Failed to activate device [Possible solution]

Alot of people have the issue currently where they are stuck on the screen: Failed to Activate Device.


Apple currently is not able to help you.


Solution: Restore using Apple Configurator repeatedly until succes. (For me 12th attempt was successful, so roughly 6 hours)



This method is for the more desperate people that do have the time for this.


  1. You need a working Mac.
  2. Install Apple Configurator from the App Store.
  3. Link the 2 devices with a usb-c cable.
  4. The broken Mac port that you need to use is left side, closest to the screen.
  5. The working Mac port that you need to use is left side, closest to you.
  6. Enter DFU-Mode with the broken Mac.
  7. Go to your working Mac and right click the DFU logo, and click on Restore.
  8. This process takes 20-30 minutes.
  9. Enter wifi on the broken Mac when the restore in complete.
  10. If you’re lucky it does not say Failed to activate device.
  11. If it sais Failed, just power it off and go back in DFU to redo the restore.
  12. Be prepared to do this maybe 20 times.


A more detailed explanation for getting into DFU and How to Restore: How to revive or restore Mac firmware - Apple Support


I wish you all good luck. It worked for atleast a dozen of people so i just wanted to share this here.


MacBook Pro 14″

Posted on Sep 13, 2024 11:42 AM

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Failed to activate device [Possible solution]

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