iOS 9.3: Activation fails - you can do that
The new iOS 9.3 should make iPhone and iPad faster and provide new functions. But if the activation fails, you cannot use the new version. We'll tell you what you can do in this case.
iOS 9.3: Activation fails - these devices are affected
- Despite the long beta phase of iOS 9.3, many users experience the error that the new iOS cannot be activated. The iPad 2 in particular is currently affected.
- The problem occurs whenever you try to log in with your Apple ID and password after the update.
- Apple is also aware of the problem and has released an official support document. We have summarized the solutions described therein for you in the next paragraphs.
Activation of iOS 9.3 fails: what to do?
If your Apple ID is incorrect when you activate it, the error occurs on the older devices. Apple therefore recommends checking your account:
- To do this, open the iCloud website in your browser on the PC and log in with your Apple ID.
- On the website click on "Settings" and then "My Devices".
- If you do not find the iPhone or iPad you want to activate in the list, use a different Apple ID on this device, according to Apple. Activate the iDevice with this account.
iOS 9.3: Force activation
If activation still fails despite the correct Apple ID, the way remains via iTunes.
- To do this, connect your iPhone or iPad to your PC and start iTunes.
- If you select the device there, the activation screen appears automatically.
- Enter your Apple ID and password here. In most cases this leads to success.
iOS 9.3: Last help if activation failed
If the way via iTunes doesn't help, Apple recommends another trick:
- Turn off your iPhone or iPad completely.
- Then open the iCloud website on your PC and log into your Apple account.
- Open the "iPhone search" there and click on "All devices".
- Here you select the device to be activated and remove it from your account by clicking on the "X" next to the name.
- Finally, switch your iDevice on again and activate it. Since the device is no longer linked to an account, there should be no more errors.
- Afterwards, however, make sure that you completely set up iCloud again.
On the next page, we'll show you what you can do if you forget your iCloud password.