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Can’t download 16.5.1 on my iPad Air 3 5th gen, says Wi-Fi required

Whenever I try to download the update 16.5.1 update the iPad air 3 drops Wi-Fi. This download requires that you are connected to Wi-Fi. I have shut down and restarted both iPad and router with no change. Also selected drop Wi-Fi, restarted iPad and router, reselected Wi-Fi. No change. I set settings to auto download 2 days ago no change.

I just noticed that the description of my devices below has me with a iPad 4. The description on my ipad says Name Ipad 3 and model Ipaf air (5th generation) if that matters


Can anyone please help?


[Re-titled by Moderator]

Posted on Jun 27, 2023 11:25 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jun 27, 2023 3:27 PM

If your iPad is capable of update to a more recent version of iOS/iPadOS than is currently installed, these support pages outline both the available methods by which the update can be performed - and troubleshooting should you experience difficulties:

Update your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch – Apple Support

If you can't update or restore your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch – Apple Support

If your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch won’t update - Apple Support

iOS update and restore errors – Apple Support


Be aware that while an iPad may be capable of update, in some circumstances you may need to use a computer to perform the update. To do so, you will need access to either a Windows PC (with iTunes for Windows installed) or a Mac (with iTunes or Finder - as appropriate for the installed version of macOS). Ensure that your installed version of iTunes has been updated to the most recent version; the essential device drivers are included.

Download and use iTunes for Windows – Apple Support

Update to the latest version of iTunes – Apple Support

Update software on iPhone, iPad or iPod touch in iTunes on PC - Apple Support


If you have a beta profile installed, ensure this has been removed from your iPad - as, otherwise, installation of production software updates may be inhibited. This support page provides the necessary information to remove the beta from your iPad:

How to uninstall iOS beta software - Apple Support


You should note that for your iPad to install an available update, its battery must be charged to at least 50% capacity - and/or be connected to its Power Adapter. Similarly, the iPad can only be updated over a standard WiFi connection - or be updated by a PC or Mac using iTunes or Finder - over a USB connection.

3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jun 27, 2023 3:27 PM in response to SkipJackJP

If your iPad is capable of update to a more recent version of iOS/iPadOS than is currently installed, these support pages outline both the available methods by which the update can be performed - and troubleshooting should you experience difficulties:

Update your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch – Apple Support

If you can't update or restore your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch – Apple Support

If your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch won’t update - Apple Support

iOS update and restore errors – Apple Support


Be aware that while an iPad may be capable of update, in some circumstances you may need to use a computer to perform the update. To do so, you will need access to either a Windows PC (with iTunes for Windows installed) or a Mac (with iTunes or Finder - as appropriate for the installed version of macOS). Ensure that your installed version of iTunes has been updated to the most recent version; the essential device drivers are included.

Download and use iTunes for Windows – Apple Support

Update to the latest version of iTunes – Apple Support

Update software on iPhone, iPad or iPod touch in iTunes on PC - Apple Support


If you have a beta profile installed, ensure this has been removed from your iPad - as, otherwise, installation of production software updates may be inhibited. This support page provides the necessary information to remove the beta from your iPad:

How to uninstall iOS beta software - Apple Support


You should note that for your iPad to install an available update, its battery must be charged to at least 50% capacity - and/or be connected to its Power Adapter. Similarly, the iPad can only be updated over a standard WiFi connection - or be updated by a PC or Mac using iTunes or Finder - over a USB connection.

Jun 28, 2023 6:10 PM in response to LotusPilot

My ipad drops Wi-Fi whenever an update is selected for both app and system updates since 16.5. I have tried both auto and manual downloads. If I am not downloading an update everything works smoothly. I can force app updates by selecting cellular data download and I do not have cellular service for my ipad. I cannot do this for system updates. My ipad finally updated to 16.5.1 yesterday but I don’t know how/why that happened after 3 days of attempts. I have no faith the next system update will download because app updates are still not downloading normally. Everything worked great before the update. I hoping this gets resolved before the next urgent update comes along and I get stuck again. Thanks for you help!

Can’t download 16.5.1 on my iPad Air 3 5th gen, says Wi-Fi required

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