This common error happens when folks try to update their iPad and iPhone to the latest available iOS version. If you are experiencing this issue, please note that you are not alone. Sometimes retrying a couple of times after restarting you iPhone or iPad usually solves the problem. We are sure that many people are experiencing this issue with updating iOS 9.3 this week. If you have tried restarting your device and then updating and it did not work for you, Here are a few tips for you to consider:
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Fixing the iOS 9.3 Activation Error
Step 1: If you are trying to update the iOS via wireless over your wi-fi and experiencing this issue, please retry again with your computer running iTunes.
Step 2: Unlink your device from iCloud “Find my iPhone” feature. To do this Go to Settings >iCloud and then tap to turn off Find My iPhone/iPad
Step 3: Connect your iPhone or iPad to your computer running iTunes with your USB cable
Step 4: Sometimes the Apple Servers can be busy or experiencing issues. Before you try activation again, please make sure to check and ensure that the Apple Services are “Green.”
Step 5 Once you have connected your iPad or iPhone to the computer, please reboot. This action launches the iTunes session when the machine boots up.
Step 6: Make sure that you are running the latest version of iTunes appropriate for your computer.
Step 7: If your iTunes session doesn’t open with restart, you can manually open your iTunes session.
Step 8: Click on the device icon corresponding to your device at the top left section of iTunes screen.
Step 9: Under Settings, Click on Summary, and you will see the details of your device on the right-hand panel. Click on Update to Update your iOS.
Step 10: If the Update did not work for you, you can try to Restore it using iTunes and then try to activate again. We would recommend that you restart your iPhone or iPad and try updating before attempting to Restore the device.
Lastly, once your iPhone has been activated to iOS 9.3, Please do not forget to turn on your “Find my iPhone” feature back on. Good Luck!
Apple Removes iOS 9.3 Update For Selected Devices
Apple has acknowledged the following activation problem on certain impacted iPhone and iPad; the company now has decided to pull the update for those iOS devices. Furthermore, they also provide a quick fix that you can try along with an explanation.
Updating some iOS devices (iPhone 5s and earlier and iPad Air and earlier) to iOS 9.3 can require entering the Apple ID and password used to set up the device in order to complete the software update. In some cases, if customers do not recall their password, their device will remain in an inactivated state until they can recover or reset their password. For these older devices, we have temporarily pulled back the update and will release an updated version of iOS 9.3 in the next few days that does not require this step.”
Let us know in the comment section below if the guide from Apple help you resolve this issue.
Download iOS 9.3 Build 13E237
Good news, Apple just released another update to their iOS 9.3, make 13E237, for older iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad that was affected by the annoying activation error. There are two ways to proceed with this new firmware.
If your device is on the activation screen, put it in recovery mode and then click Update from the iTunes software. For those that haven’t already download iOS 9.3, you can do that directly on your device through OTA, Over-the-Air. Just go to Settings > General > Software Update to complete any iOS updates.
Obsessed with tech since the early arrival of A/UX on Apple, Sudz (SK) is responsible for the editorial direction of AppleToolBox. He is based out of Los Angeles, CA.
Sudz specializes in covering all things macOS, having reviewed dozens of OS X and macOS developments over the years.
In a former life, Sudz worked helping Fortune 100 companies with their technology and business transformation aspirations.
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My iPod iOS 9.3.5 went into the needs activation mode. The email address that was used at first is no longer available. What can i do? I tried hooking up to iTunes and it did not work. I do not remember the original password as it has been changed many times. I do not want to buy another iPod. any suggestions would help.
My iPAD2 will not activate
I have now tried to connect to iTunes to recover, and this does also not work
what now?
For iOS users, it is normal to upgrade or downgrade iOS system on the device to fix the software update failed error. We always need to install IPSW files on our iPhone iPad to restore. What is IPSW and how to install IPSW files with iTunes.
iPad 2 working wonderfully well wifi and 3G along came a prompt upgrade to iOS 9.3.2 …. Having already done so on my iPhone off I went without a thought. I now have a door stop as its stuck in the restore mode.
So off I went contact Apple support went through all pointless excercise of deleting anti virus software . Reinstalling iTunes ,changing cable using a different computer try another iPad. Well all I can say I really enjoyed the wasted hours trying these things out . Do you think Apple have a sweepstake around the globe to see who can get the consumer to try many many times a fix that doesn’t work.
I have been told I may be charged for a fix if I take it to an Apple Store … Charged !!!!! really for a fault that wasn’t of my doing from an update of software that they have released to ‘IMPROVE’ my/our devices. I have told them that if there is a charge all my Apple devices will go into the bin as how can they guarantee that this won’t happen to any other device that I/we all own effectively rendering them useless on the next IOS UPDATE .
Oh and all of my family’s iPad 2s ( 4 ) none of the 3G carriers work states no SIM card great something else that they’ve ruined for us and I’m refusing to buy new pads if anything it’s the androids for us .
I had this happen on Sat June 18th 2016 with my iPad 2 and cannot believe that Apple have allowed this bug to stay in their OS update downloads – having just discovered how far back the complaints go.
It is ridiculous. The iPad is currently useless as the “activation server…etc” message just keeps coming up. I have been in touch with Apple support and the guy never even admitted that this has been an Apple problem for such a long time. Still have to hear from them tomorrow to go through a process of restoration No way I would buy an Apple iPhone after this debacle. How to make a whole heap of electronic gear totally useless with one flawed OS update. Congrats Apple, you lost yourself a lot of customers.
