My iPad

so I brought a iPad from a man and the iPad that I brought from him I am not able to log into my FaceTime or iMessage when I try to log in it says iMessage Activation An error occurred during activation. Try again I’ve tried several times I’ve even restarted my iPad and reset it as well as left it off for 72 hours and turned it back on to try it again nothing worked please help

iPad, iOS 9

Posted on Mar 17, 2023 6:41 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Mar 18, 2023 5:48 AM

Assuming that the iPad was properly prepared by the previous owner - and the Activation Lock associated with their account was properly removed prior to your acquisition of the previously used device - your difficulties with both FaveTime and iMessage may be related.


This support page may be helpful with troubleshooting this explicit issue:

If you can’t turn on or sign in to iMessage or FaceTime - Apple Support



If the iPad was not properly prepared by the previous owner - and you encounter a problem with an Activation Lock - you may need their assistance. For future reference, here is Apple advice concerning checks that you should make when purchasing a previously used device:


Check for Activation Lock before you buy a device from someone else


Before you buy an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, from someone other than Apple or an authorized Apple reseller, make sure that the device is erased and no longer linked to the previous owner’s account. Follow these steps to check if the device is ready to use: 

  1. Turn on and unlock the device. 
  2. If the passcode lock screen or the Home screen appears, the device hasn't been erased. Ask the seller to completely erase the device by going to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. Don't take ownership of any used iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch until it's been erased.
  3. Begin the device setup process.
  4. If you're asked for the previous owner’s Apple ID and password, the device is still linked to their account. Hand the device back to the seller and ask them to enter their password. If the previous owner isn't present, contact them as soon as possible and ask them to use a browser to remove the device from their account. Don't take ownership of any used iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch until it has been removed from the previous owner’s account.

You will know that a device is ready for you to use when you're asked to "Set up your iPhone," “Set up your iPad," or “Set up your iPod” the first time you turn it on.




5 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Mar 18, 2023 5:48 AM in response to samyra147

Assuming that the iPad was properly prepared by the previous owner - and the Activation Lock associated with their account was properly removed prior to your acquisition of the previously used device - your difficulties with both FaveTime and iMessage may be related.


This support page may be helpful with troubleshooting this explicit issue:

If you can’t turn on or sign in to iMessage or FaceTime - Apple Support



If the iPad was not properly prepared by the previous owner - and you encounter a problem with an Activation Lock - you may need their assistance. For future reference, here is Apple advice concerning checks that you should make when purchasing a previously used device:


Check for Activation Lock before you buy a device from someone else


Before you buy an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, from someone other than Apple or an authorized Apple reseller, make sure that the device is erased and no longer linked to the previous owner’s account. Follow these steps to check if the device is ready to use: 

  1. Turn on and unlock the device. 
  2. If the passcode lock screen or the Home screen appears, the device hasn't been erased. Ask the seller to completely erase the device by going to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. Don't take ownership of any used iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch until it's been erased.
  3. Begin the device setup process.
  4. If you're asked for the previous owner’s Apple ID and password, the device is still linked to their account. Hand the device back to the seller and ask them to enter their password. If the previous owner isn't present, contact them as soon as possible and ask them to use a browser to remove the device from their account. Don't take ownership of any used iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch until it has been removed from the previous owner’s account.

You will know that a device is ready for you to use when you're asked to "Set up your iPhone," “Set up your iPad," or “Set up your iPod” the first time you turn it on.




Mar 17, 2023 6:53 PM in response to samyra147

samyra147 Said:

"My iPad: so I brought a iPad from a man and the iPad that I brought from him I am not able to log into my FaceTime or iMessage when I try to log in it says iMessage Activation An error occurred during activation.[...]"

-------


Please Clarify:

"Brought" OR "Bought"?


If you bought (as in "purchased") this, read the following...


Troubleshooting a Locked iPhone:

Seems you've been scammed.


So, where was this Purchased?


  • Web Site?:

If this was purchased off of a Web site (i.e. eBay), then contact the site, seeing if the seller can be held accountable, and if you can get your money back.


  • Personal Sale?:

If this was purchased in-person somehow, then take it up with that person.  Request a Refund: Seems you've been scammed, though a full-assumption on my part. So, ask the seller for a return . This is the site they should have used prior to selling it to you: What to do Before you Sell, Give Away, or Trade in your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support. The seller should have known better.


Learn from This:

Next time you go about purchasing a device from someone, request that they let you log into your own iCloud account on it, prior to handing over the money. If they decide to disabled by those rules you've set forth, then do not proceed with the transaction.

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

My iPad

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