Q: Cannot Activate iPad IOS 9.3

Lots of people are trying to update right now. Try again later. If you still can not activate, contact Apple Support. -AJ

I had the same problem with activating iPad Air after updating on iOS 9.3. Calm down and wait for some hours. Even more. It's well described there: 

I use my iPad for work! Yes there are people who do that ;-).

After the upgrade of my iPhone went without a hitch, I was confident enough to upgrade my iPad, and this is now stuck at the activation page.

My first try was 4 hours ago. How long do I have to 'just wait'? Or should I send my 'lost-hours-bill' to Apple?

And by the way, I don't want MY iPad to activate. I just want to use it.

I have this exact same problem.  Spend 40 min on apple support chat to resolve it and its still not resolved.

iOS9.3 on iPad 2.  The support chat person had me do the following:

  - Remove the SIM and place it back into the iPad (I did this, but the iPad has NEVER had an active data plan on it)

  - Update iTunes and then re-update the iPad (same issue)

Its been 9 hours since the initial update and it still fails to activate each time.

I can't even seem to find a way to restore my previous 9.2 backup to the iPad.

same here.

Update by iTunes early this mornin, after successfull downloaded the update iTunes showed me "Error 3014".

I can´t go back to 9.2.1 by restore because the same error comes up.

I first did the update on my iMac (both new iTunes 12.3.3 and OSX 10.11.4).

Then -through iTunes and USB connection with my device- downloaded and installed update on my iPhone 4s, now at 9.3, without issue.

Then tried the same for my iPad2, but this update got stuck and I'm now facing the same error message:

I'll start by waiting a couple of hours.

i found a solution for me, after 7 hours ...

i´ve installed hotspotshield, tried the update again and: it worked!

Could you explain in more detail, please? Installed hotspotshield, you say... on your Mac, I assume? Then what? Thanks for any useful information.

I have updated my iPhone 5 to iOS 9.3 without problem.  Then tried the update on my iPad 2.  However, it stucks in the activation. I tried dozens of retry in 12 hours without success.  I need my iPad !!!!

In this other thread: Re: Activation failed on iPad 2 after iOS 9.3 update

it is suggested that the issue might be related to the type of iPad 2 you have. May I ask: is it an iPad 2 WiFi + 3G? Mine is, as well as others in the thread I'm linking to.

I´ve installed hotspotshield, reboot (MacBookPro), opened iTunes and did the update again

i´ve done nothing with voodoo and stuff like that.

when you reboot your PC/Mac , Hotspotshield start automatically, start a Connection, you have nothing more to do.

I have the same issue with iPad 2 WiFi + 3G any solution for activation yet ? 

Thanks you very much for your explanation. I am now following the DFU route (http://www.imore.com/how-to-iphone-ipad-dfu-mode) and am trying to restore to 9.2.1.

Yep, mine is an iPad 2 (64GB/3G).

Bugger. Currently downloading 9.2.1, and downgrading when ready.

I already had the impression Apple is becoming the Microsoft of yesteryears.

Ran a Mac shop for 27 years. I'm glad others have to deal with the new Apple :-(