How to resolve 'iPad activation server cannot be reached' error?

Welcome!

We do not know what model iPad you have and that can be very important to your issue. Why?

Action by Apple last year set a new minimum OS version for access to iCloud services at iPadOS. Starting at the same time we began to see many posts like yours. That lack of iCloud access apparently means old iPads incapable of running iPadOS 11 can no longer access the activation servers. Affected iPad models are:

— iPad 1st through 4th Generation

— iPad Mini 1st Generation.

This does NOT affect any iPad Air or iPad Pro models.

See which iPad you have: Identify your iPad model - Apple Support

Please post what you find, but do NOT post a serial number.

As your fellow end user, this is my observation based on experience and seeing similar posts here. If you need a official answer, you'll need to ask Apple and they do not respond in these user-to-user forums.

Multiple recent posts suggest that Apple has removed all server-side and re-activation support for obsolete 32-bit devices:

• iPad1
• iPad2
• iPad3
• iPad4
• iPad mini1

As such, if you have one of these iPad models, restoring and re-activation of your iPad may now be impossible, rendering the iPad unusable.

Also be aware that Apple and many App Developers have also dropped all support for 32-bit devices - and have withdrawn older versions of their Apps from the Apple App Store. Withdrawal of Apps supporting older models of iPad is making their utility and usefulness significantly of these older models even more limited. Even if you are able to restore the iPad, you’ll be unable to (re)download or (re)install any 32-bit Apps from the App Store. Most online services also require capabilities not supported by your iPad.

Otherwise, if you have a more recent model of iPad, start here >>> If you can't activate your iPhone or iPad (Wi-Fi + Cellular) - Apple Support

If you are experiencing difficulties with (re)activation of your iPad, you may have more success if you connect your iPad to a Windows PC (with iTunes for Windows installed) or a Mac (with iTunes or Finder - as appropriate for the installed version of macOS). Once connected to your computer, your iPad will be detected - and you should be able to activate using iTunes.

1. Make sure that you have the latest version of macOS or the latest version of iTunes.
2. Check that your computer has an Internet connection.
3. With the cable that came with your iPad, connect your iPad to your computer. Locate your device on your computer.
4. Wait while your computer detects and activates your iPad:

• If you see an alert that shows "Set up as New" or "Restore from Backup", it means your iPad is activated.
• If you get an error message that says the "activation information was invalid" or "activation information could not be obtained from the device", use recovery mode to restore your iPhone.