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iPad 2 wifi issues after iOS 6.1.3 update

I have had an iPad 2 since they were first released. It is wi-fi + 3G and had been accessing wi-fi everywhere (work, home, public) without problems...until the iOS 6.1.3 upgrade. Since then it is unable to find networks. If and when it does, the signal is weak and is after a few minutes. Here is what I have done:


1) Reset the iPad by turning it completely off and turning it back on.

2) Reset the iPad by holding down the home button and the on/off button until it reset itself.

3) Reset the Network by going to Setting/General/Reset/Reset Network Settings

4) Took it to the Apple Retail Store, where the "Genius" told me to restore it as a "New Device". I did so to no avail.

5) I let the battery run out completely, connected it to the power cord, and as soon as I was able to go to Settings, I turned wi-fi on and off and on again.

6) I reset the router at home several times.


None of these things worked! The problem persists and I am frustrated. So much so, that I have learned the iPad mini is having the same issues and altough I had planned on buying one for my wife for mother's day, I refuse to make the investment. I'm starting to be turned off by Apple and its games. The fact that the Genius Bar is so booked only tells me their devices seem to have more problems.


Does anyone have any suggestions or additional work arounds to the iPad 2 wifi problems with the iOS 6.1.3 update? Does anyone know if and when Apple plans to address this growing issue?


Thanks

iPad 2, iOS 6.1.3, Wifi Problems

Posted on May 4, 2013 6:29 AM

Reply
96 replies

May 4, 2013 7:02 AM in response to Quele

HI I would like to add that, IOS 6 seems to have an issue with WIFI. After I updated to IOS 6 WIFI keeps dropping.

I put ios 5.1.1 back and WIFI works stable. There is no setting no hardware issues with your other devices, that will fix this issue. Apple should admit there is a problem and look at the problem and stop blaming everything else.

May 4, 2013 2:06 PM in response to Quele

Some things to try first:


1. Turn Off your iPad. Then turn Off (disconnect power cord for 30 seconds or longer) the wireless router & then back On. Now boot your iPad. Hopefully it will see the WiFi.


2. Go to Settings>Wi-Fi and turn Off. Then while at Settings>Wi-Fi, turn back On and chose a Network.


3. Change the channel on your wireless router (Auto or Channel 6 is best). Instructions at http://macintoshhowto.com/advanced/how-to-get-a-good-range-on-your-wireless-netw ork.html


4. Go into your router security settings and change from WEP to WPA with AES.


5. Renew IP Address: (especially if you are droping internet connection)

• Launch Settings app

• Tap on Wi-Fi

• Tap on the blue arrow of the Wi-Fi network that you connect to from the list

• In the window that opens, tap on the Renew Lease button


6. Potential Quick Fixes When Your iPad Won’t Connect to Your Wifi Network

http://ipadinsight.com/ipad-tips-tricks/potential-quick-fixes-when-your-ipad-won t-connect-to-your-wifi-network/


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Wi-Fi Fix for iOS 6

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4823738?tstart=240


iOS 6 Wifi Problems/Fixes


How To: Workaround iPad Wi-Fi Issues

http://www.theipadfan.com/workaround-ipad-wifi-issues/


Another Fix For iOS 6 WiFi Problems

http://tabletcrunch.com/2012/10/27/fix-ios-6-wifi-problems-ssid/


Wifi Doesn't Connect After Waking From Sleep - Sometimes increasing screen brightness prevents the failure to reconnect after waking from sleep. According to Apple, “If brightness is at lowest level, increase it by moving the slider to the right and set auto brightness to off.”


Fix For iOS 6 WiFi Problems?

http://tabletcrunch.com/2012/09/27/fix-ios-6-wifi-problems/


Did iOS 6 Screw Your Wi-Fi? Here’s How to Fix It

http://gizmodo.com/5944761/does-ios-6-have-a-wi+fi-bug


How To Fix Wi-Fi Connectivity Issue After Upgrading To iOS 6

http://www.iphonehacks.com/2012/09/fix-wi-fi-connectivity-issue-after-upgrading- to-ios-6.html


iOS 6 iPad 3 wi-fi "connection fix" for netgear router

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsWS4ha-dn0


Apple's iOS 6 Wi-Fi problems

http://www.zdnet.com/apples-ios-6-wi-fi-problems-linger-on-7000004799/


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


How to Boost Your Wi-Fi Signal

http://ipad.about.com/od/iPad_Troubleshooting/a/How-To-Boost-Your-Wi-Fi-Signal.h tm


Troubleshooting a Weak Wi-Fi Signal

http://ipad.about.com/od/iPad_Troubleshooting/a/Troubleshooting-A-Weak-Wi-Fi-Sig nal.htm


How to Fix a Poor Wi-Fi Signal on Your iPad

http://ipad.about.com/od/iPad_Troubleshooting/a/How-To-Fix-A-Poor-Wi-Fi-Signal-O n-Your-iPad.htm


iOS Troubleshooting Wi-Fi networks and connections http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1398


iPad: Issues connecting to Wi-Fi networks http://support.apple.com/kb/ts3304


WiFi Connecting/Troubleshooting http://www.apple.com/support/ipad/wifi/


How to Fix: My iPad Won't Connect to WiFi

http://ipad.about.com/od/iPad_Troubleshooting/ss/How-To-Fix-My-Ipad-Wont-Connect -To-Wi-Fi.htm


iOS: Connecting to the Internet http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1695


iOS: Recommended settings for Wi-Fi routers and access points http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4199


How to Quickly Fix iPad 3 Wi-Fi Reception Problems

http://osxdaily.com/2012/03/21/fix-new-ipad-3-wi-fi-reception-problems/


iPad Wi-Fi Problems: Comprehensive List of Fixes

http://appletoolbox.com/2010/04/ipad-wi-fi-problems-comprehensive-list-of-fixes/


Connect iPad to Wi-Fi (with troubleshooting info)

http://thehowto.wikidot.com/wifi-connect-ipad


Fix iPad Wifi Connection and Signal Issues http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwWtIG5jUxE


Fix Slow WiFi Issue https://discussions.apple.com/thread/2398063?start=60&tstart=0


How To Fix iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch Wi-Fi Connectivity Issue http://tinyurl.com/7nvxbmz


Unable to Connect After iOS Update - saw this solution on another post.

