What this error means (bulleted)
If you are at work or using a strict VPN, turn it off. 2. Ensure Date and Time are Accurate
In 90% of cases, changing your internet connection to a mobile hotspot or correcting the system time via Terminal will instantly resolve the "Failed to create activation request" loop. If you have tried all the steps above and the issue persists, the Mac may still be linked to a corporate Mobile Device Management (MDM) server, or there may be a hardware failure with the logic board's security chip. At that stage, booking an appointment at an Apple Store Genius Bar is the best course of action. activate mac failed to create activation request
. This requires a specific physical key combination (e.g., holding down Right Shift + Left Option + Left Control + the Power Button for about 10 seconds). The key combination varies slightly depending on whether you have an Intel or Apple Silicon Mac.
Why Is My Mac Showing "Failed to Create Activation Request"? What this error means (bulleted) If you are
Deeper troubleshooting steps
If none of the above works, Apple’s activation servers may be genuinely down. If you have tried all the steps above
Visit the official Apple System Status page to ensure "iOS Device Activation" (which also handles Macs) is showing a green light.
Scroll down to find iOS Device Activation or Device Activation . If the dot next to it is red or yellow, Apple is experiencing an outage. You will need to wait a few hours for Apple to resolve the server-side issue before trying again. Step 3: Check and Correct the System Date and Time
A: Only if you (the original owner) have not removed it from your Apple ID. Ask the seller to remotely remove the Mac from their “Find My” and iCloud device list.