How to fix 'Device unknown' error on iPad without proof of purchase?

I'm sorry to provide potentially unwanted news...

The iPad2 is obsolete - as is the 32-bit system architecture upon which the iPad2 is based.

App Developers have dropped all support for 32-bit devices. The majority (if not all) of 32-bit Apps have been retired and removed from the Apple App Store. Availabie 64-bit Apps are fundamentally incompatible with 32-bit architecture devices.

Secondly, in recent months, there are many reports of complete inability to re-activate 32-bit devices - suggesting that Apple have now withdrawn all back-end services for these devices. Additionally, these devices do not support modern crypto' standards, largely now required by the vast majority of websites and online services.

In summary, even if you do manage to resurrect your iPad2, it will have very little if any practical utility. You wouod be well advised to spare yourself further difficulty - and simply replace the iPad with a much newer or current model for which full support is available.

NicoPalleiro wrote:

So, you what you are saying is that my Ipad 2 just turn into trash? I can't use it anymore, even though there are apps that was working just yesterday?

I understand there will be no upgrades, but doesn't work at all I think it's too much.

With Apple seemingly ending all back-end support for long-ago obsolete 32-bit devices, including withdrawal of (re)activation services, iPads 1-4 and the iPad mini1 are now effectively useless if they are reset or suffer a failure.

Whether anyone here considers this to be "just" or not doesn't change the outcome...

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The problem is there is a software license to use iOS 9 on iPad2, and Apple has not terminated that license.

You can say this is de facto termination of the software license, but that argument fails because there was no notification of any kind, official announcement or otherwise, that the software license has ended. Just that the *hardware* is considered obsolete; but that has nothing to do with the software.

Furthermore, the devices are still locked to only run iOS 9 and it can't be un-installed. If the software license was terminated, there should be a forced upgrade that provides notification of termination, uninstalls iOS, provides for data backup, and unlocks the device. None of that has happened, so Apple is supposed to continue providing for activation of the iOS software so that it can be used pursuant to the ongoing license.

Yeah, if a restore via the computer is also not working you indeed need proof of purchase in order to have Apple support help you I am afraid

This is absurd. I have a perfectly usable iPad 2 as a reader, for instance. I also just remembered the iPad laying in a drawer, charge it a little, turned it on, started using it, and soon enough, it locked itself, and here I am.

We could at least have the right to put another OS in this hardware.

helil wrote:

This is absurd. I have a perfectly usable iPad 2 as a reader, for instance. I also just remembered the iPad laying in a drawer, charge it a little, turned it on, started using it, and soon enough, it locked itself, and here I am.

We could at least have the right to put another OS in this hardware.

The iPad2 was introduced fifteen years ago in 2011 - and is long ago obsolete. The iPad's hardware architecture doesn't support other types of Operating System.

Other than the site moderation team, Apple doesn't monitor or participate within the Apple Support Community- and as such any comments that you post here will neither been seen by, or influence, Apple is any way. Apple does invite submission of constructive comments via its Product Feedback portal:

Feedback - iPad - Apple

Then why does my iPhone 5 (a 32-bit device) running iOS 10 have no problem downloading 32-bit apps from the App Store even now. I just got Google Translate. There are a lot more still there than you realize.

I have the same problem now.

So, you what you are saying is that my Ipad 2 just turn into trash? I can't use it anymore, even though there are apps that was working just yesterday?

I understand there will be no upgrades, but doesn't work at all I think it's too much.

Regards.

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I will take it to another city, in the next opportunity. Thanks for your interest!

You’re welcome and I hope all goes well for you.