iPhone won't activate. iPhone activation failed - server unavailable or something worse

When you try to update the device firmware from Apple to latest version or during iPhone activation or iPad you may have various types errors that will prevent the process from being completed. How to solve them?

Causes of iPhone and iPad activation errors

There may be several reasons why the process of updating and activating a device may be interrupted:

How can I solve the problem?

First you should try the most simple ways, which very often turn out to be the most effective.

Restarting the device

Restart your iPhone or iPad by pressing the Home and Lock buttons simultaneously for 8-10 seconds. All background processes and the applications will restart, and there is a high chance that after this they will start working correctly.

Network change

Check if the Wi-Fi network is stable. If the Internet speed sags, then reboot the router or connect to another Wi-Fi networks.

Activation via iTunes

If you are unable to activate or update your device via a Wi-Fi network, follow these steps:

1. You need to update iTunes to the latest version. Expand the Help menu.
2. Go to the "Update" section.
3. The program will automatically find available updates and will prompt you to install them, confirm the action.
4. Connect the device to the computer using a USB adapter.
5. After completing the authorization process, click on the icon of your device.
6. Go to the Review section.
7. Click the "Update" button, which is located under the block with a description of your device.
8. Go through the update process by following the instructions that appear on your computer screen. The following message appears indicating that the device has been updated successfully. Go through the activation process by following the instructions on your computer screen.

Restoring a device to fix a problem

Only if none of the above methods helped fix the problem, you should use this option.

1. Open iTunes app on your computer with operating system Windows or Mac OS.
2. Connect the device to your computer using a USB cable.
3. Turn off the device by holding the “Lock” button for a few seconds and confirming the action.
4. Simultaneously press the “Lock” and “Home” buttons on the device for exactly 10 seconds. Remove your finger from the “Lock” button and hold the “Home” button for about 10–15 seconds until a notification about the connected device appears on the computer. During the entire process of putting the device into recovery mode, the screen should not light up.
5. iTunes will see that the device is in recovery mode and will offer to restore it, agree. Go through the recovery process by following the instructions that appear on the screen.

Video: what to do if you couldn’t activate your iPhone or iPad

If one of the above errors occurs while updating or activating your device, change the Wi-Fi network, restart the device, activate and update it through iTunes, or go through the recovery process. If none of the proposed methods help, and you are sure that the Apple servers are working at the time the error occurs, then take your device to the service center to get help from a qualified specialist. But it is better to first consult with Apple support - https://support.apple.com/ru-ru, describing in detail the problem that arose and the methods that did not help resolve it.

Unfortunately, developers have not yet managed to create an ideal device that would not break, would not produce errors, and would work reliably throughout its life. Firstly, this is not in the interests of the manufacturer. Secondly, this is probably impossible. That's why to the average user have to deal with failure iPad activation and its other problems.

Don't panic

It just so happens that not all users understand how this or that device works. Ultimately, this leads to various problems. System crashes often occur, viruses get onto the device or are deleted important information. All these are reasons for inexperience in using tablets and smartphones. To avoid this, you need to be careful and patient.

Could happen for various reasons. But it is important not to panic right away, pressing all the buttons in a row and taking erroneous actions. Please be patient and read the article.

Reasons

As practice shows, a similar problem is faced by those who independently tried to reset content and settings, reflash the system, update it or restore it. Any of these operations will cause the tablet to require activation.

To fix everything, you just need to go the same way as after purchasing the gadget. But some difficulties may await you there.

iPad activation fails

So, first the device showed you that it needs activation, and then it gave you an error. It will definitely appear along with an explanation. From it you will immediately understand what caused it and what needs to be done next.

If you see that “server is unavailable,” you can try waiting a few minutes. There is a possibility that Apple has some problems. You can mentally scold the developers and try again. If after some time the problem remains urgent, you will have to deal with it in more detail.

Modem

Of course, as with any other gadget, there is a possibility of irreversible losses. An error with the servers could appear due to the “death” of the device’s modem. You can immediately check this by connecting your iPad to your computer and iTunes. If no processes occur at this moment, then we will try another guess.

On the welcome screen there is a small icon - “i in a circle”. You need to click on it. If everything is in order and the iPad 2 activation failure can be fixed, then the serial number apparatus.

