Assuming that other devices remain capable of connecting to your WiFi with the same WiFi Password, while it may appear counterintuitive, a restart of your WiFi Router will likely clear the connection issue.
To restart your WiFi Router, disconnect power - then wait at least 30 seconds before restarting. When you router has rebooted (which may take several minutes), force-restart your iPad:
Force restart iPad (models with Face ID or with Touch ID in the top button)
If your iPad doesn’t have the Home button, do the following:
- Press and quickly release the volume button nearest to the top button.
- Press and quickly release the volume button farthest from the top button.
- Press and hold the top button.
- When the Apple logo appears, release the top button.
Force restart iPad (models with the Home button)
Press and hold the top button and the Home button at the same time. When the Apple logo appears, release both buttons.
Otherwise, 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. 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.
If you continue to have difficulties, 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
