There’s nothing better than that feeling of unboxing a new iPhone. However, if you’re setting up either a used or new iPhone, you’ll need to activate it to get cell service.
The good news is that activation is part of the initial phone setup and should only take a few moments. However, you do have to activate a SIM card in order to use it.
We’ve put together this guide that will show you how to activate new iPhones quickly and easily. You’ll be able to troubleshoot any problems and work around any issues along the way.
We’re about to explain how to activate new iPhone models so you can start enjoying your new device.
How to Activate New iPhone in A Few Steps
Most of the time, it should be very simple for you to activate an iPhone. If you’ve bought the phone new at an Apple Store, cellular provider, or major retailers, it’s likely you already have a SIM Card installed.
If that hasn’t happened yet, though, you’ll have to insert the SIM card on your own. Power the phone off, then eject the SIM card tray.
You can do so by taking a SIM card removal tool or the end of a straightened paperclip and sticking the end gently but firmly into the hole on the phone’s right-hand side. Press in until the card holder pops out of the phone.
- Place the SIM Card in the tray and insert it back into the phone. Make sure that you have placed it in the tray using the correct orientation. The card and tray are shaped so that it should be obvious if you’ve done it correctly.
- You must have an activated SIM card from your chosen cellular provider. If you’ve bought a locked phone, you won’t be able to use a Sprint SIM Card in a phone configured for a Verizon card only. In this case, you’ll need to talk to your cellular provider. They can give you some additional steps that will help you unlock your phone.
- After this, turn on your phone wait until the Apple logo appears.
- Follow the setup process through the instructions provided on-screen.
- Apple will prompt you for a connection option, either Wi-Fi, or your telecom provider. You can either configure your Wi-Fi network or simply activate it using data.
- Apple will prompt you to sign in with your Apple ID. Activation Lock is a security feature used to deter theft. If you’ve bought a brand-new phone, you’ll have no problems signing in. If your iPhone is used, you may need the original owner to sign in so you can finish the setup. You can easily change your Apple ID later. Be sure to disable the activation lock if you plan to sell your iPhone.
- Depending on your data connection speed and phone model, your phone should be ready to go within a few minutes.
Finish the Activation Process
To finish activating a new iPhone, you’ll have a few options.
- Choose Setup as a New Device if you want the quickest and easiest option. You’ll have an absolutely clean phone with no data or apps installed.
- Select Restore Apps and Data from iCloud if you want to transition between devices. Be sure to select your most recent backup to make sure you have everything.
- If you don’t use iCloud, you can restore apps and data from an iTunes backup. Connect your iPhone to a computer with an Apple-approved USB cable. Make sure that it’s running the latest version of iTunes. Then, select restore iPhone.
- If you’re migrating from Android to Apple, you can use Apple’s Move to iOS app to sync a lot of your old data fairly easily.
Why Can’t I Activate My iPhone?
Sometimes, you may experience problems while activating a new or used iPhone. Here’s what to do if you run into any issues.
No SIM Card Installed
If your iPhone shows a “no SIM card installed” (or invalid SIM) message, you’ll need to make sure your SIM card is compatible with your phone plan and iPhone. If it is, you may just need to power the phone off and ensure the card is properly positioned in the SIM tray.
After doing that, insert the tray again and power the phone back on. If it isn’t compatible, speak to your cellular provider about your options.
Most of the time, your provider should be able to transfer your SIM card, although you may have to go to a store or wait a few days while the employees make the necessary adjustments.
Check Your iPhone Activation Status
You can also check to see if your phone has been successfully activated. Visit the Apple System Status website and check to see if there is a green dot next to “iOS Device Activation.” If you don’t see one, you’ll need to try activating your device again.
Connection Issues
Sometimes, you may not be able to activate a cellular data connection. This can be due to poor service or bandwidth restrictions. If you are having issues, try activating the device using a stable Wi-Fi connection instead.
Still Having Problems Activating Your iPhone?
Activating your iPhone should be one of the easiest steps when you’re configuring a new device. However, you might still run into problems for a variety of reasons. If this is the case, you’ll need to contact your telecom service provider, and possibly Apple as well.
In some cases, you may have a locked SIM card for one specific phone. Other rarer issues are also possible. Occasionally, Apple may need to replace your iPhone with an entirely new one.
Whatever the case, Apple employees are experts with these phones. If you’re having a lot of trouble activating your new or used device, you can be certain they’ll come up with a workable solution, one way or another.
Visit your telecom service provider, followed by an Apple Store with a Genius Bar. Between the two of them, you should have your device up and running in no time.
After you’ve successfully transitioned to a new iPhone, make sure you get the best value for your old one by selling it to Buyback Boss. We offer the highest phone resale value, guaranteed.
Selling your iPhone is easy with Buyback Boss. Click here to get an instant quote on your used device.
Then, print out your free shipping label and you’ll receive either a PayPal deposit or a check in the mail in as little as a few days. It’s that easy.
For all things Apple and iPhone, head over to our blog. There, you can check out a wide array of tips, such as how to transfer contacts between Android and iPhone, what to do if apps won’t update, and much more. With all these great Apple articles, you’ll soon become an iPhone expert.