If you don’t see anything like that, and the standards appear in the additional window, then the probability that the modem has “died” is almost one hundred percent. With this problem, the device cannot be activated.

What to do: iPad activation fails due to modem

To begin with, of course, it’s worth going to service center. This is the simplest, safest and the right way. Experts will tell you the reasons and possible options decisions. There is only one problem in this case - no one wants to take on such a breakdown. Therefore, finding a specialist who would take on the repair will not be easy. And even after repair there is no guarantee that such a failure will not happen again.

If you are unable to find anyone who can handle this problem, you can try other methods. For example, put the tablet in the freezer. Yes, the method is strange, and also unsafe. But if you are completely desperate, it is possible that he will help you. The contacts can fall into place and activation will take place successfully.

There is another option, which is to heat the device with a hairdryer. The principle of fixing the problem is the same. But again, you do all this at your own peril and risk.

If after clicking on “i in a circle” you see the serial number iPad mini 2, activation failure can be corrected.

Diagnostics

When you have determined that the problem is not with the modem and the gadget can be saved, try several options. The first thing they recommend testing is a SIM card. Perhaps it was damaged or for some reason became inoperative.

Then we check the Internet connection. What if, while you were performing some operations with the device, it was torn?

There is also the option that your network does not provide access to the company’s servers. Try connecting to a different Wi-Fi.

On next stage you need to check Apple servers. As already mentioned, it happens that with the release of updates they “fall”. This is caused by the influx of people wanting to quickly update their device. In this case, you just have to wait.

To fix iPad activation failure, you need to use iTunes. Update the software so that no errors occur.

And finally, you can try to do a “hard reboot”. To do this, you need to hold down the Home and Power keys. You will have to hold the buttons until the device turns off.

Beta version

When iPad 2 activation fails, few people know what to do. It happens that a beta version of the firmware was installed on the device, and the tablet itself turned out to be unregistered with the developer.

To fix this, you need to head to the official website developer.apple.com. Here you can register your device. This can also be done through iTunes by installing the latest official firmware.

Problems with the new version

iPad activation failure was noticed when iOS 9.3 was released. When this version appeared in March 2016, owners of Apple gadgets encountered this error. Fortunately, there is nothing terrible about this problem, and the technical support department immediately issued instructions on how to fix it.

Many advanced users already know that it is better to wait a week or two for specialists to “finish” the new version. Then you can safely download it without any errors.

If the device does not activate after the update, you need to:

• Check if you have entered your personal information correctly. You need to go to iCloud.com and find your tablet in the “My Devices” list.
• If the data is correct, you need to connect the device to the PC. Go to iTunes and select iPad there, then activate it.
• If all of the above does not help, all that remains is to deactivate the blocking activation.

There are also instructions for the last stage:

1. Turn off the device.
2. Log in to your iCloud.com account.
3. Select the “Find iPad” tab.
4. Select the device in the “My Devices” section.
5. We remove it from the list.
6. Turn on the tablet and activate it again.

If all of the above methods fail to solve the problem, then you need to contact support.

Cellular network

Another problem that may befall owners of Apple devices is activation failure cellular network iPad. This process is usually accompanied by “No Network” or “Searching” notifications.

This may be due not only to the fact that you entered the subway or an area with poor coverage. It happens that a failure occurs at the hardware level. To fix this, you first need to check the coverage area.

Go to settings and look at the “Cellular Data” section. If this situation happened to you abroad, go to the “Roaming” section. If everything is good on these points, then we move on.

Try simply rebooting your device. Of course, this is not a panacea for all problems, but often it is quite enough to “rein in” your device.

If all else fails, try removing and reinserting the SIM card. Maybe she is the one who is “buggy”. Then check your network settings and reset them if necessary. This can be done in Settings. Finally, it is possible that this failure is due to the need to update the system.

If the methods described above do not help restore the network, call your telecom operator. Maybe the problem is on his part.

During the activation process, there are often cases when a message is displayed on the device’s monitor indicating that an activation error has occurred in the iPhone 4. This is often due to the lack of service for this service, which is why the SIM card is deprived of system support.

It is necessary to carry out a number of preparatory activities:

• Make sure your phone has a suitable and working SIM card, as it will be needed when the iPhone 4 is not activated. A card missing warning may occur if the card is blocked or faulty;
• if required by the system, you will need to use an identifier - Apple ID when visiting the system.

