By Achilles Hill | Last Updated
Sometimes, after you update the iOS version, you will get the message “An update is required to use cellular data on this iPhone”. Why this would happen to your iPhone? It may because the defected iOS version on your iPhone or you places the SIM card incorrectly. The bugged network settings would also lead to this error. Now that we know the reasons for this error, how can we fix this issue? You can get the effective solutions in this article.
1. Software updates. Is your iOS already an antique? I think you should bring it up to date. Apple releases software updates that, if not installed in a timely manner, can lead to compatibility issues with your device's cellular network.
2. SIM card or server issues. A dislodged or damaged SIM card or other connectivity issues, such as a provider's server crash, may cause iPhone to show that "an update is required to use Cellular data" message.
3. Incorrect network settings. Wrong APN settings or conflicting network profiles can trigger a message that cellular data is unavailable.
Outdated carrier settings can lead to this error –an update is required to use cellular on this iPhone. So you can go to check the carrier settings and update it.
Firstly, open your iPhone and then tap Settings app. Then tap General and the About option in the following screen. After that, if there is new update available, you can click the Update button to update the carrier settings. During this process, you need to make sure the iPhone is network connected.
If you have recently dropped your phone on the ground (or other similar situations) and your iPhone can't use cellular data at this time, then you should consider that this could be the result of a loose SIM card.
Additionally, not cleaning the card slot for a long time may cause dust to accumulate inside, which in turn may affect the device to recognize the SIM card. This is when you need to open the card slot using the “SIM Ejector Pin” and check it. After cleaning the slot and double-checking that the SIM card is not damaged, reinsert the SIM card and make sure it is firmly inserted. Then turn on the iPhone and test if the cellular network is available.
Tip: SIM card errors include "An update is required to activate your iPhone", you can get some fixes from this guide.
If this error message is caused by the bugged network settings, you can solve it by resetting the network settings.
After opening the iPhone, you can tap Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings. If you set the iPhone passcode, you will be asked to enter the passcode and then reset it.
If your iPhone is not updated to the latest version, this prompt might come. You should update the iPhone’s system to the newest version. Here, iSunshare iOS Repair Genius enables users to update the iOS version in clicks.
Step 1: Get the software on your computer and open it. Then click iOS Upgrade/Downgrade to move forward.
Step 2: Click the Upgrade iOS option on the left side.
Step 3: Get your iPhone connected to the computer and hit the Next button.
Step 4: To update the iOS version, you need to download the firmware package for your iPhone. The software will detect the firmware for your iPhone. What you need to do is click the Download button.
Step 5: Once the firmware package downloading is complete, press the Start button and the system upgrade process will start in no time. Minutes later, the issue is fixed and restarted with no data loss. Now you can check whether the cellular data can be used or not.
To fix an update is required to use cellular data on this iPhone issue; you can do a factory restore using iTunes. And it is necessary for you to backup the iPhone data before restoring it.
Step 1: Connect the iPhone to a computer via USB cable (You can choose Windows or Mac computer where the iTunes is installed and used before. Windows computer is selected here.)
Step 2: With a simple click on the iTunes app on your desktop, you can start the iTunes. After seconds, you can see the iPhone icon on the left corner of iTunes. Click it to enter your iPhone related interface.
Step 3: In your iPhone related interface, you can view all details. Then click the Restore iPhone button on the first part of the right menu.
Step 4: In the pop up box, click Restore button to do a factory reset for your iPhone.
Step 5: Wait for minutes; you can get the successful prompt.
After that, you can go to check whether the iPhone works normally or not. You can also restore the previous data to the iPhone.
Encountering the "An update is required to use cellular data on this iPhone" message can be frustrating, but with the solutions provided above, you should be able to resolve the issue and regain access to your cellular data. Whether it's updating your device, resetting network settings, or troubleshooting SIM-related problems, these steps can help you get your iPhone back to normal operation. If the problem persists, contacting Apple Support or your carrier for further assistance may be the best course of action.
