Apple released iOS version 9.3 earlier this week and user were excited to get their hands on new features like Night Shift and Touch ID for Notes. However, a small group of iPad users reported that the update caused their devices to malfunction after updating it via iTunes and the Software Update feature located in the Settings app.
Several of these affected iPad users took their frustrations on the Apple Support Communities. A close inspection on the issue reveal that it primarily affects iPad 2 models.
According to Forbes, the error message received by users read, "Your iPad could not be activated because the activation service is temporarily unavailable. Try connecting your iPad to iTunes to activate it, or try again in a couple of minutes. If this problem persists, contact apple support at apple.com/support."
Going through the error message and one will think that the problem is only temporary which was brought about but an inactive activation server. On the other hand, some users claim that the problem persists several days after they first encountered it, according to ZDNet.
Some users try bringing their affected iPads on the nearest Apple Store, but to no avail since Apple Store employees could not get to the bottom of the problem therefore unable to fix it. Tech analysts were quick to point out that the same problem surfaced when Apple released iOS version 9 last year, although the problem back then was confined to iPhone devices only.
Fortunately, some Apple Support Communities users have provided a workaround in order to temporarily fix the problem. The workaround is a bit complicated and tech experts suggest that users only undertake it if they have sufficient technical know-how of the system.
The following steps are the advised workaround to fix the issue:
1) Users are highly advised to download the latest version of iTunes before proceeding to the next step.
2) Backup data locally on a computer or through iCloud.
3) Disconnect iPad once backup is complete.
4) Press and hold the Home and Power button at the same time and release just the Power button once the device iPad restarts.
5) Restore the device and opt in to upgrade to iOS 9.3.
6) While downloading the update, the error message will pop up and users are advised to ignore this and wait until iOS 9.3 update is done.
7) After downloading iOS 9.3, users need to repeat step 4 and opt in to restore the iPad.
8) Once restoration is complete, the iPad will ask whether to activate it as a "new" device or restore the last backup.
In the last step, it is important to note that activating the iPad as a "new" device will format the tablet and will completely wipe out all its date. Restoring the device will prompt the device to retrieve the backup data created in step 2.