The method is for activating a device. A communication device is provided that is in communication with a server unit that has a processor for generating a number series. An application device has a processor for generating a number series. The communication device is not communicating directly with the application device. The user sends a message including the identification number to the server. The server identifies a code number pointed at by a pointer and sends back the code number. The pointer steps forward in the number series at predetermined time intervals. The user enters the code number into the application device. The processor compares the code number with a number pointed at by a pointer and sends an activation signal to an activation device to activate the application device.