iPad

Start here >>> If you can't activate your iPhone or iPad (Wi-Fi + Cellular) - Apple Support

If you are experiencing difficulties with (re)activation of your iPad, you may have more 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.

A restart of your WiFi Router and/or a change of DNS settings may also be helpful.

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.

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):

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

Should it be necessary to escalate your issue to Apple Support, the quickest route to engaging with Apple Support will be via the  Get Support link at top-right of this page.

I am currious if any of this has been confirmed by users you advised if all or any of this has worked, or not. for old iPad models, like iPad 2, 3, 4, 1st gen iPad Mini.

I have an iPad 2 that is still going like a champ

BUT,

I have another iPad 3 that I have tried all that I know and all your advice and I still cannot get past activating this iPad 3.

This was my iPad 3 that I purchased new in 2012 and that my wife used later in 2015 when I purchased my 1st gen iPad Pro.

I know my Apple ID credentials and all of hers.

I tried all of your suggestions that I missed or unaware of and I STILL cannot get this old iPad back up and running so I can restore from more recent older iPad 2/3 backups that I still have on my old 2009 iMac still running iTunes 12.8.

I have no clue why this happened in the first place and can't seem to get this back up and running after this happened about 5-6 months, ago.

This usually means the server responsible for activating your phone may be down, or your phone is unable to reach the server. Check if you have internet connection.

Thanks!