This is a long shot since I’ve been battling this for a while. I need to access files on an Ipad trapped in purgatory, it can’t connect to wifi and thus can’t let me use itunes to recover it. 

I have an Ipad mini second generation from 2017-2018 (possibly IOS 9.3.5) and it cannot connect to the internet anymore. I’ve tried everything to get it to connect and it hasn’t worked so I tried to download the files onto my Mac laptop but the activation lock (only visible on the computer) won’t let me access the files because it can’t connect and it won’t accept my new password that works on my other devices.

The Ipad won’t let me passed the “choose a wifi network” page. My wifi is fine and works on other devices as well as my Apple ID password. I have the passcode to open the ipad but it’s stuck on the page and I can’t continue without connecting. Trying to connect only gives the message “the activation server cannot be reached, try connecting the ipad to itunes” with no error code. This Ipad probably hasn’t connected to wifi in 6 years but it somehow got stuck on the “activation page” seen after updates sometimes. 

The Mac computer is fine and accepts my password on the Apple website but not the iTunes application when the ipad is plugged in. I used the same password on my phone and it was fine. I suspect the Ipad only remembers my old Apple ID password and won’t let me in because of it. I’m afraid of testing old passwords because if I put a timed security lock on it I will make it worse. 

Is there anything I can do about this or should I just go to a repair shop? I really want these files back and resetting the entire thing will make this endeavor pointless. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Ipad mini cannot connect to wifi for iTunes for recovery