Legacy iDevice Activation Problems

When setting up certain Apple devices, it is impossible to pass setup and use the device if you don't have activation tickets saved. This renders the device useless without hacktivation. So far, only A8/9 devices on specific versions and A5/A6 cellular devices are impacted by these issues, but with how they aren't being fixed even as new problems appear, this will likely change in the future.

Background

Every iDevice new and old has to go through a setup process called "activation." This process is required for the device to access any services, including the App Store. If the device fails this for any reason, like Activation Lock, you are unable to proceed through setup, and bypassing it results in anything requiring Apple services will not work, even sideloading apps.

A8/A9 iOS 8/9 Activation Problems

Starting sometime in 2022 or 2024, A9 devices running iOS 9 and A8 devices running iOS 8 started failing to activate. Trying to activate them results in an error screen during the setup process. Hacktivation is required to use these devices if no tickets are stored.

IMEI 9900 Activation Problems

Starting sometime around July 2025, all iDevices with an IMEI number starting with 9900 (corresponding to A5 and A6 devices with CDMA support) are completely unable to activate. Attempting to do so will result in an "activation loop" which renders the device completely inoperable until it is hacktivated.

iPad 3 Cellular Activation Problems

Starting in March 2026, all cellular iPad 3s, even ones that don't have IMEI 9900 or are GSM, are completely unable to activate.

References

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