How To: Fix iPad Wi Fi Issues

How To: Fix iPad Wi Fi Issues

One of the great advantages of the iPad (or any tablet for that matter), is its ability to allow you to connect to the internet wherever you are. So, if you find yourself unable to connect to a Wi Fi network at home or when you’re out and about it can quickly become quite frustrating.

Whether you’re unable to locate a Wi Fi network, unable to join a nearby Wi Fi Network or you can’t access the internet even with a strong Wi Fi Signal, check out these steps to troubleshoot your way to internet access again!

To Start Off…

 

A couple of low tech things to try first:

Move Closer To Your Router

imagesCAL5K0L0If you’re too far away from your router, the Wi Fi signal strength may not be strong enough for your iPad to connect to Wi Fi. It could even be that something is interfering with the signal. Particular materials and other  devices could be the source of the interference:

Apple offer the below list of devices that could interfere with the Wi Fi Connection:

 

  • Microwave ovens: Using your microwave oven near your computer, Bluetooth device, or Wi-Fi base station may cause interference.
  • Direct Satellite Service (DSS) RF leakage: The coax cable and connectors used with certain types of satellite dishes may cause interference. Check the cable for damage and obtain newer cables if you suspect RF leakage.
  • Certain external electrical sources such as power lines, electrical railroad tracks, and power stations.
  • 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz phones: A cordless telephone that operates in this range may cause interference with wireless devices or networks when used.
  • Video senders (transmitters/receivers) that operate in the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz bandwidth.
  • Wireless speakers that operate in the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz band.
  • Certain external monitors and LCD displays: Certain displays may emit harmonic interference, especially in the 2.4GHz band between channels 11 and 14. This interference may be at its worst if you have a portable computer with the lid closed and an external monitor connected to it. Try changing your access point to use 5 Ghz or a lower 2.4 GHz channel.
  • Any other “wireless” devices that operate in the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz bandwidth (microwaves, cameras, baby monitors, neighbors wireless devices, and so on).

Certain materials can also cause interferences with Wi Fi connections:

  • Plaster, concrete and bulletproof glass offer a high interference potential
  • Metal offers a very high interference potential

Also make sure your router is not near to any of the above, as well as making sure it is not on the floor as that can affect the signal strength.

Remove Any Cases Or Covers

3eb7112671d36bd48d26ea9e2ce2442aRemove any case or covering from the iPad: While probably not the cause of the issue, the case or cover could be interfering slightly with the Wi-Fi signal, causing it to lose some strength.

Checking The Wi Fi And Your iPad

 

ios6Ensure Your iPad Is Running The Latest Version Of iOS

Make sure you are running the latest version of iOS on the iPad. Some of the past versions of iOS have had issues with Wi Fi connectivity, which has been fixed with updates.

Check The Wi Fi Using Other Devices

Before deciding it is in fact your iPad that is the cause, you should check that other devices such as a laptop or your smartphone can connect to the Wi-Fi. This will verify whether the router itself it working properly.

 Check iPad Settings

Airplane ModeOnce you’ve verified that none of the above are causing the Wi-Fi issues, we can look at certain settings on your iPad:

      1. Check Airplane Mode: Make sure Airplane mode is not on by going to Settings > Airplane Mode. Ensure it is off as if it is active you will not be able to connect to the internet.
      2. Once you’ve verified you’re iPad is not in Airplane mode, go back to the settings menu and open the Wi-Fi settings.

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      • Check Wi-Fi is on
      • Check whether ‘Ask To Join Networks’ is on: If you aren’t being prompted to join the network, it may be that Ask to Join Networks is off. The easiest solution is to turn this setting on, though you can also input the information manually by choosing “Other…” from the network list.

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Reset Wi Fi Connection

wirelessbooIf all of the Wi-Fi settings on your iPad are correct, you will need to look at the Wi-Fi connection itself. Usually simply resetting the Wi Fi connection will sort out the issue.

