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Wi-Fi on iPad suddenly can’t find networks

Wi-Fi on iPad can’t find any networks after being locked for a while. But when I turn the Wi-Fi off and on, it works fine again. Happens daily. Definitely an iPad issue and not a router/network issue. Already tried resetting network settings and restarting iPad. Any other possible fixes..? Possibly related to the recent update(16.3.1)..?

iPad (6th generation)

Posted on Mar 14, 2023 8:43 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Mar 14, 2023 9:02 PM

"Wi-Fi on iPad suddenly can’t find networks: Wi-Fi on iPad can’t find any networks after being locked for a while. But when I turn the Wi-Fi off and on, it works fine again. Happens daily. Definitely an iPad issue and not a router/network issue. Already tried resetting network settings and restarting iPad. Any other possible fixes..? Possibly related to the recent update(16.3.1)..?"

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Troubleshooting iPad WiFi:

A. Delete a VPN:

VPN is a common a culprit. So, disconnect from it, unless required for work, school, and such.


B. Start Here: If your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch won’t Connect to a Wi-Fi Network - Apple Support


C. Clear Temporary Internet Files:

If Wifi is disconnecting, try clearing out your Temporary Internet FilesHistoryCache, and CookiesGo Here: Clear your Safari Browser History and Set Up Content Blockers on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support


D. Restart your Router:

Restart you router by mowing it off for 30 seconds, and the powering it back on.


E. Report this to Apple:

Did you just update your device?

Do your part: Let Apple know what is going on here. Provide them with feedback on this. They may not get back to you directly, but the more feedback they received on this, the more they will know what is going on, and what needs to be fixed in updates to come.

  1. Go Here: Feedback - iPad - Apple
  2. Comment: that it is after installing the update when the issue began. Include the URL of this thread.
  3. Select: "Bug Report" for the "Feedback Type"
  4. Proceed from there aw necessary
5 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Mar 14, 2023 9:02 PM in response to DwightSchruteBeets

"Wi-Fi on iPad suddenly can’t find networks: Wi-Fi on iPad can’t find any networks after being locked for a while. But when I turn the Wi-Fi off and on, it works fine again. Happens daily. Definitely an iPad issue and not a router/network issue. Already tried resetting network settings and restarting iPad. Any other possible fixes..? Possibly related to the recent update(16.3.1)..?"

-------


Troubleshooting iPad WiFi:

A. Delete a VPN:

VPN is a common a culprit. So, disconnect from it, unless required for work, school, and such.


B. Start Here: If your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch won’t Connect to a Wi-Fi Network - Apple Support


C. Clear Temporary Internet Files:

If Wifi is disconnecting, try clearing out your Temporary Internet FilesHistoryCache, and CookiesGo Here: Clear your Safari Browser History and Set Up Content Blockers on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support


D. Restart your Router:

Restart you router by mowing it off for 30 seconds, and the powering it back on.


E. Report this to Apple:

Did you just update your device?

Do your part: Let Apple know what is going on here. Provide them with feedback on this. They may not get back to you directly, but the more feedback they received on this, the more they will know what is going on, and what needs to be fixed in updates to come.

  1. Go Here: Feedback - iPad - Apple
  2. Comment: that it is after installing the update when the issue began. Include the URL of this thread.
  3. Select: "Bug Report" for the "Feedback Type"
  4. Proceed from there aw necessary

Mar 15, 2023 8:39 AM in response to DwightSchruteBeets

Start with basic WiFi troubleshooting - as detailed here:

If your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch won’t connect to a Wi-Fi network - Apple Support

Recommended settings for Wi-Fi routers and access points - Apple 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.


Whenever your iPad “wakes up”, it must re-associate with a WiFi network - and renew its local IP Address with the network. There are many reasons why the DHCP-handshake can fail; 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.


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.

Mar 15, 2023 11:30 AM in response to LotusPilot

Thank you for your reply. No VPN or security apps. Never had issues until this started about a couple weeks ago. No new apps for months. I don't think it's a router settings issue because, when working properly, the iPad will pick up my neighbor's Wi-Fi as an option. And when it has the "bug", the iPad can't find any networks. But I think you're on to something with the IP address renewal because simply turning Wi-Fi off and on fixes the issue. However, I'm still not sure how to permanently fix the issue. As mentioned, I haven't installed new apps or made any changes for a while.

Wi-Fi on iPad suddenly can’t find networks

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