iPad 2 “activation server unavailable”
my iPad 2 is suddenly unusable. Says I need to activate it, but every time I try results in an error message: “activation server is temporarily unavailable.” How can I fix this problem?
iPad 2, iOS 9
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User profile for user:
Jeff_888
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Community Specialist
Hi Breezy397,
Thank you for participating in the Apple Support Communities. We understand you're unable to activate your iPad and you're seeing "activation server is temporarily unavailable." These steps may help:
"If your iPhone or iPad (Wi-Fi + Cellular) can't be activated or an alert says the activation server is unavailable or the SIM card is unsupported, learn what to do.
Before you begin
- Learn what to do if you get an error message that says "No SIM" or "Invalid SIM".
- Check the list on the System Status page. If the box by iOS Device Activation isn't green, try to activate your iPhone or iPad later.
- If asked to enter your password as you activate your iPhone or iPad, enter the password. (A password prompt means that Activation Lock might be enabled in Find My iPhone.)
Follow these steps
- Restart your iPhone or iPad.
- If you're using a cellular-data connection, connect to a reliable Wi-Fi network instead.
- If you get an error message on your iPhone or iPad that says the activation server is temporarily unavailable or cannot be reached when trying to activate, wait a few minutes, then repeat the previous steps.
If you still can't activate your iPhone or iPad, try again using your computer instead:
- Make sure that you have the latest version of macOS or the latest version of iTunes.
- Check that your computer has an internet connection.
- With the cable that came with your iPhone or iPad, connect your iPhone or iPad to your computer. Locate your device on your computer.
- Wait while your computer detects and activates your iPhone or iPad:
- If an alert appears 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 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 or iPad.
If you still can't activate your iPhone or iPad, contact Apple Support."
These steps are from this article: If you can't activate your iPhone or iPad (Wi-Fi + Cellular).
We hope this helps.
Take care.