      1. Go to Settings > Wi Fi. Simply toggle the Wi Fi button to ‘Off’. All of the Wi Fi settings will disappear.
      2. Turn Wi Fi back on, this will force the iPad to search for the Wi Fi network again and rejoin.
      3. Verify that you are selecting the correct network if you are in a location with multiple Wi-Fi networks.

Renew Lease

Ipad renew lease- wi fi issuesIf the above doesn’t work try Renewing the lease (Renew IP Address) especially if you are dropping internet connection on the specific network you are trying to connect to.

 

      1. Navigate to the list of available Wi Fi networks, click on the ‘>’ button next to the desired network.
      2.  Touch the “Renew Lease” button towards the bottom of the screen. You’ll be prompted to verify that you want to renew the lease. Touch the renew button.

Restart Your iPad

restartipad_ipadIf you are still experiencing issues with connecting to the Wi Fi using your iPad, restarting the iPad itself may be your answer.

      1.  Hold the sleep/wake button at the top of the iPad down for several seconds until a bar appears on the screen beckoning you to “slide to power off”.
      2. Once you slide the bar, the iPad will shut down completely.
      3. Wait a few seconds and then hold down the sleep/wake button again to start the iPad back up.
      4. Once the iPad has completely rebooted, test out the Wi Fi connection.

Hard Restart

Ipad hard reset- wi fi issuesYou can also try a hard reboot of the iPad:

      1. Hold the sleep/wake button and the Home button simultaneously for around 12 seconds
      2. Ignore the ‘Slide to Power Off’ prompt that appears and keep holding down both buttons until the screen goes dark. The apple logo should appear when the iPad powers up again.

Forget The Network

Ipad wi fi issues- forget networkThe ‘Forget This Network’ function will remove the settings for that particular network.

      1. Settings > Wi Fi.
      2. Click the ‘>’ button next to the Wi Fi network you are trying to connect to.
      3. Tap “Forget This Network” at the top of the screen. You’ll be asked to verify this choice. Choose “Forget” to verify it.
      4. You can reconnect by choosing the network from the list, however, if the Wi Fi network you are using is password protected, you will need to re-enter in the password.

Reset The Network Settings on The iPad

ipad wi fi issues - reset network settingsThis step will fully flush all settings the iPad has stored, and it can solve problems even when forgetting the individual network doesn’t do the trick.

Note: This will reset all network settings including passwords, VPN and APN settings.

 

      1. Settings > General.
      2. Tap the ‘Reset’ option at the bottom of the General list.
      3. Tap ‘Reset network settings’. This will cause the iPad to clear out everything it knows, so you’ll want to have your network’s password handy if you are on a private network. Your iPad will return to the factory default where it concerns the Internet and if it doesn’t prompt you to join a nearby WiFi network, you can go to the WiFi settings and choose your network from the list.

Restart Your Wireless Router

If you find yourself still experiencing problems, your wireless router could be at fault. Try restarting your router, which is usually done by just pulling its power adapter out of the router for around 15 seconds and plugging it back in.

Another troubleshooting step it to update your Wi Fi router to the latest firmware. You will need to refer to the manufacturer’s website for details on updating your firmware.

If You Are Unable To Locate The Network

ipad-wifi-settings1If the network you are trying to join is not appearing on the list of available networks, it may be a “closed” or “private’ network. You will need to enter in the name, security and password of the network to be able to join.

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  • Navigate to Settings > Wi Fi > Other and you will be prompted to enter in the necessary details.

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Unable To Access Internet On A Public Wi Fi Network

If you’re connecting to a public Wi-Fi network (such as at a café or coffee house), you may be required to agree to the terms and conditions before you can use the Wi-Fi. If you go into the Safari browser and attempt to open a page, these types of networks will often send you to a special page where you can verify the contract. Even after you okay the contract and get on the Internet, you may not have access to all of your apps.