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Hi, I'm trying to activate a IPAD but I keep getting a message -could not activate because the activation server cannot be reached.

I'm trying to set up a new ipad and I keep getting a message: Cannot activate because the activation server is not available.

iPad Pro 9.7-inch WiFi, Cellular

Posted on Jul 14, 2020 5:49 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jul 14, 2020 5:54 AM

There are multiple potential causes of this problem. If “waiting until later” has failed to provide satisfactory results, something other than availability of the Activation Server may be the cause. Here are some potential resolutions...


As an alternative to direct activation from the iPad itself, you might try activation by connecting the iPad to your PC (with iTunes installed) or a Mac (with iTunes or Finder).


It is possible that your WiFi router is unexpectedly blocking access to some internet/server resources - which might be resolved by a restart of your router.


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.



It is also possible that your currently selected DNS servers(s) are not resolving, or a blocking, some resource addresses. Changing your DNS Server IP Addresses might resolve this problem.


For recommended DNS servers (configured at your home router and/or your iPad), you might choose one of the following highly regarded Recursive DNS Providers (IPv4 and IPv6 addresses included below). Where your local network is dual-stack, you should enter both the IPv4 and IPv6 redundant server addresses.


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


If restart of your home router - or changing your DNS Server settings do not resolve the issue, you should directly contact Apple Support for assistance


Should it be necessary to escalate your issue to Apple Support, the quickest route to engaging with Apple Support will be via the Contact Support link at top-right of this page. Alternatively, you can initiate a support case using the Apple Support App:

https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/apple-support/id1130498044

1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jul 14, 2020 5:54 AM in response to Activation0519

There are multiple potential causes of this problem. If “waiting until later” has failed to provide satisfactory results, something other than availability of the Activation Server may be the cause. Here are some potential resolutions...


As an alternative to direct activation from the iPad itself, you might try activation by connecting the iPad to your PC (with iTunes installed) or a Mac (with iTunes or Finder).


It is possible that your WiFi router is unexpectedly blocking access to some internet/server resources - which might be resolved by a restart of your router.


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.



It is also possible that your currently selected DNS servers(s) are not resolving, or a blocking, some resource addresses. Changing your DNS Server IP Addresses might resolve this problem.


For recommended DNS servers (configured at your home router and/or your iPad), you might choose one of the following highly regarded Recursive DNS Providers (IPv4 and IPv6 addresses included below). Where your local network is dual-stack, you should enter both the IPv4 and IPv6 redundant server addresses.


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


If restart of your home router - or changing your DNS Server settings do not resolve the issue, you should directly contact Apple Support for assistance


Should it be necessary to escalate your issue to Apple Support, the quickest route to engaging with Apple Support will be via the Contact Support link at top-right of this page. Alternatively, you can initiate a support case using the Apple Support App:

https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/apple-support/id1130498044

Hi, I'm trying to activate a IPAD but I keep getting a message -could not activate because the activation server cannot be reached.

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