The order of actions when the iPhone does not want to turn on:

If your phone produces errors during the activation process, you will need to contact your operator. mobile communications to check for possible certain problems, especially with the network, as well as with replacing the card. If a restorative procedure is required, the restorative process will need to be engaged. If you encounter any errors while performing the above steps, you should contact Apple Support.

What to do if the activation server is unavailable

These operations are not particularly complicated and can be done by anyone; to do this, you should carefully study the instructions. But often a message pops up on the monitor indicating that the activation service is unavailable.

Examples possible errors if your iPhone does not activate:

• Activation fails due to server unavailability;
• iPhone 6, 4 is not recognized during this operation;
• lack of SIM card support;
• iTunes cannot check your phone.

If the problem arises from the card, you should make sure that it is intact and in working order. When a certain card is suspicious of its functionality, you will need to use another one and try again. Sometimes you will need to use a different Wi-Fi connection. By the way, this is a very common mistake when Wi-Fi blocks the process of connecting to the Apple server. Then using wireless connection you should try again.

The process of carrying out an operation by connecting the phone to a computer, while simultaneously opening the latter iTunes versions. This option is especially effective if there is no possibility of connecting to a third-party Wi-Fi network . A complete reboot of the iPhone may also help. To do this you will need to carry out full reboot. Sometimes this is enough for iPhone 4s, 4, iPhone 5s, 6 to return to normal.

If all of the above options do not lead to a positive result, you can try the following steps: press and hold the “home” function, connecting the device to the computer. iTunes program recognizes the device while in recovery mode. Then you should click the “restore” function.

Errors when activating various iPhones

If the iPhone 5s does not activate, make sure that the SIM card is present and working properly and that the Wi-Fi connection is not blocked.

If you reset the settings to factory defaults and perform this operation again, an error may occur. In this regard, you should go to the Apple Online Store or call the number - 88003335173. Usually, on this iPhone model, the problem often arises due to the presence of a beta version on IOS, which is intended specifically for developers. This is also suitable for iPhone 6. If errors occur with iPhone 4, 6, especially if they were imported from other countries, you will need to use other SIM cards, so the devices will accept cards from Russian mobile operators. The activation process itself will cost 500 rubles, and unlocking will cost up to 1000 rubles. For such phones, it is advisable to purchase abroad a package of services provided, which will include the activation procedure, unlocking and the ability to download the most different types applications. An iPhone 4, 6, 5 activated in this way will last for a long time and will bring special convenience during operation.

An activated iPhone 4, 4s, 5, 5s, 6, using the above recommendations, will work effectively, but provided that all actions are performed correctly and according to the instructions.

If you've ever reset everything iPhone settings to the factory settings, and then tried again, you could well encounter an activation error. It is difficult to understand the reasons for this problem, since there is no useful information on iPhone screen in this case does not give, but only advises contacting technical Apple support. But since this process is quite long, you can try to fix it yourself.

Try again

When an error occurs, hold down Home button until the bottom menu appears, and then click Try Again. You will be taken to the initial settings page and will be able to try activating your iPhone again. Often to get desired result you need to do this procedure 5-7 times.

If it doesn't help, move on to the next step.

Use a working SIM card

Typically, activation problems occur when they try to activate the phone without a SIM card. Paste into iPhone working SIM card and try to activate your smartphone again. If this does not help, start activation using a cellular network by turning off Wi-Fi. What helps most users is this decision.

Sometimes an activation error occurs due to the fault of the telecom operator, who for unknown reasons rejects her. I think many people remember what problems Beeline subscribers had to face, although in this case we are talking about something else. Try inserting a SIM card from another operator and activating your iPhone. After this, you will be able to use your old number again.

Now I’ll look at the reasons why I can’t (can’t) activate the iPhone and why various errors during . Find your case in the text and read what to do in such a situation.

This article is suitable for everyone iPhone models Xs/Xr/X/8/7/6/5 and Plus on iOS 12. Older versions may have different or missing menu items and hardware support listed in this article.