I got the same error. I did refresh my wifi connection and restarted my iphone then tried to update and it did succeed!
Did not work for me either, tried with Wi-Fi on phone. Tried the connection with iTunes, followed the directions. It looked like it was going somewhere, until I got the error message. Tried several times, same result. Cannot even factory reset my phone, due to it saying verification failed. But I’m able to sign into my iCloud or iTunes fine on desktop.
Updated my iPad 2 to ios 9.3 now it won’t go to 3g it says no service can anyone help
I had same problem today with my iPhone 4s iPhone 5s I got the update right to the end when it said connect to iTunes I took mine to my local repair shop who only deals with iPhone ipads mac’s ext he connected to iTunes didn’t work 1st time but 2nd time it did it took 15minutes I had everything backed up out there iPhone 4s restored 15mins iPhone 5s took 3 attempts took 10minutes cost Me £10 UK I guess I’m one of the few lucky ones to get a fix such a shame for APPLE as I’ve never had a issue before since 2007 Its annoying it’s frustrating but APPLE will fix this guys they will let’s not all go to shirty leggy Samsung who are terrible in my humble opinion £10 cost but worth it for the fix I am buying a iPhone 6s on Monday I will wait before I update though GOOD LUCK ALL hope yous find a fix APPLE I STILL LOVE YOU 🙂
If anything, i feel a little relieved knowing that i am not alone. Experienced the same thing with my mom’s ipad air 2. All it took was a tap on the nagging ios update and we havent been able to use it for 2 weeks now. Tried all the tricks i could find online but itunes just kept giving me a 4013 error. Frustrating and infuriating indeed! I may need to finally visit an apple store this weekend. Not looking forward to paying just to have it wiped. Like everyone here says, its not our fault.
FIXED my connection / icloud auth problem! –
I upgraded my iPhone 5 from 9.2 to 9.3.1 and skipped 9.3. Total chaos. Would not connect to icloud and no internet functionality either. Whatsapp was sometimes working and I had to go airplane mode and back a lot of times to get Whatsapp messenges. Googled a lot and no fixes were applicable to me. At one moment I discovered the VPN on/off toggle in the main screen of settings was flickering green and back. Something wanted to make a VPN connection without asking me. All those connecting efforts was the reason internet did hardly work and icloud login neither. I found a VPN connection called ‘disconnect’. I switched off ‘verbind op aanvraag’ or connect on request (or how it’s called in English). And bam! messages poured in, icloud connected, etc. I once installed the free app Disconnect Inc’s Disconnect Premium Privacy, Performance and VPN. Won’t say this app is to blame but I suspect it is. Hope someone can use this info too.
Hi yes apple store told my daughter that they had to upgrade and i have just fixed there ipad 2 and ihone 5 so it can be done.
Upgrade your iphone or ipad when it automatically generates the prompt to upgrade. I tried every possible way but this worked. !!!
Apple have stolen my iPAD
CC, Apple, Becextech, Australian Computers Newsgroup, The Apple Support Community.
I purchased an iPad from Becextech Australia in August 2012, (Order #19453) and it was working fine until Apple decided to upgrade their O/S on the 24th of March 2016, and have now locked me out of using it. Becextech is an on line Australian supplier: https://becextech.com.au/ and they are selling the whole range of Apple products.
After several attempts at getting it unlocked, Apple now tell me that the Becextech receipt (which I actually found after 3 and a half years) is a “Second Hand Receipt”, (their words), and not good enough for proof of purchase, so they can’t unlock the iPAD for me.
I have been working on trying to get this sorted out since the date it stopped working. Just spent another hour on the phone to Apple talking to Paidro. I spent about the same time with Demi on the phone. Both of these people have been very good, but are obviously restricted in what they can do for me.
What I am now being told is that Becextech have to provide proof of purchase of this product from an Authorized Apple dealer before they will unlock this device. I am still waiting on a response from Becextech. I doubt very much that they can do anything for me, but I do need a response from them.
I can’t understand why a company such as Apple would allow me to use a device for 3 and a half years, then stop me using it.
I am a 73 year old aged pensioner, and I know that this is very, very wrong, perhaps even a criminal offense. We paid good money to Becextech, knowing a large portion of these funds flowed on to Apple in some way, and we are locked out of a product after nearly 4 years of use.
Apple say Becextech aren’t an Authorized dealer, and this is the reason they need to provide proof of purchase to Apple.
It appears the problem is associated with me not knowing my password for a “@me.com” account. As I don’t have access to the domain “me.com” what is the point in me knowing the password after nearly 4 years.
I have been using the same username and password to get into 3 Apple accounts (as well as my iPAD) and my ID credentials are working well. These are all web based accounts: “My Apple ID account”, “My Apple icloud account”, and “The Apple Support Community”.
I am pondering my next step, and wondering if Consumer Affairs is a long road to take, or should I just go straight to the media.
Cheers Don…
Yep my ipad is a brick still cant active it — went to apple store waited over 3 hours – after another 30 min was told sorry its the connector – was offered $100 trade in – so apple bricked me after the update and no w want me to fork out more money for a new one – ha – a new samsung here i come _ rip off company wants us to buy a new ipad phone every year–
My i pad mini is telling me that i am not connected to the internet, she indeed I am connected to the internet. Updated my i phone 6 successfully, but no luck with the i pad mini.
