The iPad is generally considered to be one of the better tablets on the market, as it comes with Apple’s excellent operating system and lots of fun and useful features. It can be annoying, though, if your iPad is experiencing Wi-Fi connectivity issues. This is not an atypical problem, but it’s also one that comes with several potential solutions. Let’s talk about why you might not be able to get Wi-Fi on your iPad, as well as some possible fixes that you can try.
Why Might Your iPad Not Connect to Wi-Fi?
For Wi-Fi to be working on your iPad, there are several elements that must be operating in concert with each other. The router you’re using must be working. You must be signed in to your Wi-Fi network with the proper password. The Wi-Fi signal that your provider is sending must be strong and uninterrupted. All the internal elements of the iPad must also be working, both from a software and a hardware standpoint.
If any of those elements are not functioning correctly, the result will be a lack of connectivity for your device. Now, let’s go over some fixes if you can’t connect to Wi-Fi with your iPad.
If Your iPad Won’t Connect with Wi-Fi, Check the Router First
It makes sense for you to look into possible issues with your router before you look toward your iPad. Go to the router and see that it is on and plugged into power. If your iPad doesn’t seem to be able to connect to the network, then you might try turning off the router, unplugging it, and then plugging it back in and turning it on again a few seconds later.
You also will need to be sure that your iPad is within range of the router. If your house is extremely large, then it is not inconceivable that you might have to move closer to the router itself in order to get the device to connect.
You should also look for frayed wires or anything else that might have damaged the integrity of the router. If you dropped it or liquid spilled on it, then that could be causing a hardware problem.
Check the Wi-Fi Settings of Your iPad if It Still Won’t Connect
Next, you can open up the Settings app on your iPad and go to Wi-Fi. Make sure that the toggle is set to the right and that it has turned green. If it’s clear, that means you’re not set to connect to a nearby Wi-Fi network.
Tap the name of your Wi-Fi network. If you live in a neighborhood with plenty of other houses around, then you’ll probably see multiple Wi-Fi networks in your vicinity. Locate the one to which you have access, and put in the password for it. It’s helpful to have your network password written down somewhere handy if you have a tough time remembering it. When you have connected to the network, you should see a blue checkmark next to it.
You might see a message under your network that says Auto Join Disabled. If you see that message, tap it to turn on Auto Join. This will let your iPad connect automatically to your Wi-Fi network next time you prompt it to do so.
What if Your Wi-Fi Password Won’t Give Access to Your iPad?
You might have put in the right password for your Wi-F network, but you get a message on your iPad’s display that says “unable to join network” or “incorrect password.” If that happens, then you will need to restart all of your devices.
To restart an iPad with Face ID, you should press and hold either one of the Volume buttons and the Top button. A Slide to Power Off slider will show up on the display. You will probably recognize it if you have ever restarted an iPhone. Drag that slider to the right, shutting off the iPad. Wait for a few seconds, and then press and hold your Top button until the Apple logo appears on the screen.
If you have an older generation of iPad that has the Home button, then you should press and hold your Top button until you see the Slide to Power Off slider. Slide it to the right. After waiting for a few seconds, press and hold that Top button till you get the Apple logo.
Next, restart your router as we discussed earlier in the article, and restart your DSL or cable modem. This is accomplished easily enough by unplugging it and then plugging it back in after waiting for a few seconds.
Once all of this is accomplished, then you can try putting in your password again. If you still can’t connect to your Wi-Fi network, then read on.
If Your iPad Still Doesn’t Connect, Your Wi-Fi Network Might Be Out of Service
If you’ve gotten to this point and your iPad still refuses to connect, then see if you’re getting any kind of message regarding your network indicating that you’re not getting service. If you see that, then it seems likely that there’s a lack of service in your area, and it doesn’t have anything to do with your devices.
Contact your local service provider and see if there are any Wi-Fi outages in your area. If there are, then you can ask them how long it’s going to take to get them fixed. Hopefully, it will not be an issue for long. You can keep checking periodically until the Wi-Fi comes back on. If there is a reason that you need Wi-Fi urgently, then maybe you can go to a friend or relative’s house who has connectivity.
Reset the iPad’s Network Settings for Wi-Fi Connectivity
The one other thing that you can try is to go to Network Settings on your iPad. From there, tap Settings, General, and then Reset. Scroll down to where you see Reset Network Settings and tap it.
What this does is a reset of your Wi-Fi networks and passwords. It also resets your cellular settings, and also the APN and VPN settings that you’ve used in the past. You’ll need to set up all of those preferences again, but this might be enough to fix the problem and allow you to connect.
Does Your Wi-Fi Router Have the Latest Firmware?
There’s also an outside chance that this problem might be due to your router not having the latest firmware on it. New firmware is released periodically for routers, and it serves a similar function as a new version of iOS for your iPad. It provides patches for bugs and glitches that could be preventing the device’s full functionality. You also need to make sure that your router supports Apple products like your iPad.
For more information on this, contact your router’s manufacturer. They should be able to tell you for sure whether there is a firmware update and whether your iPad is supported.
An iPad Hardware Issue Means Contacting Apple Support
If you’ve tried everything that we’ve suggested, and nothing has worked, then there might be an issue happening with the iPad that is beyond your power to diagnose. A hardware issue having to do with an internal component seems likely.
To see if that is what’s happening, take the iPad to an Apple Store with a Genius Bar if there’s one near to you. It is best if you call ahead to set up an appointment, so you don’t have to wait in line. Once there, explain to the employees what’s been happening with your device. Ideally, they can figure out what is wrong and get your iPad working as it should be again.
