Apple often does its best to prevent devices from causing problems and aims to quickly solve the problems that users encounter. However, there is an ‘iPhone Inactive’ issue that can get pretty annoying when it happens to you. Because when you encounter the ‘iPhone Inactive’ problem, you cannot use the device and you have to work hard for some of the solution methods.
Don’t worry, the ‘iPhone Inactive’ problem is not unsolvable, but we have to say that you will have to work around a bit. When the device password is entered incorrectly repeatedly, this problem may occur due to the SIM card or GSM operator. The main reason is that the activation servers are not actively working. Let’s take a closer look at how to solve the ‘iPhone Inactive’ problem and see the methods you can apply.
What is the ‘iPhone Inactive’ issue?
The Apple Support page states that the reason for the ‘iPhone Inactive’ issue is that the activation servers are not used and SIM card-related problems. Some iPhone users say they’ve also encountered the ‘iPhone Inactive’ issue after repeatedly entering the wrong device passcode. There are some solutions you can apply depending on the cause of the problem.
How to fix ‘iPhone Inactive’ issue?
- Method #1: Check your SIM card.
- Method #2: Contact your GSM operator.
- Method #3: Restart the device.
- Method #4: Make sure you are connected to an active Wi-Fi network.
- Method #5: Reactivate with iTunes.
- Method #6: Use iPhone recovery mode.
Method #1: Check your SIM card:
The ‘iPhone Inactive’ problem is often caused by the SIM card. Make sure the SIM card is compatible with your device. Remove the card, remove any dust and dirt that may be on it and reinsert it. If the problem persists, you can try inserting it into different phones to make sure the SIM card is working.
Method #2: Contact your GSM operator:
If you bought a new line or moved your line to a new GSM operator, the ‘iPhone Inactive’ problem may occur. In such a case, contact your GSM operator. Some of the sources of the problem can be solved by remote intervention.
Method #3: Restart the device:
Turning off and on the device you are having trouble with is one of the simple but effective solutions. Turn off the device and keep it off for a while. Meanwhile, check your SIM card and card slot. Then start the device by inserting the SIM card. Most of the time this process will fix the ‘iPhone Inactive’ issue.
Method #4: Make sure you are connected to an active Wi-Fi network:
Sometimes the ‘iPhone Inactive’ issue can also be caused by the Wi-Fi network the device is connected to. Wi-Fi networks that do not offer a strong enough connection can prevent iPhone activation. If you are far away, approach your modem or connect to a reliable Wi-Fi network that you think is stronger.
Method #5: Activate with iTunes:
- Step #1: Make sure you have the latest iTunes version.
- Step #2: Connect your iPhone to your computer with a USB cable.
- Step #3: Open iTunes and choose your own device.
- Step #4: Wait for a while.
- Step #5: You see “Set as New” or “Restore from Backup” means iPhone is activated.
- Step #6: If you are getting a SIM card warning, contact your GSM operator.
- Step #7: Use iPhone recovery mode if you get a different error.
In most cases, connecting your iPhone to your computer and activating via iTunes will work. However, if you see “Activation information is not valid” or “Activation information cannot be retrieved from device”, you should use iPhone recovery mode as a last resort.
Method #6: Use iPhone recovery mode:
- Step #1: Make sure you have the latest iTunes version.
- Step #2: Connect your iPhone to your computer with a USB cable.
- Step #3: Press the Volume Up button.
- Step #4: Press the Volume Down button.
- Step #5: Press and hold the side button until the recovery mode screen pops up.
- Press and hold the Volume Down and Side button for iPhone 7, Side button and home button for iPhone 6 and earlier.
- Step #6: Open iTunes and choose your own device.
- Step #7: Click the Update button.
- Step #8: The software will be reinstalled without deleting your data.
- Step #9: If the process took more than 15 minutes or the device exited recovery mode, repeat the steps from the beginning.
- Step #10: You’re done.
Using iPhone recovery mode is the most effective method for the ‘iPhone Inactive’ issue. iTunes will attempt to reinstall the software without erasing your data, but you should consider possible data loss. If even that didn’t fix the problem, you should contact Apple Support.
We answered the questions of what is the ‘iPhone Inactive’ problem that makes iPhones unusable, how to solve it, and we talked about the solution methods you can apply. Do not forget that such problems can occur at any time, and back up your data frequently to avoid losing it.
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