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Unable to Activate iPad 14 3rd gen

Good evening, just bought a used iPad 14 3rd gen and it's stuck on the Activation screen. This is the statement on the screen "Unable to Activate" and "An update is required to activate your iPad". Tried all the paths that Apples support page(s) suggest. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,

iPad Pro 12.9-inch Wi-Fi, Cellular

Posted on Dec 13, 2022 5:50 PM

Reply
7 replies

Dec 14, 2022 6:39 AM in response to h2kskull

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:


Force restart iPad (models with Face ID or with Touch ID in the top button)

If your iPad doesn’t have the Home button, do the following:

  1. Press and quickly release the volume button nearest to the top button.
  2. Press and quickly release the volume button farthest from the top button.
  3. Press and hold the top button.
  4. When the Apple logo appears, release the top button.




Force restart iPad (models with the Home button)

Press and hold the top button and the Home button at the same time. When the Apple logo appears, release both buttons.



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 (recommended)

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

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 Support link at top-right or bottom-left of this page.


Alternatively, if you have access to another Apple device, you can initiate and manage your support cases using the excellent Apple Support App. If not already installed on your iPad, the App can be downloaded from the App Store:

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




Dec 14, 2022 8:41 AM in response to h2kskull

You would be best advised to seek assistance directly from Apple Support. As already described, the quickest route to engaging with Apple Support will be via the Support link at top-right or bottom-left of this page.


Alternatively, if you have access to another Apple device, you can initiate and manage your support cases using the excellent Apple Support App. If not already installed on your iPad, the App can be downloaded from the App Store:

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

Dec 14, 2022 8:12 AM in response to LotusPilot

Good morning,

Thank you for the response. I have tried this suggestion several times, however, I'm not able to get into recovery mode. The error states "An update is required to activate your iPad" but I'm not able to update it, Visited Apple Support pages and have tried all their suggestions (including this one). I'm at the point of contacting Apple but wanted to try the Apple Community first.


My MacBook Pro 16" does recognize it and tries to activate it but it failed and the following is what it states "Activation Failed the iPad "iPad" cannot be synced. The operation timed out."


Thank you,

Unable to Activate iPad 14 3rd gen

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