I bought a used iPhone 5 with iOS 8 beta. I followed a online guide to go back to 7.1.2, but now the phone just constantly shows searching and won't activate. I'm lost and could really use some help to make the phone functional again.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using iMore Forums mobile app
1. Be patient & reboot the device to see if the activation will take.
2. If you're being asked to enter a passcode in order to activate then more than likely the iCloud activation lock is enabled and you will need to know the previous owner's passcode to unlock it.
3. If you are NOT being asked to enter a passcode to activate it, go to Settings - General -Reset and then select "Reset Network Settings". You will need to re-enter your Wi-Fi passcode, if applicable.
4. If that does not work, try putting the device in DFU mode and then restore it via your computer's iTunes app. Afterwards, set it up as a new device and not from a backup.