Hi Lethal4057,
If you'd like to activate your iPad, these steps might help.
"Could not activate" means that your iPad can't connect to the server that activates your iPad. There are a few steps that happen in the background when a device activates, one of them along the way isn't working.
You mentioned a few previous links, you mentioned they "have not helped." We wanted to double-check, which steps did you have a chance to try from those resources? Specifically, we were wondering if you tried to connect your iPad to computer and what happened when you tried to do that. If you haven't already, follow the steps toward the bottom of the link under "If you still can't activate your iPhone, try again using your computer instead. Here's how:" from If you can't activate your iPhone. We understand that you have an iPad, not an iPhone, but the same process applies. If the issue continues or you've already tried these steps, let us know if get any of the errors quoted below. Also, let the community know if this iPad ever had a cellular plan or if it was always a Wi-Fi iPad only.
- If you see an alert that shows "Set up as New" or "Restore from Backup," it means your iPhone is activated.
- If you get an error message on your computer that says that the SIM card isn't compatible or is invalid, contact your carrier.
- 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.
If you get the error listed in the last bullet point, use If you can't update or restore your iPad instead. Keep in mind restoring your iPad will erase all of the data and content on it.
If you continue to experience issues after following the steps and suggestions above, please contact Apple Support for additional assistance: Get Support.
We hope that helps with your question and take care!
