Can't log in to FaceTime.

Question

Level 1

9 points

Can't log in to FaceTime.

So, I restored my iPad the other day and I wanted to start fresh so I made a new Apple ID and now I can't log in to FaceTime or iMessage.

When I log into FaceTime it says: "Facetime Activation - An error occurred during activation. Try again." and when I try to log into iMessage it says the same thing as when I tried to log into FaceTime. I've even gone and made a THIRD Apple ID and it still came up with the same things.

I also can't log into iTunes because I don't have a credit card, and so I cannot download any apps. I've been trying to figure this out for days but with no luck. Can someone please please help me?

iPad Air, iOS 9.3.1

Posted on Apr 11, 2016 8:12 PM

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Answer 1

SueNYY2

Level 1

11 points

May 5, 2017 9:34 PM in response to Cyndell_W

Hi,

I'm also having the same issue. I have tried the same things you've tried on this post and still doesn't work. I also created another Apple ID and I get the same error. I've been having this issue for a long time. I also tried restoring my iPad again and still the same issue. Not sure why this is happening.

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Answer 2

norm123

Community Specialist

Apr 13, 2016 7:57 AM in response to Cyndell_W

Hey Cyndell_W,
I understand that you are having issues with activating FaceTime and iMessage on your iPad as well as using your Apple ID without a credit card. Let's see if we can get that sorted out.
Let's start with FaceTime and iMessage. I would start with making sure that the Date and Time is set correctly. Also i would disable and then enable FaceTime and iMessage. If after doing that you are still having issues, wait 24 hours before trying again. Take a look at the first article below to get you sorted out with that.
If you get an error when trying to activate iMessage or FaceTime
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201422
On to using your Apple ID without a credit card. Depending on how you set it up, you might need to add a card to your Apple ID. Once that has been added, you can remove it.
Creating another Apple ID is not a good idea because creating multiple accounts will start to get confusing and be harder to troubleshooting down the road.
If you can't remove the payment method, then you might have something on your account that requires you to have a form of payment on file. Take a look at the next few articles that go over how to setup your Apple ID without a credit card, how to change the payment to None and what to do when you are unable to do that.
Create an iTunes Store, App Store, or iBooks Store account without a credit card or other payment method
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204034
Change or remove your Apple ID payment information
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201266
Why can’t I select None when I edit my Apple ID payment information?
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT203905
Take it easy

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Answer 3

Cyndell_W Author

Level 1

9 points

Apr 16, 2016 5:02 AM in response to norm123

HI norm123,

Thanks for your reply but unfortunately none of your suggestions for FaceTime or iMessage have worked. My Date and Time are set to automatic and I have no option to disable FaceTime and iMessage:

I also looked at the provided article but that was no help 😟.

With the credit card and iTunes set up - I have no credit card to add it the first place, I have a debit card.

It's also a brand new account so I definitely will not have any debts or payments. I had a look at the articles as well with no luck.

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Answer 4

jeremy_v

Community Specialist

Apr 16, 2016 3:01 PM in response to Cyndell_W

Hi Cyndell_W,

Thank you for your reply.

If you still receive the activation error message when signing in to FaceTime and iMessage, and can't sign in to the iTunes Store, you can contact Apple Support for help with the situation using the methods at https://expresslane.apple.com/GetproductgroupList.action.

Best Regards.

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