im trying to set up my iphone se but it keeps telling me to "approve the phone" ive tried all i can think of! any help please

STEP 1: When you update the iOS, skip "approve the phone" by pushing the button of Cancel. You can retry it later.

STEP 2: Complete the iOS update by following the instruction.

STEP 3: Make sure that your Two-Factor Authentication is ON at this moment by either of the following options: Option A) Read a notification email from Apple. Option B) On your iPhone, go to [Settings] --> [iCloud] --> tap your profile of Apple ID --> Password & Security --> Two-Factor Authentication

STEP 4: Turn OFF the Two-Factor Authentication. During this process, you will be required to reset your Apple ID (iTunes & iCloud) password. But no worries, no date will be deleted. If you received the notification email about the Authentication, you will find a link of "turning off the Authentication" in the email.

STEP 5: After completing the Authentication OFF, retry "approve the phone" by going to [Settings] --> the red flag. Without doing anything, your iPhone will be automatically and immediately approved. All set.

You can get the Two-Factor Authentication back ON anytime later if you wish.

Hope this helps.

Carol ..

You may have two factor verification setup > Get a verification code and sign in with two-factor authentication - Apple Support