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My mini iPad will not let me sign in wifi

iPad could not be activated because the activation server cannot be reached. Try connecting your iPad to iTunes, or activated, or trying again in a couple of minutes.

I don’t have iTunes


iPad, iPadOS 14

Posted on Jul 18, 2023 9:00 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jul 19, 2023 2:23 AM

If you are experiencing difficulties with (re)activation of your iPad, you may have more success if you connect your iPad to a Windows PC (with iTunes for Windows 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 may also 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:


Force restart iPad (models with Face ID or with Touch ID in the top button)

If your iPad doesn’t have the Home button, do the following:

  1. Press and quickly release the volume button nearest to the top button.
  2. Press and quickly release the volume button farthest from the top button.
  3. Press and hold the top button.
  4. When the Apple logo appears, release the top button.




Force restart iPad (models with the Home button)

Press and hold the top button and the Home button at the same time. When the Apple logo appears, release both buttons.




Should it be necessary to escalate your issue to Apple Support, the quickest route to engaging with Apple Support will be via the Support link at top-right or bottom-left of this page - or using this link:

Official Apple Support



Similar questions

2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jul 19, 2023 2:23 AM in response to Nanahunkin

If you are experiencing difficulties with (re)activation of your iPad, you may have more success if you connect your iPad to a Windows PC (with iTunes for Windows 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 may also 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:


Force restart iPad (models with Face ID or with Touch ID in the top button)

If your iPad doesn’t have the Home button, do the following:

  1. Press and quickly release the volume button nearest to the top button.
  2. Press and quickly release the volume button farthest from the top button.
  3. Press and hold the top button.
  4. When the Apple logo appears, release the top button.




Force restart iPad (models with the Home button)

Press and hold the top button and the Home button at the same time. When the Apple logo appears, release both buttons.




Should it be necessary to escalate your issue to Apple Support, the quickest route to engaging with Apple Support will be via the Support link at top-right or bottom-left of this page - or using this link:

Official Apple Support



Jul 19, 2023 2:21 AM in response to Nanahunkin

Can you, please, confirm what year and model iPad do you have/own?

The “A” model number can be found on the aluminium back of your iPad, in very small print, right under the larger bold print “iPad” on the back of the iPad.


AND/OR


Supply the “M” model number, which can be found in the Settings app, under the General settings panel, then tap


What iOS/iPadOS version is this iPad, currently, running? Your iOS/iPadOS version maybe too far behind in iOS/iPadOS versions OR cannot be upgraded/updates any farther than what your iPad OS version is already, currently, running?


What is the rated, internal data storage space/capacity of your iPad model and how much of this free, internal data storage capacity is left inside of your iPad model?

All of that additional info can, also, be found in the Settings app, General settings panel, About.


Your iPad needs sufficient free internal data storage space. At the very least, 7-8 GBs or greater internal, free data storage space.


Is your iPad using/running a VPN? You need to, temporarily, disable the VPN.


Also, make sure your iPad is charged to, at least, 50%, or greater, before attempting the iPadOS upgrade/update.


If your iPad is nearing 11-12-years old, chances are, you'll never get that old iPad reset, ever.

I thoroughly believe that Apple is preventing all 11-12 year old, 32-bit devices from ever being re-activated on Apple's server, ever again, to just end the use of these very old devices and keep them from being used on Apple's current activation and data storage servers.



These very old iPad models are very underpowered and obsolete!


My mini iPad will not let me sign in wifi

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