Can’t get iPad to setup
My iPad I want to set up and it say your iPad can’t be activated
iPhone XR, iOS 14
There are multiple potential causes of this problem. If “waiting until later” has failed to provide satisfactory results, something other than availability of the Activation Server may be the cause. Here are some potential resolutions...
As an alternative to direct activation from the iPad itself, you might try activation by connecting the iPad to your PC (with iTunes installed) or a Mac (with iTunes or Finder).
It is possible that your WiFi router is unexpectedly blocking access to some internet/server resources - which might be resolved by a restart of your router.
To restart you home router, disconnect power - then wait at least 30 seconds before restarting. When you router has rebooted (which may take several minutes), force-restart your iPad:
- On an iPad with a Home button: Press and hold the top button and the Home button at the same time. When the Apple logo appears, release both buttons.
- On an iPad with Face ID: Press and quickly release the volume up button, press and quickly release the volume down button, then press and hold the top button. When the Apple logo appears, release the button.
It is also possible that your currently selected DNS servers(s) are not resolving, or a blocking, some resource addresses. Changing your DNS Server IP Addresses might resolve this problem.
For recommended DNS servers (configured at your home router and/or your iPad), you might choose one of the following Recursive DNS Providers (IPv4 and IPv6 addresses included below). Where your local network is dual-stack, you should enter both the IPv4 and IPv6 redundant server addresses.
Quad9
9.9.9.9
149.112.112.112
2620:fe::fe
2620:fe::9
OpenDNS
208.67.222.222
208.67.220.220
2620:0:ccc::2
2620:0:ccd::2
Cloudflare+APNIC
1.1.1.1
1.0.0.1
2606:4700:4700::1111
2606:4700:4700::1001
If restart of your home router - or changing your DNS Server settings do not resolve the issue, you should directly contact Apple Support for assistance
Should it be necessary to escalate your issue to Apple Support, the quickest route to engaging with Apple Support will be via the Contact Support link at top-right of this page. Alternatively, you can initiate a support case using the Apple Support App:
