iPad not connecting to wifi; Settings shows it is, but it's not...

My iPad (iPad Pro, 3rd Gen; OS 16.5; wifi only) has suddenly dropped it's connection to wifi. As you can see in the attached image, it shows connected to wifi in settings, but there is no wifi icon in the menu bar. It is not connected.


I have restarted it several times.


I have reset the Network Settings.


I have rebooted my modem & router more than once. It can't be this, because my two iPhones (12pro max & 14 pro max) and my two iMacs connect to my wifi, as do other devices, therefore it is not my modem or router.


This issue actually started with my iPod Touch (the last gen). The exact same thing was happening with it, so I went so far as to reset the entire thing and restore it. That didn't work - I can't even restore it because it won't connect to wifi.


I've seen several variations of this issue with no resolution.


What is going on???



Posted on May 28, 2023 2:58 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on May 28, 2023 5:38 PM

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 problems occur, your iPad may only have a self-assigned link-local IP address that begins 169.254.x.x.


You can verify your DHCP-assigned IP Address from settings:

Settings > WiFi > [Your WiFi Network / SSID] - tap the blue “i” icon - [IPv4 Address] IP Address



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 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

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2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

May 28, 2023 5:38 PM in response to Timmy S.

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 problems occur, your iPad may only have a self-assigned link-local IP address that begins 169.254.x.x.


You can verify your DHCP-assigned IP Address from settings:

Settings > WiFi > [Your WiFi Network / SSID] - tap the blue “i” icon - [IPv4 Address] IP Address



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 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

May 29, 2023 9:40 AM in response to LotusPilot

LotusPilot:


Thank you for your reply. Unfortunately, the private address feature is not the issue. Disabling it did not resolve the issue, including restarting it after disabling it.


Also: "When problems occur, your iPad may only have a self-assigned link-local IP address that begins 169.254.x.x....". My iPad does not have a self assigned link-local IP address as you describe.


I do not use VPN profiles or apps.


My iPad is basically useless 🤯😭

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iPad not connecting to wifi; Settings shows it is, but it's not...

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