen, I added a picture in my first message.

It says: "Unable to Activate"; in RED!!

:-( :-( :-( :-(

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