What is iPhone Activation and why is it needed?

iPhone activation is the process of making the device operational, usually after purchase. This procedure is also carried out after iOS updates. During activation, the initial (or secondary - in the case of installation) occurs new version system) setting up iPhone operating parameters. In the same process, an appeal is made to Apple servers, which identify the device. To connect to the Internet, you need either a Wi-Fi connection or a 3G/4G connection.

Also during activation occurs setting up Siri, geolocation, Touch ID (Face ID) and some other parameters.

In this article we will look at why the message “iPhone is not activated. If the error occurs again, contact your operator...” and what to do in this case.

What to do if you can't activate your iPhone

To successfully activate your iPhone, first check that the SIM card is working and that it is inside the device. Even if Wi-Fi is used for Internet connection, connection with mobile operator.

It also cannot be ruled out that the iPhone is not activated due to malfunctions Apple services. You can check that they are working normally on the page:

Increase

Among obvious ways There are two solutions to the problem: reboot and reconnect to another Wi-Fi network.

Locked iPhone

If, during activation, your iPhone displays a message about problems with the SIM (for example, “Invalid SIM”), then it is likely that your device is “locked”. This means that the device is designed to work on the network of only one operator. Most often this problem occurs when buying an iPhone in the USA.

Increase

The most preferable solution to the problem is to contact the operator. You should explain the situation, pay money for the operation and wait a while. You can turn to the services of intermediaries who will take on all the work. It is important not to work with those people who promise cheap and quick restoration iPhone work- these are scammers.

Activation Lock

Starting with iOS 7, Apple gadgets have the ability to remote control over your device, in particular, locking it in case of theft. The function is called " Activation Lock" The essence of its work is to block all iPhone functions, access is returned only after entering data account. Moreover, if you erase your smartphone and try to activate it, it will not work.

Increase

Sometimes dishonest people sell locked iPhones, and the unsuspecting average person is deceived. In this case, it is quite difficult to restore the device’s functionality, but there is still one option. You need to write to Apple and tell them that you cannot activate the device. A receipt of purchase will be required as proof. of this iPhone. As a rule, this procedure is complex, and more importantly, not particularly legitimate, so it is best to contact specialists who can help you with this. But it is worth remembering that if the fraud is revealed, then Apple has every right block your smartphone again.

Activation failed

Activation failure is most common in iPhones purchased from China. trading platforms. The sellers claim that the smartphone is officially restored, although in fact, it was not handled by professionals, and the inside of the gadget consists of components of disgusting quality. This is why there is a problem with activating the device.

Errors during activation

Often, the activation problem is not limited to the scenarios described above. There are also coding errors in iTunes that are more difficult to fix. Let's look at the main ones.

Error 50

This problem is most common in older devices. After iTunes updates shows: “Error 50”, which is why many users fall into a stupor. Indeed, the situation is nontrivial, which is why different versions origin of this problem. Someone claims that this problem occurs due to the change touch sensor ID, others vote in favor of a modem failure.

Increase

One way or another, with such an error code, it is clear that the failure is related to the iPhone hardware. Therefore, you need to contact a service center.

Error 0xe8000015

This error associated with program changes in Apple software. Because of this, iPhones around the world may experience activation problems.

Increase

• First of all, check that the iTunes version is up to date, if necessary, download the latest one.
• Check the cable, it must be original. Try using a different lightning connector.
• Restart your computer.
• If you have a Windows PC, update the appropriate driver in Device Manager. You should search for it by the name "Apple" Mobile Device USB Driver".

If all else fails, then all that remains is to restore the iPhone, which will erase all data from the device. To perform this operation, launch iTunes and connect your iPhone to your computer. After this, enter the smartphone into recovery mode (DFU mode).

• For iPhone 6s and older: Hold down the Home and Power buttons.
• For iPhone 7/7 Plus: hold down the Volume Down and Power buttons
• For iPhone 8/8 Plus and X: press and release the volume up button and then the volume down button. Then press and hold the Power key.

After this, iTunes will offer to restore the iPhone, we agree.

Increase

Error 0xe8000013

Unfortunately, this problem doesn't have a solution yet. In fact, if you have an error with such a code, then your iPhone has turned into a “brick”. This is connected with the previously mentioned sellers from China who “restore” Apple equipment. Therefore, we highly recommend avoiding such stores, and if a problem does occur, contact the service center, perhaps they will be able to fix your device.