After downloading iOS 9.3.1 to my iPad2. Reboot. Immediate problem: I can only connect using WiFi. My cellular connection is no longer working. Says: “No Service” at the top left corner. Did 9.3.1 disable mu cellular account? Or is there a setting I need to check?
Good point, but if it nessecitated my buying a new iPad or phone I would just go back to android. What a bunch of jerks. Their products are overpriced and now this.
Well finally Apple has an update for their update. I was lucky that when I finally installed the first update I only had tiny problems with the lock screen photo. I only used the update they pushed and pushed so I could use the night shift function. It turns out that my older iPad 3 doesn’t support this function. What really stinks is all this time there was an app I could have installed for this very purpose, and now the apple jerks removed it from the App Store. YUCK!
My iPhone 5c had the same problem- “cannot activate” so I erased all data and did a reset, now I can’t get it to update or restore. Keep getting “An unknown error occurred [1] in iTunes so my phone is useless. I’ve tried the Upgrade option as well as the Restore option in iTunes. I’ve uninstalled iTunes and reinstalled (yes, I rebooted). Disabled my anti-virus and firewall, still can’t upgrade or restore. Tried on my other laptop- same thing. Tried a different USB cable- same thing.
Waited 2 hours to see an “Authorized Apple Repair Person” who told me my phone is a brick and my only option is to swap it out for $268!!! They told me I had a bad battery, hardware issue ect… my phone worked PERFECTLY fine and my battery was fantastic before I tried to upgrade to the new iOS.
I didn’t break my phone- Apple did, so why should I have to pay for a new phone????
So, so frustrated- imagine what would happen if other industries/ companies operated this way. How does Apple get away with it?
I have tried the procedure, connected my IPAD2 and put it on DFU mode. The new IOS 9.3. Build 13E327 downloaded properly (i have verified this by bypassing the applce icloud DNS server which takes me to a server that allows you to use your apple device with minimal functionality, and it clearly indicates that the device was updated to the latest firmware) but still get the Activation lock asking for appleID and password, which from their announcement should no longer occur.
It only shows that apple is not really testing their products before bringing it to the Public. Its such a shame considering Apple is a very big company. People line up for their product and in return this is what their their consumers are getting “FRUSTRATION”.
Lies lies and more lies ! Apple know exactly what is going on, this is nothing but an attempt to get us to upgrade to a new ipad. It is disgusting to say the least.
I would suggest that their latest products haven’t done so well and now we get hit with this rubbish so we can pull them out of their mess by getting us to buy a new ipad.
For sure and it will be the last you hear from me.
I run an assisted living community where we give all our residents iPads and teach them how to use apps for memory/cognitive exercises.
This horrible update is bricking devices like mad. There is no option but to restore the phone to factory settings. If you haven’t been backing up your devices, you are HOSED.
I am ashamed of Apple. Their software is circling the toilet. I know for a fact that Steve Jobs is banging on the lid of his coffin and wants to choke most of his IOS staff. This is an utter embarrassment!
My last comment is still awaiting moderation almost a day later so here’s another one for consideration. Safari and Mail do not work as they should on my 3rd generation iPad after updating to 9.3… I have downloaded Firefox as my browser and Cloudmagic for mail untill Apple get thier act together and fix these problems. How is it that third party apps work better than Apples own iOS apps? How many posts are awaiting moderation?
Hey sorry to hear that. We have multiple spam protections and so it’s hard for us to really go through all of them. This new comment made it to our list though.
My issue is different. When I try to update on my iPhone, I get a message that my phone is not connected to the internet when it actually is Sounds like it’s been a blessing in disguise. I’ll wait for Apple to fix their glitches before I update. Seems that Apple released this update too soon. Sorry to hear about all of the previous problems.
I, too, had the same issue and finally fixed the problem! After reading through all of the comments, I logged into my iCloud account on my computer and disabled the “find my phone” app for my iPad. I then opened iTunes on my mac and plugged my iPad into the computer. This brought up the screen to enter my apple id and password on my iPad (which I had been unable to get past the activation screen before this) and complete the installation of 9.3. Good luck!
I have now successfully updated to 9.3, but it is not fit for purpose on my 3rd generation iPad. Safari malfunctions as does the incorporated google search engine. The only way I can now access my internet banking is to use Firefox which is not my first choice on an iPad but at least it works (sort of).
I will not update my wifes newer iPad mini as it works well with iOs 9.2.1…
Apple should hold their heads in shame, this is totally unacceptable.
I have tried numerous times to do the install and I am getting a message that it can’t be installed because I am not connected to the internet and I am. I have an Ipad 3 and brought it to work with me today to try it and getting the same message.
I am getting the not connected to the Internet error on my iPad mini and iPhone 5, but very grateful of that instead of all the other more major problems in am seeing here…good luck all!
Thanks that fixed the issue. I was able to update my wife’s iPhone 5S. Semper Fi!
Updated my iphone 4s and it took a couple of tries. Everything works now except I am unable to make or receive and phone calls. It lets me dial and looks like it is going to go through but then will return to the number pad after about 5 seconds
What do you do if you haven’t got a desktop or laptop to try apple toolbox directions when iPhone 5 tells me I am not connected to wifi when I am!!
Those who have tried the “fix” still haven’t succeeded!!!!
Where do I go from here. I have always spoken highly of Apple devices. Apples’s success will no doubt be questionable after this episode . We also have two iPad 2 in the household – I am not even going to try to update.
When I try to update it says I’m no longer connected to the Internet.
