iPad 2 iOS 9.3 can't activate

Apple just recently has offered this possible solution.

A solution for Activation Server Lock on iOS 9.3.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT206203

I tried all suggested ways to activate my iPad. None of them worked.

I tried all the ways listed by the link you gave. The last one says to remove your device from the list so that it can be reactivated, so now my iPad2 is no longer listed as a device I own and it still won't activete. No I seem to be even worse off than before.

Fixed the problem...the workaround is as follows:

a) Connect the iPad to iTunes on your computer using the cable

b) Switch off the ipad while still connected

c) Press the on/off switch and the home button at the same time until you get the apple logo followed by the charging cable logo pointing to itunes

d) The iPad will now be detected by iTunes

e) Use the restore option

My ipad2 is now on ioS9.3 and it works just fine !!!!

That's great for those who have access to iTunes, but all my machines run Linux and there is no Linux version of iTunes, so I'm out of luck. In that past, my iPad2 has always been activated wirelessly with no problem, so I've never had a need for iTunes.

It is always best to upgrade an iDevice connected up to a computer running iTunes with your iDevice sync'd and backed up through iTunes rather than Over The Air (OTA) using a wireless WiFi connection, if this is possible.

Doing a major or critical OS upgrade/update can be risky to do over Wifi or cellular due to the potential of data interruption or data drop outs causing issues with the download of the OS data and the subsequent install to the device.

If you have no other choice than to use Wifi, then make sure you have a strong and stable connection signal the will not induce the potential for data drop outs.

Also, it is better to do the upgrade/update through iTunes as you'll get the entire upgrade/update and not just a smaller sized WiFi download version/portion that is based on your model iDevice that may or may not download everything your particular iDevice needs.

I prefer the iTunes method as there is minimal risk and I have never had ANY issues with ANY OS updates using this method.

Do you use//own a Mac?

If yes, then perhaps this is a good time to consider installing OS X.

Anyways,

There is a known problem/glitch with Apple's ID Activation servers.

Apple has, officially, acknowledged and recognized this issue with activation server difficulties with certain iPad models and have stated that they are working on this issue and that it will be resolved as soon as possible.

Hopefully sooner.

It is affecting mostly iPad 2 models, but iPad 3, 4 and 1st gen. iPad Minis are being affected from this, as well.

There are some workaround solutions, but, unfortunately, these do not work for every iDevice affected.

This is clearly an Apple problem/issue that they time to sort out and solve.

Latest Apple news posted, unbelievably, ELSEWHERE other than on Apple's own website/community tech forums.

Apparently Apple has now halted iOS 9.3 updates due to growing Activation Server Lock issues.

Apple halts iOS 9.3 updates for older iDevices due to growing Activation Server Lock issues.

I've never had any trouble with previous upgrades done over a Wi-Fi connection. My Wi-Fi at the office and at home are excellent and very fast. The download and installation of iOS 9.3 was successful, according to the messages that appeared on the screen. It was only the activation that failed. So today I went to use a friend's computer that's running Windows. I installed iTunes on it, logged in, connected my iPad followed all the various directions given by others and by Apple but all to no avail. I even tried DFU mode. If Apple comes up with a fix that works for me, that'll be great, but I've given up for now.

So, following Apple's latest solution (If you can't activate your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch after installing iOS 9.3 - Apple Support), I signed into iCloud on my PC, removed my iPad and still the same problem.

The only difference is that now my iPad is not listed as a device I own and STILL I still can't activate my iPad - same old problem!

Here's an idea... as people are being inconvenienced over a holiday period (and some business users might be actually losing money because of this), how about Apple offer us all a massive discount voucher for a new iPad?

Go on Apple, I dare you to be philanthropic!

Hi

Wait for a fix from apple a lot of people have this problem should be soon.

Cheers

Brian

I think you're right, Brian. I just wish Apple would email us all (not rely on forums, etc) and explain what has happened and what they are going to do about it. Surely, this is easy to do? The automated response from Apple Support even used my Christian name so they can recognise my phone number when calling but email seems beyond them.

As you say, we'll have to wait.

I found this on the internet ...

"As a result, the company temporarily pulled back version 9.3 for

those devices and promised to issue a new build that doesn't require

users to key in their passwords. Thankfully, Apple addressed the issue

quickly."

Thankfully Apple addressed the issue quickly? Who are you kidding?

There still is no fix more than three days later. There is no connect

to iTunes or iCloud and I DO know my log in and password.

On 25/03/2016, Apple Support Communities Updates

Yes, not quick at all.

A new build is fine, but how do we get rid of iOS 9.3 that is already installed on our iPads but waiting to be activated?

Hi

Wait for apple to fix problems .

Cheers

Brian

Apple has issued a fix for this problem. Connect your device to a computer running iTunes 12.3 or later and connect the device. An updated version of iOS 9.3 will be installed that corrects the problem of not being able to activate the device. You will still need your Apple ID and password however.