I bought a new iPad Air 5 for my 12 year old. We’re trying to set up messages and FaceTime. We go to settings, FaceTime, enter the id I set up for her and the password. We get the thinking wheel for a few minutes, then the message “FaceTime Activation- unable to contact the FaceTime server. Try again.” Any suggestions? It’s brand new out of the box and connected to the internet.
iPad Air (5th generation)
Hey there Douglas648,
We'd like to help out!
If you're unable to activate FaceTime or iMessage, use the steps here to help:
Check your device settings
1. Make sure that you’re connected to a cellular data or Wi-Fi network.
2. If you're using an iPhone, you need SMS messaging to activate your phone number with iMessage and FaceTime. Depending on your carrier, you might be charged for this SMS.
3. Go to Settings > General > Date & Time and make sure that your time zone is set correctly.
Turn off and restart iMessage and FaceTime
1. Go to Settings > Messages and turn off iMessage.
2. Go to Settings > FaceTime and turn off FaceTime.
3. Restart your device:
* iPhone
* iPad
* iPod touch
4. Turn iMessage and FaceTime back on.
Still not activated after a day?
It might take up to 24 hours to activate iMessage and FaceTime. If the issue continues after 24 hours, follow these steps:
1. Make sure that your device has the latest version of iOS or iPadOS.
2. If you're using an iPhone, contact your carrier to make sure that you can send and receive SMS messages.
3. Make sure you can send and receive SMS. If a prompt appears stating "Your carrier may charge for SMS messages used to activate FaceTime and iMessage", tap "OK" to allow possible SMS charges.
4. Contact Apple Support.
If this persists, follow the steps under "Get more help" here If you can’t turn on or sign in to iMessage or FaceTime - Apple Support
Contact Apple Support directly for additional guidance.
Take care!
Hey there Douglas648,
We'd like to help out!
If you're unable to activate FaceTime or iMessage, use the steps here to help:
Check your device settings
1. Make sure that you’re connected to a cellular data or Wi-Fi network.
2. If you're using an iPhone, you need SMS messaging to activate your phone number with iMessage and FaceTime. Depending on your carrier, you might be charged for this SMS.
3. Go to Settings > General > Date & Time and make sure that your time zone is set correctly.
Turn off and restart iMessage and FaceTime
1. Go to Settings > Messages and turn off iMessage.
2. Go to Settings > FaceTime and turn off FaceTime.
3. Restart your device:
* iPhone
* iPad
* iPod touch
4. Turn iMessage and FaceTime back on.
Still not activated after a day?
It might take up to 24 hours to activate iMessage and FaceTime. If the issue continues after 24 hours, follow these steps:
1. Make sure that your device has the latest version of iOS or iPadOS.
2. If you're using an iPhone, contact your carrier to make sure that you can send and receive SMS messages.
3. Make sure you can send and receive SMS. If a prompt appears stating "Your carrier may charge for SMS messages used to activate FaceTime and iMessage", tap "OK" to allow possible SMS charges.
4. Contact Apple Support.
If this persists, follow the steps under "Get more help" here If you can’t turn on or sign in to iMessage or FaceTime - Apple Support
Contact Apple Support directly for additional guidance.
Take care!
Messages and FaceTime won’t set up