When I try to update it say that I don’t have an Internet connection even though I have since I can send this in. I have tried through iTunes but it doesn’t work either and I really don’t want to restore my phone since I don’t know what implications that will have
iPad Air. No computer. Tried all recommended options apart from connecting to a computer. Only outcome was changing error msg from not connected to Internet to unable to verify. No access to Apple shop where I live. My iPhone updated OK. Please tell me how to fix the iPad without connecting to a computer.
My Ipad has iOS 9.3 downloaded but cannot be verified as the apple report says the internet connection was lost. There is no problem with my Broadband and I’m hooked up to my Apple computer via an ethernet cable. So its Apple who are the problem here. My Safari and Mail freezes. Nice one Apple! I have had Apple devices for 20 or so years, but I have had enough of their so called improvement updates…
I fixed my iPad 2 this morning by restarting in recovery mode – hard reset whilst plugged into mac but don’t let go of the buttons on restart until the icon comes up directing you to plug into iTunes. The restore as new ipad or from back up.
Not ideal if you don’t use iTunes or have a computer – but I would never use iOS device without a mothership!
Same thing here. I am so glad all I got was the unable to verify, no internet connection message. Considering so many being locked out I will just not try again. I only wanted the change of warmth for night work anyway. Apple will pay dearly for this screwup…geez these things are overpriced when they work!
I have a 5S and after trying the steps on top of this page, I read where they will release a difference update for 5S and older :/
NO the ‘fix’ didn’t work.
I have restored to factory settings and still the phone will not activate and it wants me to put in the Apple Id and password from years ago, which has changed over time. The original may not have been set up by the owner originally i.e. retail seller.
Are you serious? Any computer system worth its salt would have a database table with the serial numbers of its Iphone, Ipad etc and the various Apple Id’s and passwords associated with it over time.
And why do you want the ORIGINAL Ids and passwords anyway? It’s all history.
I am in hospital at the moment and will probably be here for another 4-6 weeks, so I just can’t go hopping off to the Apple store to get a fix. I did the next best thing and rang Apple Support. They were polite but told me what I already knew, I own a paperweight! They didn’t even know about the said ‘fix’ that doesn’t work or the fact that a new ver 9.3 will be out soon.
As soon as this phone dies so will my association with Apple. You make things that should be so easy to difficult.
I’ve given you the answer in this post of what to do to stop this happening again – I usually charge over $100 for that advice, you’ve got it for nothing – do DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT – QUICKLY!!!!
I started way back when with Apple because it was trouble free. Not so this last few years time to dump all my apple stuff and try out a different product in the market place, they are just the same as everyone else these days.
My problem is I start the download process then get a message “you are no longer connected to the Internet” all well and good but I quite clearly am still connected to the Internet. Very frustrating apple.
I also got message it couldn’t verify because it wasn’t connected to the Internet, but it is.
My news will not refresh either. WTF.
A friend was having this problem with an older iPhone. I ended up deleting the update (under “iCloud, Storage, Manage Storage’ … Search for details, i may not have it 100% remembered). Apparently, the update was already downloaded, then Apple withdrew it for this device. When it checked to verify, it gave the unable to connect error. After deleting the update and checking for updates, the badge clered. I would expect the problem to resolve when Apple releses the “fix”. In the meantime, delete the update.
Did not work, followed everything that was advised, still getting an error message.
iPad 2 updated no problem but iPhone 5c wouldn’t, got message it couldn’t verify because it wasn’t connected to the Internet – which it was. Wouldn’t work on iMac sync either. I took all the steps outlined by Apple above, several times. Still no result other than stating version 9.2.1 was up to date. Stopped short of “restore”. Then I acted on Apple advice posted above… press home and power button on phone. But even then it will only update or restore to 9.2.1 Gave up!
When is fixed update coming out? Apple – stop releasing updates/upgrades before testing them thoroughly and tweaking bugs!
Have held off upgrading to El Capitan on iMac because of complaints posted about this OS
I have tried everything and still keep getting this message:
Unable to Verify Update
iOS failed verification because you are no longer connected to the Internet
Retry
Remind me later
Any suggestions?
Now we all know Apple is a crap. My iPad 2 did not activate after upgrading to iOS 9.3. Tried all possible suggestions posted on this forum.
I cannot imagine how a tech company like Apple can rob people and play havoc with their life.
I suggest it is time to say goodbye to Apple products
I love your solution that’s why I have iPad retina Samsung Apple end and Kindle HD never put all your eggs in one basket I’m a smart guy.
SOLUTION: Bought a Samsung Tab. NO MORE STUPID APPLE CRAP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I’m having the same issues with my IPad Air. It downloaded the install, but it won’t verify it, indicating that I’m not connected to the Internet even though I am connected to WiFi and I am able to go to this appletoolbox.com website with no problems. Maybe I’m better off not being able to verify since it seems once it is installed, it can’t be activated without too many problems. I didn’t have problems with my iPhone 6, but I’m worried about trying to update my iPad not that I’ve read everyone else having problems with activation. Hope Apple fixes all the bugs before mine finally recognizes that I’m connected to the Internet.
It did not work. It’s telling me that 9.2.1 is the latest software and my iPad is up to date.
So now you’re going to make me hate iPhone too?
I don’t remember the last time I went to iTunes on my computer. I don’t even remember which computer it’s on. I hate iTunes so much for taking all of the music I BOUGHT hostage.
Yeah, I don’t really want to have anything to do with iTunes.