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4010130


Note - When troubleshooting wifi connection problems, don't hold your iPad by hand. There have been a few reports that holding the iPad by hand, seems to attenuate the wifi signal.


Wi-Fi or Bluetooth settings grayed out or dim

http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1559


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


If any of the above solutions work, please post back what solved your problem. It will help others with the same problem.


 Cheers, Tom 😉

May 5, 2013 7:39 AM in response to Quele

This is my first forum post. I reached this thread after searching for this exact problem. My WiFi access points are solid. My wife and I both have iPad 2s and her's is still running IOS 5 (she wanted to keep the old maps app and YouTube). Mine is running 6.1.3 and the WiFi drops out regularly. This is obviously a software issue. Is anyone from Apple working on this?

May 18, 2013 6:53 PM in response to Quele

Since updating to IOS6 on my iPad (4th Gen), the Wifi connection has been extremely slow and "choppy". I have tried every optimising every single setting on my wireless router (my wife says I can be a tech support now) but nothing works.


Wife uses a Nexus 7 tablet and her Wifi connection is solid. My MacBook Pro's connection is also solid and consistent. So, by process of elimination, it is down to IOS6 that's the culprit as only my iPad and iPhone 4 have problems with slow and choppy wireless connection.


I have had high hopes Apple will fix this problem with every update but they don't seem to be addressing this issue at all! This is extremely disappointing and fustrating and I am losing faith in this company. Shame on you Apple.

Jun 3, 2013 8:05 AM in response to Quele

I'm having this same issue. When I am a few feet from the router, the connection is fine. However, if I go beyond 15 feet or so, the connection becomes spotty. If I go beyond 20 feet or so, I can sporadically see the network but cannot connect. I've had the iPad 2 for 2 years now and have never had this problem with the range or dropped connections. I'm assuming it is the latest software update and any additional help is appreciated. I've tried the suggestions in this thread but no luck!

Jun 8, 2013 9:17 PM in response to Quele

Same problem here and it's driving me up the wall!!!

All my other devices have zero issues with my access points (iPhone 4/5 w iOS 6.1.3 6.1.4, windows notebook and even a late 2007 MacBook). Funniest thing is, the problematic iPad 2 tends to connect to my old wrt54g access point better than the airport express 2012 unit with all it's wifi n n 5ghz n. even so, the wifi connection is spotty and will often drop during use.


Till now apple still have not made any official admission of fault and that irked me the most!!!

Jun 10, 2013 6:46 PM in response to Quele

Having the same problem. WiFi works when standing beside my router and as I walk away I loose bar then drops. I've tried all the suggested fixes, reset all, reset router, use a static IP. I have even tried to downgrade my iOS but I haven't been able to do that either.


COME ON APPLE. Get the fix out. This is really frustrating. I don't want to wait for iOS7. It will probably have more bugs to it.


No wonder your stock is tanking!!!!!!!

Jun 11, 2013 4:57 AM in response to Quele

Update: after two visits to the Apple retail store, I was told that perhaps if I had dropped the iPad at some point during its lifetime, the antenna could have dislodged or gone bad, thus causing the problem. I expressed my concern with that theory, as it problem began as soon as I updated the OS. They explained to me that it is not the OS that causes the problem, it simply highlights that you have an issue with the hardware and the hardware can't keep up with the new OS. The only solution they offered was to trade my iPad2 for another Ipad2 (which I suspect would only work in the store) and it would ONLY cost me $250...

Luckily, AT&T was having a promotion: they bought back my IPad2 for $180 and dropped the price of a new Ipad, 4th generation w retina screen, by $100 with a 2-year data plan.

I have to say I am still upset. I truly feel it is a purposeful tactic to get folks to buy more, once they have you captive with their sundry gadgets. I will have to reconsider my future digital purchases.

Jun 11, 2013 6:33 AM in response to Quele

Quele,


I completely agree. My iPad 2 wifi has been spotty since the first iOS 6.1 update. I tested it this weekend and my HP laptop, my wife's iPhone and Amazon Kindle all had good reception but my iPad 2 would not connect. It's as if it needs three bars to connect. If it has 2 bars then it will not work. I'm going to try to give Apple a call again and see if they have anything new but doubtful. It's sad they just ignore this problem that is discussed by so many on so many different threads.

Jun 11, 2013 8:04 PM in response to Quele

Well crap. I'm having the same problem. For months I hadn't updated the iPad b/c I didn't have the space for the update, so this past weekend I deleted a lot of stuff just to make room for it, and now I wish I never had. It's constantly losing the wifi signal (literally every 2 or 3 minutes), and it doesn't even pick it back up immediately. I keep having to go into my settings to reconnect it. It is SO ANNOYING! How CAN I go back to the old OS? Just revert to an old backup or something? Would that do it? I didn't see any discernible difference between the old OS and the update, anyway, except for this pain in the butt problem.


There's no point in my calling Apple, is there?

iPad 2 wifi issues after iOS 6.1.3 update

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