We’re seeing a number of our readers reporting activation error, it is most probably because you had installed iOS 7 beta 6, which expires on October 6, which means it has probably expired or will shortly expiry depending on your timezone.
To fix the activation error you need to update your iOS device to iOS 7.0.2, which is the latest iOS software update.
Please note it is not possible to downgrade back to iOS 6.1.3 or iOS 6.1.4 as Apple has stopped signing the firmware file (except if you’ve an iPhone 4).
Here are some simple instructions to fix the activation error:
Update to iTunes 11.1:
Before we start, ensure that you have iTunes 11.1 installed on your computer. You can download it from here or Click on iTunes in the menu bar and then click on “Check for updates.” This is a mandatory step as iTunes 11.1 adds support for iOS 7, so please do not skip it.
Back up your device:
If you’re still able to access your device, then it is a good idea to back up your device using iTunes or iCloud.
Update to iOS 7:
Once iTunes is all squared away, it’s time to turn your attention to your iOS device and follow these instructions.
- Connect your iOS device to your computer using an USB cable. Wait for iTunes to open and connect to your device.
- Click on device button to the left of the iTunes Store button in the top right corner in iTunes.
- Download the iOS 7.0.2 firmware file using the links provided below, then hold down on the option key (Mac) or the shift key (Windows) and click the “Check for Update” button in the Summary pane. Browse to the .ipsw file you had downloaded earlier and select it. Alternatively, click on the “Check for Update” directly without using holding down on the Option key or the Shift key. It will download the iOS 7.0.2 software update and update your device to iOS 7.0.2. Note: If you need help in identify which iOS firmware file to download based on your iPhone’s model number, check this link and for iPad check this link. After you have figured out which iOS firmware file to download, click on the appropriate link below to download the file.
| iPad2(Wi-Fi) (iPad2,1) | 7.0.2 (11A501) |
| iPad2(AT&T) (iPad2,2) | 7.0.2 (11A501) |
| iPad2(Verizon) (iPad2,3) | 7.0.2 (11A501) |
| iPad2,4 (iPad2,4) | 7.0.2 (11A501) |
| iPad2,5 (iPad2,5) | 7.0.2 (11A501) |
| iPad2,6 (iPad2,6) | 7.0.2 (11A501) |
| iPad2,7 (iPad2,7) | 7.0.2 (11A501) |
| iPad3,1 (iPad3,1) | 7.0.2 (11A501) |
| iPad3,2 (iPad3,2) | 7.0.2 (11A501) |
| iPad3,3 (iPad3,3) | 7.0.2 (11A501) |
| iPad3,4 (iPad3,4) | 7.0.2 (11A501) |
| iPad3,5 (iPad3,5) | 7.0.2 (11A501) |
| iPad3,6 (iPad3,6) | 7.0.2 (11A501) |
| iPhone4 (iPhone3,1) | 7.0.2 (11A501) |
| iPhone3,2 (iPhone3,2) | 7.0.2 (11A501) |
| iPhone4(Verizon) (iPhone3,3) | 7.0.2 (11A501) |
| iPhone4S (iPhone4,1) | 7.0.2 (11A501) |
| iPhone5,1 (iPhone5,1) | 7.0.2 (11A501) |
| iPhone5,2 (iPhone5,2) | 7.0.2 (11A501) |
| iPhone5,3 (iPhone5,3) | 7.0.2 (11A501) |
| iPhone5,4 (iPhone5,4) | 7.0.2 (11A501) |
| iPhone6,1 (iPhone6,1) | 7.0.2 (11A501) |
| iPhone6,2 (iPhone6,2) | 7.0.2 (11A501) |
| iPodTouch(5G) (iPod5,1) | 7.0.2 (11A501) |
- Do not disconnect your device until the update has finished.
- If necessary, restore your device from the previous backup and sync with iTunes.
That’s it. Your iOS device should be successfully updated to iOS 7.0.2 and you should no longer get the activation error.
Let me know how it goes and feel free to leave a comment if you’ve any issues.