You probably mean home and POWER, not home and home…
I spoke to apple two days ago about my Ipad2 doing what everybody else is getting now and this is what he told me to do…..first delete your iPad or iPhone from iCloud…make sure your computer has the latest version of iTunes installed…put your USB cable into the computer but not into the iPad yet…at the same time as you put your cable into the iPad or iPhone press the home button at the same time and hold the home button down until the iPad shows a cable on it….you may then let go the home button and on the iTunes a box will show up asking you to ether update or restore…..I have done this with both my iPhone and iPad and it has worked both times…..good luck.
Same issue. Update my iphone 5s, but my wife’s 5s will not verify. Says not connected to internet, wifi or via Itunes.
iOS 9.3 won’t install says I’m not connected to Internet but I am. Now I can’t get any volume on my iPad only through headphones. What’s going on?
Did not working on My iPad mini 2
Disgraceful. Apple should be ashamed of itself for causing this shambles. It’s high time we all broke free from this stranglehold the company has on us. There are other phones and tablets out there, and they can’t be worse than this.
Tried to update yesterday morning, wouldn’t connect to my wifi, then activation error, apple support was no help, ended up having to restore phone with no physcial backup. Now when I try to use an icloud backup from only a couple days ago, “cannot restore backup” Why I hate updating my phone, hit or miss on if I get screwed over or not
My iPad mini won’t install iOS 9.3 says I’m not connected to the internet but I am
Yeah, well, then the updating can wait until it is fixed in the update-update. I usually wait until bugs are ironed out from the updates before I commit to it, anyway. Fewer issues that way.
We’ll see what happens with 9.3.1 but until then, no updating.
Got the same message, “will not update, because you are no longer connected to the internet.” Well, yes we are connected to the internet. After reading about all these horrible problems, I will just leave it alone! We are due for new phones anyway.
Apple, you need to get with it!
Completely useless information
And a waste of my time trying the various suggestions.
Pull you finger out Apple and get this sorted
Same problem with iPhone 5…..
Success. Make sure you go through the whole boot process to get the new version. Don’t rely on just recycling the original.
It will give you the same message about not being able to verify try again? Disconnect it from your computer and reconnect. Should work.
As of 4:51 EDT nothing has changed. My iPad 2 has been down for 2 days. Have removed it from “Find iPhone”
I wonder if we are waiting for 9.3.1? It still invites me to download 9.3 which I have done 6 or 8 times.
If you have an iPad 2 3G and can’t even get to the login, there is different solution:
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT206214
If it doesn’t work, make sure you have “iPad2,2_9.3_13E236_Restore” in ~/Library/iTunes/iPad Software Updates
i am fed up with this problem now tried several times but no success. only way left is to restore my ipad through itunes and this means losing all data. rubbish!
I’m fortunate in that “unable to connect to the Internet” is the only a message I’m getting for my iPad mini w retina and iPhone 5s.
update there is a fix apple just released today got my sons back up and running unfortunately my fish wont let go of mine lol have to laugh spent 2 days on this when apple could of told me from day one it was on there end, good luck all here is info i used, Open iTunes
connected iPad 2
iTunes downloaded new file, extracted and installed
iPad rebooted, followed setup GOT SAME ERROR ABOUT ACTIVATION, BUT
then I unplugged ipad, connected it back and bam all was there and IpAD WAS updated to 9.3.
Just did it again and it worked on my wife’s ipad 2, New firmware was released this morning I think
This is a BIG problem and it will cause a BIG fall in Apple sales.
what a shame from apple … lost my confidence on you …
After many attempts and a lot of time my iTunes updated my iPad but I STILL GET THE MSG THAT CAN´T ACTIVATE IPAD !!!!!!!!!!
Same here, followed the steps & now iTunes shows me that 9.2.1 is the current version. Absolutely nothing happens. Shit sucks
Didn’t work for my phone either. iTunes says the phone is up to date, but it isn’t.
I have to admit that I switched from an iPad to a Kindle Fire and am impressed with it over my iPan, maybe my next phone will be a Samsung?
iPhone 5c won’t update as ‘not on wifi’ – but I am – then looked in settings and I am asked for passcode – no idea- bought it from eBay and got iTunes fine, so not worried its illegit, but never used a code to my knowledge.
Connected to my Mac. Followed the steps. Itunes tells me that IOS 9.2.1 is the current version
Hiya, I’ve got a iPhone 5 and the iOS 9.3 has only just come up for install and when I have clicked on install it is saying ‘update fail your no longer connected to the Internet. But I am what can I do to update it?
My 5S was replaced today. My backup was done under 9.3 and so the new phone (9.2.1) is considered to be old by the backup and it is refusing to backup to the new phone so EVERYTHING is LOST until you give me a 9.3 that I can use.
I can not activate my I pad after updating it..always incorrect I’d apple and password .what to do?
I have had three iPhones. Suffice it to say, there will not be a fourth. Could you have botched an update any worse?
Good job, Apple. Idiots.
I updated my Ipad2 (G3 with GSM and SIM chip) with IOS 9.3. Had exactly all the issues above. Called Apple Support and waited for an hour to get a response: wait for a fix from Apple.
I took a chance and forced-Restore to IOS 9.2.1 base. You hold the Power and Home buttons for 10 Secs until you see the USB connector in the IPad screen, then plug in the USB connector to your PC/Laptop if you have one. Follow the prompts to go back to 9.2.1. Once your iPad has been cleaned off 9.3, You can restore to your last backup from iCloud. If you have no backup then you need to wait for Apple to fix the bug. My machine has been restoring apps , music and pictures/movies for over 2 hours and still going. Hopefully all my data with return from the cloud eventually. I had to force the Restore action at least 4 times before it took. I will be very careful in deciding to update IOS in the near future until Apple gains my confidence again.
