Apple pulls iOS 9.3 for older devices after reports of the update bricking some of them and posing activation issues, but now the Cupertino brand offers a fix for those who already tried to install it.
First Method
Step 1: Log in to your iCloud account on a computer.
Step 2: Go to Settings and then to My Devices.
Step 3: Check if your device is on the My Devices list. In the event that it's not there, check your other accounts.
Second Method
Step 1: Plug your Apple device in a computer.
Step 2: Open iTunes. If it's not running on the latest update, head over to the iTunes support page to get it.
Step 3: Choose your device. The Activate option should be in plain view of the application.
Note: On iTunes 12, the device icon is positioned on the upper left corner.
Step 4: Key in your login credentials and hit Continue.
Third Method
Step 1: Turn off your Apple device or set it offline.
Step 2: Log in to your iCloud account on a computer.
Step 3: Click on Find My iPhone.
Step 4: Click on All Devices and choose your device.
Step 5: Hit Remove from Account.
Note: If a map still shows up, go back to All Devices and hit the X button placed beside your device and then the Remove option.
Step 6: After the process, sign in to your iCloud account again.
iPad 2 Issues Fix
The iPad 2 drew the short end of the stick in iOS 9.3, as some of the owners have reported that the update bricked their devices. Fortunately, Apple just released another update with the build number 13E236 that takes care of the activation issues on the slab in the wake of the problem. It should be available in the software update menu already.
Now, for those who got their iPad 2 tablets bricked, they just have to connect their devices to a computer and do the update via iTunes.
As a last resort of sorts, get in touch with Apple support, even though it might not be the best approach to take care of the problem.
"Support is useless. They need the iPad number which cannot be accessed as the iPad is locked up in a 'continue' which results in a message the problem is with the server. The result of that is – if Support is correct – server overloaded – the iPad is useless meantime," a user reports.
According to a statement Apple gave to iMore, updating the iPhone 5s or earlier and the iPad Air or earlier to iOS 9.3 requires users to enter their login credentials to complete it. If the users don't remember their login IDs and passwords, then they'll be stuck in an "inactivated state."
Aside from the temporary halt of offering the update, the company assures users that it will roll out a new iOS 9.3 version that will skip this requirement. Needless to say, until that goes live, users will have to make do with the workarounds listed above.
In related news, Mac users are also facing a couple of issues with the OS X 10.11.4 El Capitan update, particularly not being able to sign in to iMessage or FaceTime.
