russfromdelta

Q: My iPad 2 failed to activate after installing 9.03. Say...failed to activate because the activation server is temporarily unavailalble. I have been trying to 'activate' for four days now...went to an Apple store 'Genius' bar and still no fix.

I have an iPad 2 and before running the latest IOS 9.3 update, it was a perfectly good, functioning device. I do not have iCloud back up. I have valuable pictures and info on my iPad that I do not want to lose!!  Now I cannot even use it!  It failed to activate after running the update and is now in an endless loop.
The screen display shows the following:

 

Could not active iPad. Your iPad could not be activated because the activation server is temporarily unavailable. Try connecting your iPad to iTunes to activate it, or try again in a couple if minutes. If this problem persists, contact Apple Support. ....Try Again.....and again.....

 

I have been 'Trying Again' for four days and spent a day at the Apple Store Genius Bar.  They failed to find a 'fix' and suggested I send my iPad to California and pay for data recovery, because the next step would be to wipe my iPad!  ***!

iPad 2, iOS 9.3

Posted on Mar 26, 2016 12:16 PM

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Q: My iPad 2 failed to activate after installing 9.03. Say...failed to activate because the activation server is temporarily unavaila ... more

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  • by Carolyn Samit,

    Carolyn Samit Carolyn Samit Mar 26, 2016 12:20 PM in response to russfromdelta
    Level 10 (122,016 points)
    Apple Music
    Mar 26, 2016 12:20 PM in response to russfromdelta

    I understand you are upset because of the activation server issue, but sittuations like this is why it's so important to backup your data using either iTunes or iCloud. You never know when you may have to restore from a backup.

     

    http://appletoolbox.com/2016/03/ios-9-3-activation-error-update-fix/

  • by russfromdelta,Apple recommended

    russfromdelta russfromdelta Apr 16, 2016 9:20 AM in response to russfromdelta
    Level 1 (35 points)
    iPad
    Apr 16, 2016 9:20 AM in response to russfromdelta

    Good News!  The Genius Bar fellows sent me a fix from their engineering team.


    This fix wasn't as simple as laid out....it included a 1.34 MB iPad software update, which took about 20 minutes and several 'activation failed' results, but after turning the iPad off and on and going into the restart/recovery mode again to get the iTunes graphic up on the iPad....unplugging iTunes, etc. I finally had success!

     

    Steps to reinstall iOS 9.3:

    1. Connect iPad to a computer

    2. Ensure that the computer is running the most recent version of iTunes

    3. While your device is connected, force it to restart: Press and hold the Sleep/Wake (Power), and Home (on the front of the iPad) buttons at the same time. Keep holding down the buttons until you see the Recovery Mode screen. Keep holding until you see an iTunes graphic of a plug-in.

    4. When you get the option to restore or update in iTunes, choose Update.

    5. iTunes will try to reinstall iOS without erasing your data. If it takes more than 15 minutes, your device will exit recovery mode, and you'll need to repeat steps 2 and 3 again.

    6. After the Update is complete, leave the iPad connected to the computer and complete the setup process for the iPad 2 (GSM model) using iTunes.


    If iTunes does not recognize the iPad after the Update is completed, disconnect the iPad and reconnect it to the computer. It should appear after that. If it still does not appear, you may need to try connecting the iPad to another computer with the latest version of iTunes to complete the set up process.

  • by elcpu,

    elcpu elcpu Apr 16, 2016 9:42 AM in response to russfromdelta
    Level 6 (16,176 points)
    Photos for Mac
    Apr 16, 2016 9:42 AM in response to russfromdelta

    I am glad it is now fixed but very surprised that it took this long to resolve. This fix was available on March 28 and publicized here. See date at the bottom of this article. Sorry you had to wait.


    If you can’t activate your iPad 2 (GSM model) after you update to iOS 9.3 - Apple Support

  • by russfromdelta,

    russfromdelta russfromdelta Apr 16, 2016 10:27 AM in response to elcpu
    Level 1 (35 points)
    iPad
    Apr 16, 2016 10:27 AM in response to elcpu

    I Posted today, but the fix was done two weeks ago....been busy moving to a new city!  Have a nice day.

  • by bhimtamang000,

    bhimtamang000 bhimtamang000 Aug 31, 2016 2:38 PM in response to russfromdelta
    Level 1 (4 points)
    iPad
    Aug 31, 2016 2:38 PM in response to russfromdelta

    hi i am bhim tamang from usa michigan i have a problem with my ipad is a computer say activation lock so can you guys help me how to fixed this ipad

  • by Diana.McCall,

    Diana.McCall Diana.McCall Aug 31, 2016 5:22 PM in response to bhimtamang000
    Level 4 (3,644 points)
    Apple TV
    Aug 31, 2016 5:22 PM in response to bhimtamang000

    Hi. Could you please post a new question with your problem? Give as many details as you can. What model iPad, is it new or used, did you forget the passcode, etc.