I am able to use the iPad to check mail, watching Netflix, etc…. Keeping my fingers crossed.
I had no issues updating the iPhone 6+ to IOS 9.3.
To the Apple company:
I am probably one of the first users of your products, form the first kits, to the Apple II, to the MacIntosh, to the Lisa, to the Mac, to the iPhone to the iPad to the iWatch. In addition I own Apple stock. I have supported Apple from the very start and I hope I continue into the future. I worked for IBM for 35 years when I retired so I know a thing or 2 about systems software and its perils. I can say for certain that IOS 9.3 was not properly tested, someone needs to learn from this 9.3-debacle.
Mr. Cook you need to get involved on fixing this kind of problem so that it never recurs.
Otherwise, Apple’s days as a Premier company will be shorter than we would like. People being impacted by this issue need solutions very fast so you have a chance to retain them before they walk to the competition. The black eye will stay for a while…..
Did anyone at Apple even test this? How could all these iPads get missed. Sad.
George (@TB10) – said on another site.
No way to get it to active. The only way is to revert to iOS 9.2. Follow the below instructions (hopefully you have a current backup on iTunes)
Plug in the iPad
Turn on iTunes, iTunes will complain
Press and hold the HOME button and Power Button until it restarts
Let go of the Power Button but keep holding onto the HOME button
In about 10 seconds iTunes will say that it found ‘AN’ iPad but it can’t be used without a restore.
Select restore and it will restore your backed-up old version to the device.
Wait until. 9.31 for Apple to fix their screwup! With this many people complaining, my guess is not a single person in the 300000 people that work at Apple tried to update an iPad 2.
Utter pish!
Getting error over wifi – unable to verify update. Apparently, I’m no longer connected to the internet, although I’m 6 feet from the router with full bars on the wifi and other apps connect to the internet just fine. Updated iTunes to the latest version, which tells me my phone is up to date (9.2.1) and refuses to even think about upgrading to 9.3. I can see Android in my near future..
Finally got ahold of an Apple rep. She said try this: go to iCloud.com and try to log in there. It didn’t work for us, but supposedly will after an 8-hour rest period. We were blocked out of my husband’s after too many attempts. But – if you can sign into iCloud, you’ll be able to remove “find my phone” and it should let you continue. Let’s see if that works 8 hours from now!
I won’t update ! I’ll live with previous version . You up date and makes matters worse . Get your acts together Apple !!!!’
Like other commenters have mentioned, none of these steps are useful if the device won’t activate in the first place. I can’t even get my iPad 2 to restore–once it finishes, iTunes just throws me an message saying “The iPad “iPad” could not be restored. An unknown error occurred (9).”
This is maddening. I am so irritated.
FOR THOSE STILL SUFFERING OF APPLE SLIPPING DOWN THE ROAD TO POOR SOFTWARE QUALITY…
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PLEASE REMOVE THE SIM-CARD FROM YOUR DEVICE *BEFORE* YOU TRY UPDATING/RESTORING
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Leave the SIM-Card out of the device until everything is completely restored!!! Skip iTunes asking for putting Sim-Card int device and simply click continue if using iPhone.
This was my last Apple experience for some time… will buy a Librem Purism soon and sell all these iDevices…
I had issues with apple products before and their after sale service is useless (you call, no resolution; you visit apple care center, they give answers that you as customer are at fault for using the product and they are god who do not acknowledge their device has problem!).. But this latest issue of not being able to activate after installing IOS 9.3 even after 24 hours has made me determined not to ever use in my life any apple product.. am telling the pathetic quality of this hyped company.
Same problem on my husband’s iPhone 5S. Now he needs it for travel on Saturday. DOES ANYONE KNOW HOW TO ROLL BACK TO THE PREVIOUS VERSION OR WIPE IT CLEAN AND START OVER?
Cannot deactivate iTunes as its on his iPhone, not on a computer. My son took it to the Apple Store and they couldn’t even get to him for at least an hour. So many unhappy customers!!!
Just joining the chorus if IPad 2 users stopped at the ITunes icon and no amount of restarting and/or cursing the device will get it going. I do not have a computer, just have the IPad 2 and I have loved it until yesterday. And today not too much either.
Same problem here. This really is ridiculous. Anyone have any new official information?
How can you make any of the step if your iPad is not activated…..
iPad 2 will not activate after new update and iTunes does not recognize my iPad when plugged in. My son has autism and absolutely needs the iPad. Please someone fix this! I need a resolution quickly!
According to Apple Community…for this with older iPads, Once you have connected to the latest iTunes on your computer.
4.) Press down the Home and Power button of the iPad at the same time and then release just the Power button after the device restarts.
5.) You will be asked to connect your iPad to your computer using the USB cable again.
6.) An option will appear that asks if you want to restore the device and upgrade to iOS 9.3.
7.) As iOS 9.3 downloads, the error message will appear again — but you still need to wait until iOS 9.3 is done.
8.) After iOS 9.3 is done downloading, you will need to repeat step 4. This time your iPad will ask if you want to restore it.
9.) Once the restore is finished, you will be asked to select whether you want to activate the iPad as a “new” device or if you want to restore it from your last backup. Selecting the new iPad option will format your iPad so it is like new and restoring it will retrieve your data again.
