Connect via Ethernet using an adapter if possible, as it is more reliable for activation than Wi-Fi.
: The most common cause is a lack of a stable internet connection. If the Mac cannot reach Apple's servers, it cannot generate the necessary handshake to "activate" the hardware.
Intermittent Wi-Fi or a firewall blocking Apple's servers. activate mac failed to create activation request
Activation requires a strong, stable internet connection. A weak connection can cause the request to time out.
When it’s an Activation Lock / Apple ID ownership problem Connect via Ethernet using an adapter if possible,
If the displayed time is incorrect, force it to sync with Apple’s network time servers by typing: ntpdate -u ://apple.com
How to Fix "Activate Mac Failed to Create Activation Request" Error Intermittent Wi-Fi or a firewall blocking Apple's servers
If the error persists after checking your connection, try these steps:
Sometimes the activation loop is caused by a corrupted local user container or conflicting data remnants from a previous macOS installation. Re-erasing the drive from Recovery can clear this block. For Apple Silicon Macs: