iMessage and FaceTime error won't activate after using it with no problems for years. Please help!

This isn't the answer that you are looking for, but there we a growing number of users that are having this problem.

imessage and Facetime sign in activation error iPad ios8.1.2

Tried everything, FaceTime has an error occurred during activation on my iPad Air.

You can join in on one of these discussions and you should report the issue to Apple.

Check your device settings

1. Make sure that you’re connected to a cellular data or Wi-Fi network. If you're using an iPhone, you'll need SMS messaging to activate your phone number with iMessage and FaceTime. Depending on your carrier, you might be charged for this SMS.
2. Go to Settings > General > Date & Time and make sure that your time zone is set up correctly.

Turn off iMessage and FaceTime and restart

1. Go to Settings > Messages and turn off iMessage.
2. Go to Settings > FaceTime and turn off FaceTime.
3. Restart your device.
4. Turn iMessage and FaceTime back on.

Still not activated after an hour?

It might take a few minutes to activate iMessage and FaceTime. If you've waited more than an hour, try these steps:

1. Make sure that your device has the latest version of iOS.
2. If you're using an iPhone, contact your carrier to make sure that you can receive SMS messages.
3. Contact Apple Support.

Get more help

You can also use your email address with iMessage and FaceTime. Get help if you have trouble verifying your email address:

• Your email address is already in use.
• You didn't receive the verification email.

I have the same problem. Week could not send messages and then went into settings and had to enter a password, now is exactly the same mistake. I did a hard reset, set up as a new backup without using, including all listed madnoodle. Nothing helps. 😟

iPad Air Wifi Only.

http://www.apple.com/support/systemstatus/

There are a number of ways to do this, but start here at the link posted by lesh_k.

http://www.apple.com/support/systemstatus/

The issue will not be listed on the website so tap or click on the link at the bottom that says "Contact Support" . Don't pay $29.00 for the support phone call. Follow the instructions as you make your choices on the next website. Try an online chat if that is an option or use email.

I spoke to a senior advisor this afternoon and I was told it's a known issue and they are currently working on it. He told me it could take up to a couple of weeks to resolve. We will all have to sit tight and wait I'm afraid 😟