Same for new ipad air i boughg today
When you say “Step 2: Unlink your device from iCloud “Find my iPhone” feature. In order to do this Go to Settings >iCloud and then tap to turn off Find My iPhone/iPad”, what if your iPad is locked at the activation stage and you can’t go to Settings>iCloud to turn off Find My iPad?
This problem is so widespread there is simply no way Apple technicians did not anticipate the furor! Methinks it’s a marketing ploy of the psychopathic directors of Apple to make older Ipad and Iphone models redundant and coerce consumers to upgrade. However, like so many who have posted here and on other sites, this is the last apple product I purchase.
I just love how every tech company including the heralded Apple try to make it look like it is YOUR fault that your device is not working, it’s never them… I was gifted an iPad 2 a couple of years ago and while it works okay when it works it definitely does NOT live up to the hype. I couldn’t tell you how many times I’ve wanted to drop-kick this POS device in the past and I have thrown it down several times in frustration in the past (good thing it’s a solid build or I would have broken it.) I hate this greedy closed system BS and lack of functionality that other OS devices have. Like all of you, I tried to update yesterday because I get tired of the constant nag screen to do so.. I should have waited.. I am pissed. SO tired of all these stupid “updates”, although not nearly as bad as Firefox. So c’mon great Apple, when are you going to fix YOUR PROBLEM?!
ipad does not activate after downloading latest update. was on the phone with tech support for two hours, they couldn’t tell me how to fix it. the last word from them the engineers are working on the problem. sol
ios sucks the wit out of me… same problem as the others above for ipad2.. only seeing itunes with the connector icon… stuck up..grrr! do fix this please!! really disappointed
Can’t activate phone after update. Says my Apple ID cannot be used to activate phone. It is the only ID I’ve ever used and my password is correct. No more updates and no more Apple. I need my phone for my job and now I’m SOL!
My Mac is ready to expire as well being that I can’t even upgrade to the new OS that is required by google, spotify, etc. I’m absolutely frustrated and unbelievably angry right now.
I don’t easily get angry..but I have been trying for hours to fix this Hello screen problem. I have been talking to two Apple technicians. We went through all the same methods. Deleted , downloaded ect… Not once did they say they are having a problem with this new update. They made it sound like I was juist unlucky..whatever that means when dealing with technical issues . If there is a problem, tell us, then we can get on with our life instead of going dizzy trying to fix a non fixable bug.
Since I have updated, I am no longer able to access Instagram or YouTube. On Instagram, at first it said I was either not connect to the Internet (which I was) or that it could not refresh. So I uninstalled and reinstalled, and I tried to log in and it says “IGFoundation network error -1011.” For YouTube, it just says I am not connected to the internet (which I am). No videos or anything show up when I open the app. Please help
Having same problem on i5 phone stuck after I select my carrier that i didn’t change! After on support chat for over 4 hours and waiting for a “senior adviser” I’m now told to wait for 48 hours for a possible fix. Not holding my breath. Come on Apple you can fix it.
Same problem with iPhone 5s. Spent over an hour on phone with Apple. We tried changing the password and security questions (on the iCloud website using a PC) but nothing work. Rep said it had been identified as an emerging issue and engineers were I/P on it. Only solution suggested was to either wipe the phone and start fresh or wait for a fix. Feel lucky that I managed to successfully update my iPad 2 with retina before this problem came up with the iPhone.
update 8 hrs into this and still no fix tried everything suggested now ipad wont even boot goes directly to i tunes and wants to restore. ipad is now in the bottom of my fish tank will not ever buy another apple product.
Same problem as everyone else….have tried fix…..BUT iTunes won’t recognize iPad since it is locked on the iTune connect screen.
Ditto to all prior comments
Try this and see if it resolves the issue:
Power off the device for a couple of minutes.
Log in to your iCloud account from a computer through the browser, click on Find my iPhone, remove the device from the device list.
Power on the iPad, and then see if issue is resolved upon trying to activate.
This has settled it for me. I will not buy another Apple product. I’m done. I finally got someone from support on the line after 1 hour of being on hold. We tried everything possible and the iPad will not respond to anything. If it is a loss, I will go back to paper and pen, buying hard back reference books, and buying and playing CD’s before I’ll use another “i” anything.
I have a lot of money tied up in this stupid product. I’ll also trade my iPhone for a Samsung or any other device – may even go back to the cheapest flip phone available and carry around a rolodex.
Absolutely ridiculous.
This update is the worst ever. Same problem, iPad 2 not activating.
shame for a premium company. iPad2 is dead here and is not recognized in latest iTunes on my iMac as well. This is a shame for Apple.
I am mad as hell over this! I use my iPad for healthcare software information and have not been able to access it all day. No one answers the phone at (800)275-2273 – I’ve been on hold for over 45 mins.
The article above is ridiculous – I cannot get my iPad to work at all — it does not respond at all.
Someone at Apple had better get this fixed and I do mean quickly!
This is really bad for Apple. Last night I was still planning to buy new Ipad Pro 9.7, which is far too over-priced though. After trying to update my old Ipad 2 today having this activation server issue I came to understand that I don’t want to pay huge money for this kind of crap, and will survive with Android. Very huge disappointment!
same problem here ipad forced updated this morning now have activation issue tried hooking up to computer and i tunes says it cant find device, store wants 40 bucks to fix something there company did. Guess i could restore oops cant forgot to back up.Guess i have another paper weight.Expensive lesson learned.
