iPad Pro cannot reach activation server, to undo Activation Lock. With the unlock Apple is unable to repair. But I need the repair to unlock(!)

Hi All,

I've recently reset and erased my iPad Pro to factory settings.

Since this reboot, I couldn't reactivate my iPad because it says that it cannot reach the activation server. Initially I've tried to remove it from my Apple ID device list, hoping that would solve the issue (thought it was a sync issue). Somehow, when posting my question, my iPad Pro 9,7" popped up as one of my active products.

I've called Apple Support and they confirm it's a known hardware issue but cannot initiate a repair because they claim my device has an Activation Lock.

I couldn't recall any opportunity that it would go into lock, as I've been using it for over a year with activating multiple times since I bought it off somebody.

After some "Googling" I found that if you reset/erase your iPad to factory settings without signing out of iCloud, the device is locked until the next activation. You will get an Activation Lock screen where you enter Apple ID and password and it unlocks again.

There's where my problem show up; the device cannot communicate with the server. This is caused by the hardware error and Apple cannot repair due to the fact it isn't unlocked. BUT; it can't unlock itself due to the part which should communicate is broken. You see the irony?

I'm a little bit too attached to my iPad to throw it out of the window. Apple/somebody; please help?

Thanks.