[Solved] Activation Server Cannot Be Reached iPhone/iPad

Why Does My iPhone Say Activation Server Cannot Be Reached?

Receiving the “activation server cannot be reached” notification can be attributed to various factors, some of which are quite common:

Slow or Weak Internet Connection: A poor Internet connection may prevent communication with the activation server.
Outdated iOS Version: Using an old iOS version can lead to compatibility issues with the activation server.
Activation Lock Enabled: If the Find My iPhone feature’s activation lock is turned on, it can prevent activation.
Apple Servers Unavailable: At times, the activation server may experience downtime or be unavailable.
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Although this is a relatively uncommon situation, there are multiple ways to fix this issue. Here are 6 effective ways to help you resolve the issue of your iPhone not activating due to your inability to access the activation server.

How to Fix Activation Server Cannot Be Reached Issue

Discovering that your iPhone or iPad activation server cannot be reached can be quite frustrating. However, there are several straightforward solutions to address this issue. Let’s explore these easy methods to resolve the problem and successfully activate your device.

Way 1. Wait it Out

Sometimes, the Apple activation server may be down. In this case, it is recommended to wait for some time and then try the activation process again. Once the iPhone activation server is back up or your Internet connection becomes stable, try again to check whether the iPhone activation server cannot be reached or not.

Way 2. Check Internet Connection

If you are experiencing the “Activation Server Cannot be Reached” error, be sure to check the status of your network, especially if you suspect a slow or weak Internet connection. You can try to resolve the issue by restarting your Wi-Fi device. If the problem persists, consider connecting to an alternative Wi-Fi network. If the root cause is a weak network, switching to another Wi-Fi network should effectively resolve the issue.

Way 3. Disable Activation Lock

Why could not activate iPhone activation server cannot be reached? Sometimes, when the Find My iPhone feature is enabled, you may encounter this problem. So, follow the steps below to disable the Find My iPhone feature:

Step 1: Go to the Settings app > Tap Apple ID (your name) > Find My > Find My iPhone.

Step 2: Turn off the Find My iPhone toggle > Enter your Apple ID password when prompted.

Once done, this action will effectively disable the feature and help address the problem.

Way 4. Activate iPhone with iTunes

While iTunes is typically used to back up or restore an iPhone/iPad, it can also be used to activate your device. When encountering the “activation server cannot be reached” error, follow the steps below to resolve the issue and successfully activate your iPhone/iPad.

Step 1: Open iTunes on your computer and power off your iPhone > Connect your iPhone to the computer using a lightning cable.

Step 2: Upon detection, iTunes will display an Activate iPhone screen > Provide your Apple ID and password in the designated fields > Click Continue to initiate the iPhone activation process.

Way 5. Update iOS

Updating to the latest version of iOS often resolves various bugs, including the Apple iPhone Face ID malfunction. To ensure Face ID returns to its normal functionality, follow these steps:

Step 1: Access Settings on your iPhone > Navigate to General > Choose the Software Update option to check for available updates.

Step 2: If an update is available, select Install Now and allow the iOS update to complete.

After the update finishes, enter your passcode to unlock the iPhone and then verify if Face ID functions properly.

Way 6. Contact Apple Support

If your iPhone or iPad still cannot be activated even after attempting all the mentioned methods, it is advisable to reach out to Apple Support. They can verify the status of the Apple activation server and assist in resolving any technical issues causing the activation lock status ambiguity.

Bonus Tip: Back Up Your iPhone/iPad Before Fixing the Issue

It’s not impossible to lose your data on your iPhone/iPad, so it’s important to back up your iPhone to a PC, USB drive, etc. In this case, it’s highly recommended to use FoneTool – a free, safe, and professional backup and transfer tool. With the help of FoneTool, you can fully or selectively back up your iPhone with ease.

So, how to back up your iPhone/iPad using FoneTool? Just connect your device to your PC and access the Phone Backup section.

The Bottom Line

That’s all about how to fix the “activation server cannot be reached” issue. Luckily, we’ve explored 6 effective ways to fix this error. If you’ve encountered similar challenges with your iPhone, we’d love to hear about your experience and how you solved the problem in the comments section.

However, it’s worth noting that making a full iPhone backup before performing these methods is quite important. With FoneTool, you can easily back up or even transfer your iPhone data to a PC or external hard drive.