iPad won't connect with Novatel MiFi (Virgin Mobile)

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Level 1

15 points

iPad won't connect with Novatel MiFi (Virgin Mobile)

I've tried everything I can think of and still cannot connect my iPad to the new Novatel MiFi sold by Virgin Mobile. My main laptop and a backup laptop both connect to the MiFi seamlessly and without problem. However, each time I try to connect with my iPad I get a meassage saying "unable to join the network [MiFi network name]. Has anyone else had this problem and, if so, how did you resolve it? I have a support call scheduled with Apple at noon.

WiFi 16g, Windows Vista

Posted on Jun 28, 2010 5:14 AM

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Answer 1

ClifDC Author

Level 1

15 points

Jun 28, 2010 1:55 PM in response to ClifDC

After fussing around with the MiFi device, I got them to connect but only when the network was open and not encrypted. Apple technical support was useless with the guy saying the problem was the MiFi device and not the iPad. (How surprising is that?)

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Answer 2

ibosie

Level 4

1,122 points

Jun 28, 2010 3:40 PM in response to ClifDC

If for some reason you can't use a password the MiFi probably has MAC address filtering - better this than leaving it open. On the iPad the MAC address is the Wi-Fi address, tap Settings > General > About. It's probably something to do with the type of encryption and password used that's causing your issue, try changing it on the MiFi.

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Answer 3

ClifDC Author

Level 1

15 points

Jun 28, 2010 3:59 PM in response to ClifDC

It turned out to be an encryption issue. The iPad would only work if the MiFi was set to WPA2, not WPA. Now that it's connected, everything is working like a charm. This VM Mifi device looks like a pretty solid pay-as-you-need solution for times when you need to use the iPad but aren't around a convenient WiFi connection. And its more flexible than the built-in AT&T 3g solution because you can use the MiFi with your laptop as well.

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Answer 4

ibosie

Level 4

1,122 points

Jun 28, 2010 4:42 PM in response to ClifDC

Novatel make some good kit I agree. I might get one for portability and Option X1 for the desk, powered.

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Answer 5

Jun 8, 2011 9:47 AM in response to ClifDC

Help!! I am suffering from the same issue, but do not know how to go about changing the ipad or mifi from WPA to WPA2 ... another crazy problem I have is that I can't get on the mifi landing page to save my life. I have been on the phone with At&T for hours ... they blame my ipad. I am so confused, but all I know is I want to use my mifi and it's not connecting to any of my Apple products -- Imac, macBookPro, or ipad.

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Answer 6

Jun 22, 2011 10:01 AM in response to ClifDC

My Virgin Mobile Mifi 2200 has been inactive since October. Got it out yesterday to set it up to work with my iPad 2. After a day's worth of trying to figure out which password is which, removing and replacing the battery, paper-clip resets, and trying again and again with the iPad, it came down to this: you can't reactivate your service using an iPad; you have to use a computer (in my case, a Macbook) or get a support person to do it for you.

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