could not activate ipad

You provide no details of your iPad model or installed version of iOS/iPadOS. This information may have some bearing upon the problem.

There are many potential causes of activation issues. If trying again 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).

1. Make sure that you have the latest version of macOS or the latest version of iTunes.
2. Check that your computer has an Internet connection.
3. With the cable that came with your iPad, connect your iPad to your computer. Locate your device on your computer.
4. Wait while your computer detects and activates your iPad:

• • If you see an alert that shows "Set up as New" or "Restore from Backup", it means your iPad is activated.
  • If you get an error message that says the "activation information was invalid" or "activation information could not be obtained from the device", use recovery mode to restore your iPhone.

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:

contact Apple Support

Alternatively, you can initiate a support case using the Apple Support App:

https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/apple-support/id1130498044