my iPad mini will not activate after inputting Apple ID and password, shows activation lock unavailable

Hello anewme53,

Thanks for posting in Apple Support Communities. It sounds like you are seeing an error message that the activation server is temporarily unavailable when trying to set up your iPad. Right?

In that case, we'd recommend these steeps from the related article, If you can't activate your iPhone or iPad (Wi-Fi + Cellular).

"Follow these steps 

1. Restart your iPhone or iPad.
2. If you're using a cellular-data connection, connect to a reliable Wi-Fi network instead.
3. 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:

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 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 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."

Take care.

You may have greater chance of success if you connect your iPad to a Windows PC (with iTunes for Windows 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. By your description, you may have already attempted something similar.

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 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

2620:119:35::35

2620:119:53::53

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.