Your iPad Won’t Connect to Wi-Fi? Here’s how to fix it

This article explains what to do if your iPad won’t connect to a Wi-Fi network.

By Kristina Terech - Staff Writer
4 Min Read

If your iPad won’t connect to a Wi-Fi network, you’ve come to the right place. This article will help you identify, troubleshoot and fix problems with wireless (Wi-Fi) network connections that you may be having on your iPad. Commonly reported problems are:

  • Weak Wi-Fi signals.
  • Constant drops.
  • Connects to a Wi-Fi but unable to browse the Internet or download apps.
  • No or very limited Wi-Fi connection.

Several things can cause a Wi-Fi connection to stop working. You may be having network problems for a number of reasons, such as hardware problems, router WEP, WPA, or WPA2 security key issues, and connection issues.

Please check your Wi-Fi connection after each step before going on to the next step:

Please make sure that before you do anything, Wi-Fi is enabled on your iPad (Settings > Wi-Fi). And make sure that your Wi-Fi password is correct.

How to fix iPad Wi-Fi connection issues

1-Make sure that your router is offering Wi-Fi

It usually is that your router is offering Wi-Fi if all the lights on the router are on. You can also check your router’s manual for more information.

You may also try the following router troubleshooting tips:

  • Restart your router (unplug it, wait 30 seconds, then plug back in).
  • Make sure that your iPad is not too far away from your router. Try moving closer to the router, and then check to see if this makes a difference and if you have a stronger Wi-Fi connection.
  • You may also want to upgrade your router’s firmware. Check your router’s documentation to do this.

2-See If the Connection Requires a Wi-Fi Login Page

Some businesses (such as hotels, restaurants, airlines, and more) provide an "open" Wi-Fi network that restricts access using a Wi-Fi login page or portal in a web browser. These login pages make you sign in with a special username and password provided by the business.

If you’ve connected to a Wi-Fi access point in the settings on your iPad but aren’t seeing any internet access, try opening your browser on your device and visiting any website. If the business uses a login page, you’ll usually be automatically redirected to the login page where you can enter the credentials properly.

3-Make Sure That The Internet Is Working.

The problem may be your Internet. Make sure that you have a connection to the internet. Try to connect to the Internet using another device, like your iPhone, Mac, etc. If other devices can connect, like an iPhone, we can assume that the problem is your iPad. If you cannot get online, you may want to call your internet service provider.

4-Double Check the Wi-Fi Password

To connect to most Wi-Fi routers, you’ll need a password. This password is set by the owner of the router or access point. If there’s even a one-character typo in the password, you won’t be able to connect.

So make sure you have the right Wi-Fi password: Ask for it again, if necessary, to double check, or write it down twice on a piece of paper. Then re-enter it on your iPad and see if that helps. If not, move ahead to another step.

5-Update Your iPad.

Simply update your iPad to the latest version of iPadOS. You can check for updates by going to Settings > General > Software Update. And if there is an update available, follow the onscreen instructions.

6-Reset Your Network Settings.

Resetting the network settings on your iPad will clear out anything potentially interfering with your Wi-Fi connectivity. Thus, it may fix your problem. Please note that doing so will also erase your current networking settings such as Wi-Fi networks and passwords, cellular data settings and VPN settings. To do this:

  1. Tap Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad.
  2. Tap Reset > Reset Network Settings.

7-Restart your iPad

This is simple but effective. Most times, this will fix your iPad Wi-Fi problems.

  • To restart iPad with Face ID models: Press and hold the top and the volume up (or down) buttons together until you see the power off slider. Then drag the slider. Wait for about a minute. Then press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears.
  • To restart iPad with Home button models: Press and hold the sleep/wake button (side or top). Slide the slider once you see the red slider. Wait a few seconds. Once your iPad turns off, turn on by pressing and holding the sleep/wake button until you see the Apple logo.

8-Forget and Rejoin.

Forgetting your Wi-Fi network may fix this. Please make sure you have your network name and your Wi-Fi password handy before you attempt this. Here is how:

  1. Go to Settings > Wi-Fi.
  2. Find your Wi-Fi network.
  3. Tap the info (i) icon next to your Wi-Fi network.
  4. Tap Forget This Network.

Now again go to Settings > Wi-Fi and tap the Wi-Fi network, try again connecting.

9-Turn airplane mode on and off.

This is again a simple but effective tip. I often do this whenever I have a Wi-Fi connection problems. On your iPad, tap Settings, find Airplane Mode. Switch it on, and wait for about a minute and then turn it off.

10-Toggle Wi-Fi.

Disable Wi-Fi and then reenable it by turning Wi-Fi off, and then turning it back on by going to Settings > Wi-Fi.

11-Update your iPad

. A bug may be causing this issue and also possible that there is an update already. You can check for updates by going to Settings > General > Software Update. And if there is an update available, tap Update Now.

12-WPA2.

Try using Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2) on your wireless router, if not already.

13-Force Restart Your iPad.

Force restarting your iPad may help. Here is how:

  • iPad with Face ID models: Press and release the volume up button and then press and release the volume down button and press and hold the power button until you see the Apple logo.
  • iPad with Home button models: You can do this by holding down the Sleep/Wake button and the Home button at the same until you see the Apple logo. Then you may release the buttons.

14-Custom DNS.

You may want to set custom DNS. You can use Google DNS. To do this, go to Settings > Wi-Fi and locate your Wi-Fi connection, then tap the blue info (i) sign. Tap Configure DNS and tap on the numbers. Then enter Google’s public DNS numbers:

8.8.8.8
8.8.4.4

15-Turning Wi-Fi Assist On/Off.

Go to Settings > Cellular scroll down and find the Wi-Fi Assist option. Toggle this off, wait a few seconds and on again.

16-Get help

So, you tried everything above and your iPad still can’t connect to Wi-Fi network. If this is the case, you have two options left:

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Kristina is a staff writer at GeeksChalk, and is interested in all things Apple. This includes its best products such as the iPad, iPhone, Mac, AirPods, and Apple Watch. When she's not tinkering with the latest Apple gear, you’ll find her watching movies, taking pictures and exploring the great outdoors.
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