How To Fix iPad Connection Issues With WiFi

iPad won’t connect to WiFi? No doubt this is a very frustrating issue, and one that you would ultimately like to get sorted for good. Thankfully, most common internet and WiFi connection issues can be resolved with just a few easy steps. 

In this post, we take a look at how to fix connection issues with an iPad tablet. For best results, we recommend following each of the steps, eliminating each factor until the issue has been resolved. Let’s get started!

Fixing connection issues with iPad tablets

Before starting with our troubleshooting tips, take a few moments to ensure you’ve tried the following:

• Make sure your WiFi network is working.
• Move your iPad closer to your router.
• Remove any covering or case from your iPad.

If none of the above resolves your issues, it’s time to start some deeper troubleshooting. Follow these steps:

Switch the iPad’s WiFi off and back on

Often, iPad WiFi connection issues are caused by a small software glitch, which can be resolved by simply resetting your iPad’s WiFi connection. To do this, open Settings on your iPad and tap Wi-Fi. Next, tap the switch next to Wi-Fi at the top of the screen to switch it off, then tap it again to switch it back on.

Reset your iPad 

If resetting your iPad’s WiFi connection didn’t work, it’s time to reset or restart the iPad. This simple troubleshooting step can resolve a range of issues and should be carried out before you do anything else.

For iPads with a Home button, simply hold the power button down until slide to power off appears on the screen. For iPads without a Home button, it’s a matter of holding both the Top button and one of the volume buttons until you see slide to power off.

Next, swipe slide to power off to switch the iPad off. Wait a few moments, then switch the iPad back on.

Restart your router  

When an Apple iPad won’t connect to WiFi, the router may also be to blame. After restarting your iPad, try restarting your router as well. Restarting it involves simply turning it off for a few moments and then turning it back on. Most routers have a power switch on the back of the device — refer to the router’s manual if you’re unsure about this.

Forget the WiFi network  

If you’re still experiencing connection issues, it’s time to start with some more detailed troubleshooting, starting with forgetting the WiFi network on your iPad. The first time you connected your iPad to your WiFi network — or any WiFi network — it will have saved data about how to connect to it. Forgetting the network entirely will signal your iPad to “forget” the data it holds about connecting to the network, and start fresh. 

Open Settings on your iPad and tap Wi-Fi. Locate your WiFi network on the list, then tap the “i” button next to it. Next, tap Forget This Network. Once this has been done, simply go back into Settings and Wi-Fi, select your network, enter the password and see if the iPad connects to the network.

Switch off your VPN  

A virtual private network (VPN) provides users with anonymity and security whilst they’re connected to the internet on any device, including iPads. Yet, VPN configuration issues may cause WiFi connection issues. Alternatively, technical issues on the side of the VPN provider can affect the VPN. Therefore, if you use a VPN, it’s a good idea to switch it off to identify if it may be the cause of your connection issues.

Open Settings on your iPad and tap VPN. Tap the switch next to Status — this will switch off your iPad VPN. Check that it now says Not Connected. Once it’s switched off, try to connect to the WiFi — if it connects, you can safely say that the VPN was the cause of your connection issues. 

Reset the network settings on your iPad

If, after all of the above steps, you’re still finding that your iPad won’t connect to WiFi, it’s time to reset its network settings. This step will effectively restore all of the iPad’s settings, including WiFi, to factory defaults. Although this may appear to be a drastic step, it’s not too different from simply forgetting the individual network.

Open Settings on your iPad and tap General. Next, tap Reset, then Reset Network Settings. Enter your passcode, then tap Reset Network Settings to confirm the reset. Your iPad will now switch off, undergo the reset, then restart. Note that you will need to reenter your WiFi password after the reset.

Back up the iPad

If you’ve exhausted all of the above options and are still facing connection issues, you should now back up your iPad. You may be dealing with a deeper hardware or software issue that needs repairing, and backing up your iPad will ensure that you don’t lose any important or valuable data.

To back up using iCloud, open Settings on your iPad and tap on your name, which is displayed at the top of the screen. Next, tap iCloud, then iCloud Backup. Finally, tap Backup Now.

You may now want to consider a DFU (Device Firmware Update) restore, which is the final step to rule out a possible software issue. Or, you may wish to have your iPad looked at by a professional technician, who can advise on your next best steps.

Jim’s I.T — your local Apple support and WiFi experts

Hopefully, this post has helped answer your questions on how to connect your iPad to WiFi. At Jim’s I.T, we offer a range of services, including professional WiFi and wireless setup, to help you get connected and back online as soon as possible. No matter the issue you’re facing, we’re sure to have the tools and expertise to assist.

The best part? We offer free quotes, fixed pricing and same-day service for calls booked before 10 am. Request a quote or get in touch with our expert team today!