My I PAD will not activate because because the activation server is unavailable and has been for over 4 hours. What do I do to activate

First try this

1. Restart your iPhone or iPad.
2. If you're using a mobile data connection, connect to a reliable Wi-Fi network instead.
3. If you see an error message on your iPhone or iPad that says the activation server is temporarily unavailable or cannot be reached when trying to activate your device, wait a few minutes, then repeat the previous steps.

If this is not working try this:

For this procedure you will need a pc or Mac.

Follow this steps to try and activate your iPad via a pc or Mac

If you still can't activate your iPhone or iPad, try again using your computer instead:

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

• • If you see an alert that says "Set up as New" or "Restore from Backup", it means your iPhone or iPad 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 network provider.
  • If you see 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 or iPad.

If you still can't activate your iPhone or iPad, contact Apple Support.

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

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  Get Support link at top-right of this page.

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple