Others have had the same problem. I tried all of Apple's fixes but none worked including removing all devices from iCloud. My iPad is now useless. Even my computer's iTunes won't recognize it so I can't restore it.
Has anyone solved this?
iPad 2, iOS 9.3
Seems like Apple has temporary troubles with their activation servers. Lots of users report similar issue on older devices.
Recent info : If you can't activate your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch after installing iOS 9.3 - Apple Support
Hoppefully Apple will shed the light on it soon
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.
Thanks Ralph. My iTunes 12.3.2 produces this message when I connect the stalled iPad:
iTunes was unable to verify your device.
Please disconnect and reconnect your device.
If the error persists, please visit your nearest Apple Store for assistance.
To find your nearest Apple Store, click here.
Hi don909,
Thanks for using the Apple Support Communities! I understand that you may be having some issues activating your iPad 2 after a recent update to iOS 9.3. If that is the case, you may find the information and steps outlined in the following article helpful:
If you can’t activate your iPad 2 (GSM model) after you update to iOS 9.3 - Apple Support
Regards
Thanks for sending the link. I'm not sure why it never came up in my searches but your lead was most helpful. After 2 tries updating I did a restore. As I'd backed up my iPad 2 days ago I didn't lose much except the many hours it took to solve the dilemma. As a long time Apple fan I was most disappointed that they hadn't detected the problem before issuing 9.3 and aggravating a lot of iPad owners.
Now if I can only find out why my brand new iPhone 6s won't stay connected to wifi for more than minute or so, i'd be somewhat happier with Apple. But I have seen there are many others with this problem, too. That's on 9.3 also(13E234). iPad is 13 E236--maybe I should restore with that?
9.3 update on iPad 2 "could not activate"
