You can make a difference in the Apple Support Community!

When you sign up with your Apple Account, you can provide valuable feedback to other community members by upvoting helpful replies and User Tips.

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Activation server cannot be reached

How to activate my ipad mini. It says activation server cannot be reached

iPhone 5s, iOS 12

Posted on May 27, 2021 8:17 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on May 27, 2021 8:19 AM

You may have greater chance of success if you connect your iPad to a PC (with iTunes installed) or a Mac (with iTunes or Finder - as appropriate for the installed version of macOS). Once connected to your computer, your iPad will be detected - and you should be able to activate using iTunes.


  1. Make sure that you have the latest version of macOS or the latest version of iTunes.
  2. Check that your computer has an Internet connection.
  3. With the cable that came with your iPad, connect your iPad to your computer. Locate your device on your computer.
  4. Wait while your computer detects and activates your iPad:
    • If you see an alert that shows "Set up as New" or "Restore from Backup", it means your iPad is activated.
    • If you get an error message that says the "activation information was invalid" or "activation information could not be obtained from the device", use recovery mode to restore your iPhone.



A restart of your WiFi Router and/or a change of DNS settings may be helpful.


To restart you home router, disconnect power - then wait at least 30 seconds before restarting. When you router has rebooted (which may take several minutes), force-restart your iPad:


  • On an iPad with a Home button: Press and hold the top button and the Home button at the same time. When the Apple logo appears, release both buttons.
  • On an iPad with Face ID: Press and quickly release the volume up button, press and quickly release the volume down button, then press and hold the top button. When the Apple logo appears, release the button.




For recommended DNS servers (configured at your home router and/or your iPad), you might choose one of the following Recursive DNS Providers (IPv4 and IPv6 addresses included below):


Quad9

9.9.9.9

149.112.112.112

2620:fe::fe

2620:fe::9


OpenDNS

208.67.222.222

208.67.220.220

2620:0:ccc::2

2620:0:ccd::2


Cloudflare+APNIC

1.1.1.1

1.0.0.1

2606:4700:4700::1111

2606:4700:4700::1001


Should it be necessary to escalate your issue to Apple Support, the quickest route to engaging with Apple Support will be via the Get Support link at top-right of this page.


1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

May 27, 2021 8:19 AM in response to regine242

You may have greater chance of success if you connect your iPad to a PC (with iTunes installed) or a Mac (with iTunes or Finder - as appropriate for the installed version of macOS). Once connected to your computer, your iPad will be detected - and you should be able to activate using iTunes.


  1. Make sure that you have the latest version of macOS or the latest version of iTunes.
  2. Check that your computer has an Internet connection.
  3. With the cable that came with your iPad, connect your iPad to your computer. Locate your device on your computer.
  4. Wait while your computer detects and activates your iPad:
    • If you see an alert that shows "Set up as New" or "Restore from Backup", it means your iPad is activated.
    • If you get an error message that says the "activation information was invalid" or "activation information could not be obtained from the device", use recovery mode to restore your iPhone.



A restart of your WiFi Router and/or a change of DNS settings may be helpful.


To restart you home router, disconnect power - then wait at least 30 seconds before restarting. When you router has rebooted (which may take several minutes), force-restart your iPad:


  • On an iPad with a Home button: Press and hold the top button and the Home button at the same time. When the Apple logo appears, release both buttons.
  • On an iPad with Face ID: Press and quickly release the volume up button, press and quickly release the volume down button, then press and hold the top button. When the Apple logo appears, release the button.




For recommended DNS servers (configured at your home router and/or your iPad), you might choose one of the following Recursive DNS Providers (IPv4 and IPv6 addresses included below):


Quad9

9.9.9.9

149.112.112.112

2620:fe::fe

2620:fe::9


OpenDNS

208.67.222.222

208.67.220.220

2620:0:ccc::2

2620:0:ccd::2


Cloudflare+APNIC

1.1.1.1

1.0.0.1

2606:4700:4700::1111

2606:4700:4700::1001


Should it be necessary to escalate your issue to Apple Support, the quickest route to engaging with Apple Support will be via the Get Support link at top-right of this page.


Activation server cannot be reached

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.