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I continually get “unable to join network” on my iPad mini. I reset the network settings but it won’t let me forget the Wi-Fi network and start over. I even did a full reset on the iPad and started over. Still no luck.
iPad mini Wi-Fi
This support page may be helpful with initial troubleshooting of WiFi connection difficulties:
If your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch won’t connect to a Wi-Fi network - Apple Support
…and here - although, given your description, these settings may be beyond your control:
Recommended settings for Wi-Fi routers and access points - Apple Support
Perhaps consider that the WiFi network, to which you are attempting to connect, may require support for security features that are not supported by older versions of iOS. As such, your iPhone may be running a more recent version of iOS than your iPad is capable of support.
If your WiFi has been set-up according to Apple’s recommended settings, WiFi and Internet connection difficulties are usually an indication that your device does not have a routable IP Address - your IP Address usually being assigned by DHCP. When this occurs, your iPad may only have a self-assigned link-local IP address that begins 169.254.x.x.
System software updates can, in some circumstances, trigger a problem with the iPad (or iPhone) internal routing table. The causes are many, but are usually attributable to some types of App or associated device configuration.
If you have a VPN App or profiles installed, or a security App such as Norton, these may be interfering with DHCP - and preventing your device from obtaining a valid IP Address for the WiFi network/hotspot to which you are attempting to connect. The resolution is usually simple; if installed, you may only need to temporarily disable or remove the Security App and/or VPN.
If you continue to have difficulties and your iPad is running iPadOS, check to see if your iPad is using the new WiFi Private Address feature. This feature is intended to provide additional privacy and security when using “public” (untrusted) WiFi networks.
Settings > WiFi > [Your WiFi Network / SSID] - tap the “i” icon - Private Address
The Private Address feature is largely unnecessary for your home WiFi network; if enabled, Private Addressing can cause issues if specific MAC addresses are expected by your WiFi Router. You may need to disable this feature - and can be enabled or disabled for each individual network.
Use private Wi-Fi addresses in iOS 14, iPadOS 14, and watchOS 7 - Apple Support
DHCP is frequently used to automatically obtain an IP Address. Until your iPad has a valid IP Address to connect to your network, you will not have an internet connection. Disabling or removing VPN and/or the offending security App should allow DHCP to operate normally - allowing connection to your network and the internet.
If this resolves your issue, the VPN and/or security App can be reinstated after the connectivity problem has been resolved.
This support page may be helpful with initial troubleshooting of WiFi connection difficulties:
If your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch won’t connect to a Wi-Fi network - Apple Support
…and here - although, given your description, these settings may be beyond your control:
Recommended settings for Wi-Fi routers and access points - Apple Support
Perhaps consider that the WiFi network, to which you are attempting to connect, may require support for security features that are not supported by older versions of iOS. As such, your iPhone may be running a more recent version of iOS than your iPad is capable of support.
If your WiFi has been set-up according to Apple’s recommended settings, WiFi and Internet connection difficulties are usually an indication that your device does not have a routable IP Address - your IP Address usually being assigned by DHCP. When this occurs, your iPad may only have a self-assigned link-local IP address that begins 169.254.x.x.
System software updates can, in some circumstances, trigger a problem with the iPad (or iPhone) internal routing table. The causes are many, but are usually attributable to some types of App or associated device configuration.
If you have a VPN App or profiles installed, or a security App such as Norton, these may be interfering with DHCP - and preventing your device from obtaining a valid IP Address for the WiFi network/hotspot to which you are attempting to connect. The resolution is usually simple; if installed, you may only need to temporarily disable or remove the Security App and/or VPN.
If you continue to have difficulties and your iPad is running iPadOS, check to see if your iPad is using the new WiFi Private Address feature. This feature is intended to provide additional privacy and security when using “public” (untrusted) WiFi networks.
Settings > WiFi > [Your WiFi Network / SSID] - tap the “i” icon - Private Address
The Private Address feature is largely unnecessary for your home WiFi network; if enabled, Private Addressing can cause issues if specific MAC addresses are expected by your WiFi Router. You may need to disable this feature - and can be enabled or disabled for each individual network.
Use private Wi-Fi addresses in iOS 14, iPadOS 14, and watchOS 7 - Apple Support
DHCP is frequently used to automatically obtain an IP Address. Until your iPad has a valid IP Address to connect to your network, you will not have an internet connection. Disabling or removing VPN and/or the offending security App should allow DHCP to operate normally - allowing connection to your network and the internet.
If this resolves your issue, the VPN and/or security App can be reinstated after the connectivity problem has been resolved.
Unable to Join Network on iPad Mini
