Full Guide to Fix iPhone Activation Server Cannot Be Reached [2025]

Samuel Spenser Published on August 13, 2025Unlock iOS3-min reading

Seeing the Activation Server Cannot be Reached error while setting up your new iPhone or iPad can be frustrating, especially when you are excited to use your device right away. This issue commonly appears during activation and leaves users stuck, unsure of what to do next. Whether you are restoring a device, connecting over a weak network, or activating a second-hand iPhone, the problem can happen to anyone. In this guide, we will walk you through the possible causes, proven fixes, and a reliable solution if the problem does not go away. Let us get your device up and running.

Part 1. Why the Activation Server Cannot Be Reached

While configuring a new iPhone or iPad, you might see the prompt, Activation server cannot be reached. This suggests that your device is unable to reach the activation servers of Apple, which is critical to verifying the device and activating it for use. This error may stem from the following reasons:

• Apple Server Outage: Apple might be performing maintenance on its servers, or it may be having some problems.
• Unstable Internet Connection: There may not be a reliable Wi-Fi or cellular network available to your device.
• Software Glitch or System Bug: A temporary bug may hinder your phone from completing activation.
• Outdated or Corrupted System Settings: This might prevent iTunes or the device from recognizing the activation request.

Part 2. How to Fix the Activation Server Cannot Be Reached

If you are encountering this error, there are four effective ways you can work around Apple activation issues and fully enable your device:

Method 1. Check Apple System Status and Wait

If Apple’s activation server is down for maintenance or is going through some issues, it will be impossible for your device to connect for activation. Apple has a website that shows the real-time status of its services.

Method 2. Check and Switch Internet Connection

To resolve the issue, an unstable network or an unresponsive internet connection is usually the most common reason that the activation cannot continue, especially if you cannot share WiFi passwords on your iPhone to connect to a better network.

Method 3. Force Restart the Device

The activation process can be blocked by some temporary bugs that the device is carrying. Restarting it eliminates those bugs. Different models have different steps:

iPhone 8 or later:

iPhone 7/7 Plus:

iPhone 6s or earlier:

Try activating the device again after the restart.

Method 4. Restore with iTunes

If the activation attempts on the device fail repeatedly, using iTunes or Finder on macOS versions Catalina or later might help unlock the iPhone with iTunes and complete the activation.

Part 3. What if the Activation Server cannot Be Reached?

Relentless Activation Server Cannot Be Reached errors can indicate iCloud Activation Lock or Apple ID-related issues. Some standard attempts might work, but other, more elaborate ones may be necessary. To assist with this problem, imyPass iPassBye is designed specifically for bypassing the iCloud Activation Lock on iPhones, iPads, and iPods. This tool is very useful for devices that are bought second-hand or for users who forget their account details. With the tool, you can restore your device for free from the Apple ID password and use it fully.

Access the links provided above to complete the installation of iPassBye on your Windows or macOS device. Run the application and connect your iPad or iPhone using a USB cord. Accept iCloud Activation Lock breach bypass by pressing the Start button.

Your device needs to be jailbroken in order to use iPassBye. If that has not previously been done, you can make use of the provided guide to jailbreak your device. The application has step-by-step guides based on the iOS version and system you are using.

Once the jailbreak has been done, make sure your device information is correct. After that, click on the Start Bypassing Activation button. The application will inform you of progress. The bypassing process is usually completed within 3 to 5 minutes.

Once the device is bypassed, it will automatically reboot. The system would have removed the iCloud Activation Lock screen. The device can now be set up, and a new Apple ID can be logged in, granting access to almost all functions.

Conclusion

The errors relating to the Activation server cannot be reached on iPhone can be quite stressful. However, with the right processes, they can typically be resolved. You can restore access to your device by checking Apple’s system status, restoring your device with iTunes, or using iPassBye. In case nothing works, iPassBye has a straightforward and secure way to bypass activation and unlock the device.