iPad 3 running iOS 9 has an Activation Error

Multiple recent posts, concerning unresolvable issues with re-activation, suggest that Apple has finally removed all server-side and re-activation support for obsolete 32-bit devices. As all 32-bit Apps have already been retired and removed from the Apple App Store, it is perhaps unsurprising that the long-ago obsolete devices are now potentially unusable.

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

While recent reports suggest that you are perhaps unlikely to be successful, 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 may 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

2620:0:ccc::2

2620:0:ccd::2

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.

I am seeing a large number of similar reports from owners of iPads that are too old to run iPadOS 11 or higher. It appears Apple have taken down the activation servers for devices that no longer have access to iCloud services.

See this Apple article dated Nov 2025 showing new OS requirements for iCloud services:

System requirements for iCloud - Apple Support

specifically this text:

We are not Apple but other end users, and my response is based on my observations here. If you need an official response, you need to contact Apple; they will not see your concern in this setting.