Press the home and start/turn on button at the same time while connected to iTunes and hold them until you see the recovery mode screen of the USB lead and the iTunes symbol,it gives you the choice to try to reinstall the update or restore.Try to reinstall a couple of times and if it doesn’t work do a restore from iCloud backup.
It took me two or three attempts to restore even but once you see the Apple logo and the bar moving across the screen as with an update you are on the way,good luck and here’s a link to explain:
https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT201263
My iPad 3 has successfully downloaded and installed IOS 9.3 last night but failed to activate. I have tried again and again for hours, but iPad 3 still cannot be activated “because the activation server is temporarily unavailable”. When will the activation server for iPad3 be available ?I don’t have a computer to connect to iTune. Should I just leave the iPad 3 on and keep waiting forever? Anyway to revive my iPad 3 ? Thank you.
I contacted Apple Support Chat this morning as I have same activation and verification issues with iPad after trying to update to IOS 9.3
I was told the engineers are working on the issue and it may be 48 hours before it is repaired.
I would be happy with just being able to restore my iPad 2, but unfortunately that seems impossible! I can’t do it from iTunes or the device, any suggestions? Updated to iOS 9.3 yesterday, iPad 2.
This update is the worst ever. Same problem, iPad 2 not activating. Any more solutions?
Same thing here, is there anyway to restore IPAD 2 back to factory settings while having this problem?
I updated using Wi-Fi but getting the unable to activate error message. Plugged into my computer using cable, but iTunes cannot verify the device, probably because the update process is too far along. Restart iTunes and computer, but getting same errors.How to fix it ?
same issue… any solution except bringing to service center?
I have been trying activate, but it is the same problem. Has it been solved?
iTunes says your device is not recognized and you can’t proceed. The only 100% solution is to restore from 9.2.1 IPSW and wait for Apple to release fix.
I believe apple activation server might down or database corrupt. Now i am stuck like you guys with same issue. I have login the case to apple support. Now all I could do is wait, all my important data are inside. (- -“)
This is totally ridiculous. Same problem.
This IOS activation issue is a shame for a premium company. iPad2 is dead here and is not recognized in latest iTunes on my iMac as well. This is a shame for Apple.
Doesn’t work. And some of these steps cannot be done because there’s an activation error to begin with.
I have the same issue. After update to 9.3 it failed to activate. The issue is – when I connect it to iTunes it says that “iTunes was unable to verify your device”. Restarting iTunes and hard reset of iPad did not help. It is first time I have an issue with Apple upgrade. Not sure what to do now ((( seems like bringing it to Apple service center is the only option …
I have an iPad 2 and I could not activate it after the update. I had to go through recovery mode and once it connected to iTunes, I had no choice but to restore it. Fortunately, I backed up 2 weeks ago.
Apple tend to make their problem your when os upgrades go wrong and your locked out.
Same problem trying restore now
Robert, i have the EXACT same issue. Please post if you get it resolved. I have been looking for a solution all day.
Romy, Can’t activate my iPad when I have an update this morning . I try connecting to my laptop and iTunes but still won’t activate. Can you us some solution this problem
Well I followed the instructions. Did it 5 times and still got the same error. So I had to put it in restore mode and go from there. Had to do because I use my iPad at school. Little upset because I had to restore. Thank goodness I had a backup to fall back on. So I was able to restore and get the software update.
IOS 9.3 download was attempted on a IPAD 4. It made it to the Hello screen and when the screen was swiped it showed “Enter Your Password” with a long field instead of the usual 4 blank spaces as on her IPhone 6. She is positive she didn’t set up a password on the IPAD 4 and if she had would have used the same as the one on her IPhone, but it will not accept it and keeps timing out asking her to try again later (giving different lengths of time after each attempt.) Any ideas?
Same here. Update completed then Activation error – connected to pc with itunes and cannot get pass activation error to see the summary option as detailed above. Have restarted both at least a dozen times – getting nowhere. When will the fix be available as I need access to the ipad 2? The update worked fine on my iphone 4s.
Didn’t work. Connected to iTunes and says can’t verify the iPad I’m stuck in activation
Took mine to an apple technician. After 2 hours trying to update we did a wipe reinstall. It cost me $22.50CDN, but I now have iOS 9.3 and it is working.
Like all the above… You cannot deactivate ‘find my’ without accessing the settings on the device that won’t activate. And if you remove the device from ‘iCloud’ as soon as you try to activate said device reconnects to iCloud so it’s a circle or should I say circus…
No problem with my iphone 4s but my iphone 6s cut when it download update , i tryed with itunes but same problem
Like how the article starts by telling us it’s a common problem. I don’t think so. I have a (2011) gen 2 iPad and never had this issue until today. I think Apple pushed out an update without testing it first. I dunno. Hopefully it gets fixed in a timely manner.
updated using Wi-Fi but getting the unable to activate error message. Plugged into my computer using cable, but iTunes cannot verify the device, probably because the update process is too far along. Restart iTunes and computer, but getting same errors.
If I did step 1 and found out that the activation is not working, it means that I cannot access or use the iPad, so can you explain me how is it possible that I access the settings to do step 2?
I updated my ipad and got the activation error, connected to itunes and its just saying ‘unable to verify your device’ any idea how to fix this?
Same here. Tried every single step several times. Still same message and iTunes won’t recognize my ipad 🙁
did not work!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
can you explain to me what you did? It should work.
What if no computer