"An update is required to activate your iPad"

i have an older ipad mini, when i turn it on the screen say: Unable to Activate, an update is required to activate your iPad. at the bottom has a blue button saying Shutdown


[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Posted on Apr 5, 2021 1:46 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Apr 5, 2021 2:50 PM

You may have greater chance of success if you connect your iPad to a PC (with iTunes installed) or a Mac (with iTunes or Finder - as appropriate for the installed version of macOS). Once connected to your computer, your iPad will be detected - and you should be able to activate using iTunes.


  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.




3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Apr 5, 2021 2:50 PM in response to ipodminii

You may have greater chance of success if you connect your iPad to a PC (with iTunes installed) or a Mac (with iTunes or Finder - as appropriate for the installed version of macOS). Once connected to your computer, your iPad will be detected - and you should be able to activate using iTunes.


  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.




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"An update is required to activate your iPad"

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