How to fix an iPhone 3GS stuck on the activation screen after update
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gash_uk • February 12, 2013 at 8:33am
My iPhone 3GS was updated and is now stuck on the activation screen. I do not know the previous firmware or baseband version. How can I activate or bypass this screen to use the phone again?
Answers
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iClarified • January 12, 2026 at 6:47pm
To activate an iPhone 3GS after an update, you typically need the original carrier SIM card or a factory-unlocked device. If you do not have the original SIM, you can use a tool like Redsn0w to jailbreak and hacktivate the device. This process bypasses the activation screen by installing Cydia and allows access to the home screen. You will need to put the device into DFU mode and follow the steps in Redsn0w to complete the process. For older basebands, you may also be able to use Ultrasn0w via Cydia to unlock the device for use with other carriers.
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sandiyv • February 13, 2013 at 2:07pm
If the iPhone 3GS was updated to iOS 6.1, you can use Redsn0w to identify the bootrom and the operating system. Redsn0w can be used to jailbreak and hacktivate the device if you are stuck on the activation screen. You will need to put the phone into DFU mode to perform this. If you need to use the phone with a different carrier, you can then use Ultrasn0w for the carrier unlock, or tools like Evasi0n for an untethered jailbreak depending on the specific iOS version and bootrom.