Temporary iPhone X activation problems occur as AT&T, Verizon servers get slammed [u]
Some users with a new iPhone X are being stymied by error messages when trying to activate the device, caused by massive load on AT&T and Verizon's servers.
![](https://apple.insidercdn.com/gallery/23551-29849-iphone-activation-l.jpg)
Scattered reports on social media venues note the issues, with it being seen by AppleInsider staffers as well. The connectivity problem manifests as either an error exhorting users to try again, or a persistent screen saying that it may take a few minutes to activate the phone.
Should the user get the former error, Apple recommends hitting Try Again when it is convenient for the user to do so, until the device is activated. A stuck activation screen may necessitate a reboot of the device by holding the power button on the right and swiping to shut down.
AppleInsider has contacted sources familiar with the matter within AT&T, Verizon, and Apple outside the customer service representative chain but not authorized to speak on behalf of the company. All three sources told us that the fault is on the carrier side, and should clear up over time.
While originally for a different reason, long-time iPhone users from the original iPhone through the iPhone 4 were subject to multi-hour long wait periods before a phone was activated and ready to use.
Update: It appears that the activation problems have cleared up, as expected.
![](https://apple.insidercdn.com/gallery/23551-29849-iphone-activation-l.jpg)
Scattered reports on social media venues note the issues, with it being seen by AppleInsider staffers as well. The connectivity problem manifests as either an error exhorting users to try again, or a persistent screen saying that it may take a few minutes to activate the phone.
Should the user get the former error, Apple recommends hitting Try Again when it is convenient for the user to do so, until the device is activated. A stuck activation screen may necessitate a reboot of the device by holding the power button on the right and swiping to shut down.
AppleInsider has contacted sources familiar with the matter within AT&T, Verizon, and Apple outside the customer service representative chain but not authorized to speak on behalf of the company. All three sources told us that the fault is on the carrier side, and should clear up over time.
While originally for a different reason, long-time iPhone users from the original iPhone through the iPhone 4 were subject to multi-hour long wait periods before a phone was activated and ready to use.
Update: It appears that the activation problems have cleared up, as expected.
Comments
It is hard to believe that the newest iPhone X will allow an iOS 6 installation.
We've got the word from all three of the horse's mouths. Server load.
I wish more apps would be updated for FaceID.
Does Apple even have iOS 6 available somewhere?
Even iOS 10 would have been more believable.
Reminds me of the stories about AT&T experiencung overload from the first iPhone users.
i upgraded to iOS 11.1, the latest version, then backed up my iPhone 7 Plus, which I was upgrading from, to iTunes. The iphoneX ships with a previous iOS 11 version and restore from iTunes detected incompatibility between the iPhoneX iOS and the iTunes backup. The iPhoneX had to updated to 11.1 before the recovery could run.
Ps: be sure to unpair your Apple Watch before upgrading. The Apple Store people forgot to tell me that, and I wasted time having to reset then restore the Apple Watch in order to pair the watch to iPhoneX.
I'm guessing the iPhone X is smarter than WS analysts.
AT&T activation failed because -- suddenly -- my billing zip code reverted to an address I lived at 4 YEARS ago.
Took awhile to diagnose that little gem! Thanks for the ass pain, AT&T.
This stunning new phone was well worth dealing with the earlier issues. I has the Apple guy put on the Belkin screen protector and also purchased Apple’s silicon case and Applecare ( anyone who owns an iPhone X and doesn’t buy AppleCare is making a huge mistake). Love this phone!