2020 12.9" iPad Pro/iPadOS 16.1 suddenly refusing to connect to wifi (which is pretty critical)

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2020 12.9" iPad Pro/iPadOS 16.1 suddenly refusing to connect to wifi (which is pretty critical)

The refusal is immediate, it doesn't even make an attempt. I have restarted the router, 'forgotten' the connection and remade it, tried to connect it to my phone (to which my M1 Max MBP running Ventura connects fine).

No changes have been made to the iPad. It worked this morning, now it doesn't. I have checked there's no problem with my ISP (although that wouldn't explain it not connecting to my mobile).

Yes I have 'force rebooted' the iPad.

I don't really know what else I can tell you. It worked fine, now it doesn't.

Can anyone shed light as to why that might be...? I have had to select 'iPad' as my device as the 4th generation iPad Pro doesn't seem to be listed. It's a 12.9" 2020 iPad Pro wifi and cellular.

Thank you

Posted on Nov 6, 2022 1:39 PM

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Answer 1

ChrisJ4203

Level 10

236,285 points

Nov 6, 2022 1:48 PM in response to NoctuaAthene

Check to make sure that you followed all of these troubleshooting steps. If your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch won't connect to a Wi-Fi network - Apple Support

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Answer 2

ChrisJ4203

Level 10

236,285 points

Nov 6, 2022 2:08 PM in response to NoctuaAthene

So, you have performed all of those steps. Do you see the wi-fi fan on the iPad to show that you are connected to the wi-fi? If you have performed all of those steps and still cannot connect to wi-fi, you are going to have to contact Apple Support. You can use the Get Support link at the top of the page here or if you have an Apple Store close by, you can make a Genius Bar appointment for Apple to look at the device. They will explain your options. Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

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Answer 3

NoctuaAthene Author

Level 2

239 points

Nov 6, 2022 2:01 PM in response to NoctuaAthene

What I should've said, was that I can't do the last part of that because, even though wifi is switched on on the iPad I see this:

Turn on wifi or use mobile data (which, obviously I can't do). I mean handoff works, so it obviously does recognise wifi to some degree.

Has the 16.1 update broken my wifi...?

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Answer 4

NoctuaAthene Author

Level 2

239 points

Nov 6, 2022 2:11 PM in response to NoctuaAthene

You're going to have to forgive me being stupid. I don't want to bore you with my life story (because it's not appropriate) but I'm in a situation I never should've been put in (I'm an autist with hyperacusis (I'm sure you understand what that means) and I have been dumped in a 'care' home for people with severe learning disabilities, complex needs and severe behavioural issues and there's a lad here who won't stop slamming his door and I can't concentrate. Staff don't care.

Anyway, I believe you might have done it... let's see how long this lasts. This is a medium-sized city (350k) in the East Midlands and the fastest broadband I can get here is 36Mbps. My parents live in a small provincial town, (7.5k) in the SE and they could, if they wanted get full fibre (900Mbps - though BT's marketing it as 1Gbps).

Sorry for the panicked replies. I am NOT calm.

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Answer 5

NoctuaAthene Author

Level 2

239 points

Nov 6, 2022 1:52 PM in response to ChrisJ4203

Should've said that was the first thing I did, so yep. What I don't understand is why it was fine earlier when absolutely no changes have been made to the device.

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Answer 6

ChrisJ4203

Level 10

236,285 points

Nov 6, 2022 2:37 PM in response to NoctuaAthene

I understand somewhat. I'm guessing you are finally connected to wi-fi now? I hope so, and if you experience any additional problems, come back.

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2020 12.9" iPad Pro/iPadOS 16.1 suddenly refusing to connect to wifi (which is pretty critical)

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