iPad says activation server cannot be found

If you are experiencing difficulties with (re)activation of your iPad, you may have more 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.

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 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.

Sorry, but chances are, you'll never get that old iPad reset/activated ever, again.

I thoroughly believe that Apple is preventing all 11-12 year old, 32-bit devices from ever being re-activated on Apple's server, ever again, to just end the use of these very old devices and keep them from being used on Apple's current activation and data storage servers.

That iPad is over 12 years old. It is simply too old.

Sorry.