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iPad 2 iOS 9.3 can't activate

iPad 2 iOS 9.3 can't activate after update, not over wifi, not via iTunes!


iTunes says contact Apple Support...

iPad 2, iOS 9.3

Posted on Mar 22, 2016 12:05 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Mar 22, 2016 12:59 AM

Unlinking the iPad from iCloud did not fix...

106 replies

Mar 25, 2016 10:12 PM in response to MichelPM

Ok. I could restore my iPad2 Wi-Fi + 3G. I downloaded the latest 9.3, updated Ox as and iTunes. Reboot everything. Several tries. It took my ipad very long to repose to iTunes. I left it alone overnight. In the morning ipad is back. But certainly without data as I had to restore and couldn't update. Anyway my ipad is ipad again and not only a mirror in an aluminum case.

Mar 25, 2016 10:34 PM in response to rccharles

I have Wine, but iTunes didn't work with it, so I used a friend's Windows PC with the latest version of iTunes on it, logged in, and tried all that business with pressing the sleep button and home button and so on, but iTunes does not recognize my iPad and I never get to the restore/update screen, no matter how long I hold those buttons down. I think that method must work only for the iPad GSM model, but I have an iPad Wi-Fi model.

Mar 26, 2016 9:08 PM in response to MR6700

Here is the proper link to this current solution.


Apple has issued a solution to the activation server error, but it has not been successful for every iPad or iDevice affected.


If you can’t activate your iPad 2 (GSM model) after you update to iOS 9.3 - Apple Support


To others in this thread affected by the ID Activation Server error issue.


You can try this fix, but if it is unsuccesful, Apple is working on another new solution that should be coming early this coming week.

OR you decide to wait it out until Apple computer/ software engineers can figure out a better solution.


It's up to you.

Mar 27, 2016 1:20 AM in response to Siraulu

If you really thnk Apple is making your iDevice a rough experience for this rather short time, then good luck with another iPad wannabe tablet maker using either Android (fragmendroid) or Windows 8 where when you leave the walled gaden of Apple you will be constantly be bonbarded by a very large and very annoying environment of adware, malware, and seriosly nasty viruses, ala the still sorry state of Windows and Android due to the large user community.

Also, the Windows and Android app stores are no where in size of Apple's iOS store and many of the available tablet apps are still phone style apps that only been scaled up in size and not redesigned for the tablet experience.

You go to a Samsung tablet with whatever version of Android that tablet you'll be purchasng and running, you'll find out how much worse a user experience you'll have.

My recommemdation for you, if you wish to switch, is to stay with a full blown Windows 8 tablet and look at the new Surface Pro models.

Even I have been pretty impressed with these even though I really love my large screen iPad Pro.


Good Luck on whatever tablet maker you decide.

Mar 28, 2016 1:37 PM in response to rccharles

My local Simply Mac store restored my iPad2 in about 20 minutes. They hooked it up to the store's wifi and did some magic that ran several scans. Then I had to complete the restore by bringing it home to connect to my iTunes which immediately recognized my iPad. Worked great. It is running IOS 9.3. This was after I had spent several hours over the weekend dealing with the frustration and having no success using Apple's "fixes".


carolyn

Apr 10, 2016 6:02 AM in response to Bism4rck

Same here. I updated my iPad 3 overnight, the next day its dead. I cannot restore, cannot be recognized by my computer. I took it to apple store and they told me my iPad is dead and ny option is to buy a refurbhish for $249.


They explained that my iPad have a failing component and when I updated it to the latest IOS, the update failed and bricked my iPad.


before the update, my iPad works without any issue. So not sure what component failed during update. It is really strange. if I did not update, my iPad still works. It is really strange. Not sure if what they told me is true. What do you think guys? Is it ir an update issue or existing component issue that caused the update to fail?

Apr 10, 2016 8:30 AM in response to Zio2000

MIne was the same,and I worked on it for three days via iTunes, which NEVER would recognize my iPad2. Finally I took it to my local Simply Mac store, and they connected to their computer, ran several scans, had me take it home to finish in MY iTunes at home, and voila... it immediately was back in

business. and running IOS 9.3. No problems since, other than a constant and annoying notification from Apple to update my iPad to IOS 9.3.1. Not just about to do that. It will be a long time before I get into updates again !!!


As a notation here... we have no regular Apple store in my town, the nearest one being abut 100 miles away. I cannot say enough nice things about the

quick and excellent service I got at our Simply Mac store !!


Carolyn

iPad 2 iOS 9.3 can't activate

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