Unable to activate 5th generation ipad pls assist

Unable to activate 5th generation iPad pls


Posted on Jul 5, 2025 4:04 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jul 5, 2025 3:37 PM

Start here >>> If you can't activate your iPhone or iPad (Wi-Fi + Cellular) - Apple Support


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.


If your iPad isn’t recognised when connected, try using a different USB port; if your computer has both USB-C and USB Type-A ports, try a Type-A port. Otherwise, this support page should help with troubleshooting connection difficulties:

If your computer doesn't recognize your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support



A restart of your WiFi Router 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 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.




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 - or using this link:

Official Apple Support

6 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jul 5, 2025 3:37 PM in response to osa80

Start here >>> If you can't activate your iPhone or iPad (Wi-Fi + Cellular) - Apple Support


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.


If your iPad isn’t recognised when connected, try using a different USB port; if your computer has both USB-C and USB Type-A ports, try a Type-A port. Otherwise, this support page should help with troubleshooting connection difficulties:

If your computer doesn't recognize your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support



A restart of your WiFi Router 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 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.




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 - or using this link:

Official Apple Support

Jul 5, 2025 4:26 AM in response to osa80

We need more information, please. This sounds like you purchased a used iPad 5 but it is activation locked to the previous owner's account. You cannot log in with your own account. If this is correct, then your only options are to contact the previous owner and ask them to unlock it. Or, if that is not possible, see if you can get a refund.


If my guess is not correct, then please provide more details.

Jul 5, 2025 7:41 AM in response to osa80

If you followed all of the steps in

What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

the iPad should start up to the "Hello" screen so that you can set it up for your kid.

Turn on and set up iPad - Apple Support


Note that you may need a Wi-Fi connection to the Internet to complete the process.

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If that does not work, you could try logging into your Apple account on the Web to check whether your iPad is still associated with your Apple account. See the "Remove Activation Lock on the web if a device is offline" section of

How to remove Activation Lock - Apple Support

Jul 5, 2025 7:51 AM in response to osa80

Hello! I have experienced this before as well. It seems that you have an iPad 5 and want to give it to your child. So tell me, does the screen say something about Activation Lock, or is it just blank?

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Unable to activate 5th generation ipad pls assist

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