How to Fix iPhone XR Unable to Activate (NFC Chip Repair Guide)

When trying to activate your iPhone XR, are you stuck on the activation screen no matter what you try? You’re not alone. Many users face the frustrating “iPhone XR unable to activate” issue, which can result from system, hardware, or chip-level problems. In this article, we’ll guide you through the exact steps to troubleshoot and repair the problem — including how a faulty NFC chip could be to blame and how to fix it like a pro. Whether you’re a technician, repair shop owner, or tech-savvy DIYer, this guide will walk you through a real-world case and help you restore full functionality to the device.

Reasons For iPhone XR Unable to Activate

The iPhone XR activation failure can be caused by one or more of the following issues:

1. Outdated iOS system – The phone may need the latest iOS version to complete activation.
2. Baseband issue – If the baseband chip fails, the phone may not get recognized by Apple’s servers.
3. NFC chip issue – If the Near Field Communication (NFC) chip is faulty or improperly soldered, activation can fail.
4. Mismatched NAND serial number – If the NAND’s serial number doesn’t match the Wi-Fi/Bluetooth addresses, activation will be blocked. (Typically occurs after board-level repairs.)

Fault Exclusion Process

As the customer has not reported the device repaired, the problem caused by the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth addresses not matching can be excluded.

Next, we observe the SN (Serial Number), IMEI, and MEID during the activation screen, which means the baseband is functioning properly.

Now we’re left with two possibilities:

• An outdated iOS system
• A hardware fault in the NFC circuit

Step 1: iOS Restore with iTunes

We attempt a restore using iTunes to rule out software issues. After restoring, the phone still fails to activate, suggesting the iOS version is not the culprit.

Step 2: Inspect the NFC Circuit

We proceed to disassemble the iPhone XR and remove the motherboard. On close inspection, it becomes evident that the NFC chip has been previously worked on — contradicting the customer’s claim.

The soldering is poor, which could be causing a short or disruption in the NFC communication line.

Step 3: Diode Value Testing

We remove the NFC chip and measure the diode values on the PCB (Printed Circuit Board) pads.

We find that the PP_NFC_VREF pin is returning a diode value of 226 — which is abnormal. It should read infinite (open) under normal conditions.

Step 4: Fixing the Problem

To fix this:

• Remove the capacitor C7534_S near the PP_NFC_VREF rail
• Re-solder the NFC chip carefully with proper technique

After reassembly, the diode value returns to normal, and the iPhone XR activates successfully.

Tools & Parts Used:

Tools:

• Soldering station or rework station
• Multimeter (for diode mode testing)
• iTunes (for software restore)
• Microscope (for inspecting soldering quality)
• Precision tweezers and tools for chip-level repair

Parts:

• NFC chip (reused in this case)
• Capacitor C7534_S (may need replacement if damaged)

Conclusion

If your iPhone XR unable to activate, don’t rush to replace major components or write off the device. As we demonstrated, a poorly soldered NFC chip or faulty PP_NFC_VREF rail could be the hidden culprit. By methodically eliminating possible causes and using proper diagnostic techniques, even complex issues like this can be resolved.

This guide is especially helpful for repair professionals, service centers, and advanced DIYers who are confident working with motherboard-level repairs.

📚 Want to learn more advanced repair skills like this?
👉 Join REWA Academy for in-depth training and certification in phone board repair and microsoldering.