iPod Touch 7th generation Activation Lock after Factory Reset

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Level 1

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iPod Touch 7th generation Activation Lock after Factory Reset

So I recently factory-reset my iPod Touch 7th generation, and now it's stuck on the activation screen.

Does this mean my iPod is now useless? Is it completely bricked? I’ve heard that Apple has stopped supporting this device, so there’s no activation server available to activate the iPod Touch 7 anymore?

Is this true?

It is hopeless now? My $300 iPod touch is a junk now, just because Apple doesn't have a way to activate my iPod anymore? There is no hope in making this iPod work again?

If this is true; everyone should get a HUGE WARNING saying DO NOT FACTORY RESET YOUR IPOD OR IT WILL BE BRICKED!

But, if there is a workaround, I hope someone can share tips of how to make this iPod work again. Otherwise, Apple should be replacing my iPod with a working device. It is just doesn't make sense, a device you paid for is not working and won't work anymore because their activation system is discontinued.

People should get their money back or a replacement for it. OR Apple should have provided a server to activate it for life.

Posted on Dec 8, 2025 12:46 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Phil0124

Level 10

216,800 points

Dec 8, 2025 2:00 PM in response to farhuntApp

farhuntApp wrote:

I know my apple account, but it never prompt me to enter any account ID, just select a language, then I select a region, then I click setup Manually, then it says may take a few minutes to activate, and then I see activation error and a button to try again; I have tried all day and no changes. Never prompt me to enter my Apple account credentials at all.

That is not Activation Lock. That's just an issue with setting it up., but has nothing at all to do with Activation Lock.

I even tried to remove the device through iCloud account (just as the posted tips) and it says I cannot remove it through a website; it says to use an Apple device to remove it, but how? It has been factory reset and locked on activation screen as mentioned. I have no way to remove the device as in the guide.

Not needed, as it's not actually Activation locked in any way.

I even tried to use iTunes on my Windows 10, and it says sorry we are unable to continue with your activation at this time. Isn't that due to Apple server has been discontinued for iPod touch 7? Which was my question; is the activation server discontinued for iPod touch 7?

Nope. The device should still be activate-able regardless of its discontinuation status.

At this point, your best bet is to try to restart the iPod. Press and hold both the Top button and the Volume Down button for at least 10 seconds, until you see the Apple logo.

Some people report success after a few different restarts and retries.

Once it restarts resume it should restart the setup process again.

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Answer 2

Phil0124

Level 10

216,800 points

Dec 8, 2025 12:54 PM in response to farhuntApp

Activation Lock happens when you restore a device without removing the Apple Account from it.

Its not bricked, if its yours, you know the Apple Account its logged into, you a simply enter the password for it.

If you don't know what Apple Account was logged into it, then how is that Apple's fault?

If you have the original purchase receipt from Apple or an Apple Authorized reseller, Apple can and will help you remove activation lock.

click here ➜ How to remove Activation Lock - Apple Support

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Answer 3

farhuntApp Author

Level 1

4 points

Dec 8, 2025 1:27 PM in response to Phil0124

I know my apple account, but it never prompt me to enter any account ID, just select a language, then I select a region, then I click setup Manually, then it says may take a few minutes to activate, and then I see activation error and a button to try again; I have tried all day and no changes. Never prompt me to enter my Apple account credentials at all.

I even tried to remove the device through iCloud account (just as the posted tips) and it says I cannot remove it through a website; it says to use an Apple device to remove it, but how? It has been factory reset and locked on activation screen as mentioned. I have no way to remove the device as in the guide.

I even tried to use iTunes on my Windows 10, and it says sorry we are unable to continue with your activation at this time. Isn't that due to Apple server has been discontinued for iPod touch 7? Which was my question; is the activation server discontinued for iPod touch 7?

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Answer 4

farhuntApp Author

Level 1

4 points

Dec 8, 2025 1:54 PM in response to Phil0124

I think you misunderstood or I didn't explain it correctly; it is Activation Error not lock; I say lock since I am locked out and cannot use the device because Activation server is not working and comes as error.

Steps to reproduce:

After factory reset, it never prompt me to enter any account ID; it starts with the Welcome screen -> I just select a language -> then I select a region -> then I click Setup Manually -> then it says, may take a few minutes to activate -> and then I see activation error and a button to Try Again;

I have tried all day and no changes. No prompt to enter my Apple account credentials at all. Stuck / locked at the Activation screen:

Activation Error: Activation request could not be completed. Please try again.....

I assume Apple has discontinued the activation service for iPod touch gen 7? If they did, they should give a replacement device.

If the activation server for iPod gen 7 still active, why isn't this working?

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Answer 5

farhuntApp Author

Level 1

4 points

Dec 8, 2025 2:34 PM in response to Phil0124

So this is a known issue and the solution is to just retry over and over again?

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