iPad mini Unable to activate iMessage/FaceTime

[*~Kim~*]

This is on a relative’s WiFi only model. The message is ‘An error occurred during activation. Try again.’

I don’t seem to have the option to turn both off and back on again, as some of the online articles suggest.

I have tried the reset network settings several times, then wiped the whole iPad and set it up as new a second time. Still nothing.

I don’t know if this is relevant but while the iPad is waiting for activation (originally and after I wiped it and did it again) the time was wrong, whereas I believe mine was correct all along. The time corrected itself during activation and the set automatically option is on.

I’ve read something about it sometimes taking 24 hours. The Apple ID was created less than 24 hours ago, so is it likely a waiting game?

Thanks

 

[theapplehead]

This is on a relative’s WiFi only model. The message is ‘An error occurred during activation. Try again.’

I don’t seem to have the option to turn both off and back on again, as some of the online articles suggest.

I have tried the reset network settings several times, then wiped the whole iPad and set it up as new a second time. Still nothing.

I don’t know if this is relevant but while the iPad is waiting for activation (originally and after I wiped it and did it again) the time was wrong, whereas I believe mine was correct all along. The time corrected itself during activation and the set automatically option is on.

I’ve read something about it sometimes taking 24 hours. The Apple ID was created less than 24 hours ago, so is it likely a waiting game?

Thanks

It could be that your iMessage and FaceTime have been disabled if Apple detected anything mildly suspicious on your account. I would recommend calling Apple Support and relaying your problem to them and having them check to see if it indeed disabled. They can only see it on their end. Unfortunately there is no way for you to check and see for yourself. They should be able to set everything straight for you.

Good luck!

 

[trsblader]

I believe the "official" help from Apple says iMessage can take up to 24 hours, though I've not had to wait that long before. Under settings -> Messages there should be a toggle for iMessage. First make sure it's on, and if it is on, turn it OFF and restart your device. Once rebooted, turn it back on.

One step further would be to turn off iMessage and sign out of iCloud (also under settings), restart, sign back in to iCloud, then iMessage.

Both of these steps should be fairly fast, and if they don't work I'd just call Apple at that point and they can probably resolve it within 5 or 10 minutes.

EDIT: Also make sure the wifi is connected and can access the internet (just visit this site or do a simple Google search). Might be something really silly -- done that before myself.

 

[davcole]

Had the same, was elevated to supervisor, who did something in her end, then it resolved.

 

[*~Kim~*]

The turn off iMessage feature doesn't seem to be there as expected, unless I've done something wrong. Above where I took the picture it just shows the Apple ID:
https://ibb.co/ZXL8Z54

This was when I tried the iCloud sign out and restart. Found it strange that it got a FaceTime error when it was iMessage I was trying to sign in: https://ibb.co/bJzh2mZ

Hope these photo links work.

I was trying to find a live chat or something on the Apple site but the only options I could find were to get them to call us. Would that be the correct people?

 

[theapplehead]

I was trying to find a live chat or something on the Apple site but the only options I could find were to get them to call us. Would that be the correct people?

Yes it should be. Call that number or google “Apple Support phone number” and call that. Either one should work.

 

[AutomaticApple]

This is on a relative’s WiFi only model. The message is ‘An error occurred during activation. Try again.’

I don’t seem to have the option to turn both off and back on again, as some of the online articles suggest.

I have tried the reset network settings several times, then wiped the whole iPad and set it up as new a second time. Still nothing.

I don’t know if this is relevant but while the iPad is waiting for activation (originally and after I wiped it and did it again) the time was wrong, whereas I believe mine was correct all along. The time corrected itself during activation and the set automatically option is on.

I’ve read something about it sometimes taking 24 hours. The Apple ID was created less than 24 hours ago, so is it likely a waiting game?

Thanks

When in doubt, contact support.