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My ipad is an old one. Now it cannot load a webpage, Any help? Thanks

My ipad is an old one. Now it cannot load a webpage, Any help? Thanks

Posted on Jun 29, 2023 8:40 AM

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Posted on Jun 29, 2023 10:08 AM

Thank you this additional information. You have an iPad2.


The iPad2, iPad3 and iPad mini1 can only be updated to iOS 9.3.5 (WiFi Only models) or iOS 9.3.6 (WiFi & Cellular models).


Apple ended update support for these models in September 2016. These models of iPad cannot be updated to iOS 10 or later major versions of iOS, as the internal hardware does not meet the minimum technical requirements for new versions of iOS/iPadOS. This limitation cannot be bypassed; these are 32-bit architecture devices, whilst all recent versions of iOS/iPadOS are designed for 64-bit hardware platforms. iPad2, iPad3 and iPad mini1 are obsolete.


You need to consider that compatible Apps for older models of iPad are no longer available - as App Developers have dropped all support for 32-bit devices and many for iOS versions preceding iOS11/12/13. As older versions of Apps are removed from the Apple App Store, you’ll not be able to (re)download or install them - which may severely limit the usefulness and utility of your iPad.


Similarly, existing installed Apps (such as Safari and other browser Apps) are (a) not being updated, and (b) do not meet the minimum security requirements mandated by some websites - in particular financial or those that handle sensitive information. These are perhaps the websites with which you are experiencing difficulty.


As such, if you want or need to access current Apps or online services, requiring more recent versions of iOS than your iPad is capable, you’ll need to consider replacement of your iPad with a newer or current model.


Of current models, even the entry-level iPad9 has specifications and capabilities that will massively outperform you current iPad - and is compatible with the vast majority of current Apps. Other models are more powerful still.


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Question marked as Best reply

Jun 29, 2023 10:08 AM in response to amosshy

Thank you this additional information. You have an iPad2.


The iPad2, iPad3 and iPad mini1 can only be updated to iOS 9.3.5 (WiFi Only models) or iOS 9.3.6 (WiFi & Cellular models).


Apple ended update support for these models in September 2016. These models of iPad cannot be updated to iOS 10 or later major versions of iOS, as the internal hardware does not meet the minimum technical requirements for new versions of iOS/iPadOS. This limitation cannot be bypassed; these are 32-bit architecture devices, whilst all recent versions of iOS/iPadOS are designed for 64-bit hardware platforms. iPad2, iPad3 and iPad mini1 are obsolete.


You need to consider that compatible Apps for older models of iPad are no longer available - as App Developers have dropped all support for 32-bit devices and many for iOS versions preceding iOS11/12/13. As older versions of Apps are removed from the Apple App Store, you’ll not be able to (re)download or install them - which may severely limit the usefulness and utility of your iPad.


Similarly, existing installed Apps (such as Safari and other browser Apps) are (a) not being updated, and (b) do not meet the minimum security requirements mandated by some websites - in particular financial or those that handle sensitive information. These are perhaps the websites with which you are experiencing difficulty.


As such, if you want or need to access current Apps or online services, requiring more recent versions of iOS than your iPad is capable, you’ll need to consider replacement of your iPad with a newer or current model.


Of current models, even the entry-level iPad9 has specifications and capabilities that will massively outperform you current iPad - and is compatible with the vast majority of current Apps. Other models are more powerful still.


Jun 29, 2023 10:59 AM in response to amosshy

If your old iPad is having trouble loading webpages, here are some troubleshooting steps you can try:


1. Check your internet connection: Ensure that your iPad is connected to a stable and reliable internet connection. Verify that other devices on the same network can access the internet without any issues. If you're using Wi-Fi, try restarting your router or connecting to a different network to see if that resolves the problem.


2. Clear browsing data: Clearing your browser's cache, cookies, and browsing history can help resolve loading issues. Open the Settings app on your iPad, scroll down and tap on the Safari (or the browser you're using) settings. Find the option to clear browsing data and select it. Make sure to choose the appropriate data you want to clear, such as cache and cookies, and then confirm the action.


3. Force quit and relaunch the browser: Close the browser app completely by double-clicking the home button (or swiping up from the bottom on iPads without a home button) to access the app switcher. Swipe up on the browser app to force quit it. Then relaunch the browser and try loading the webpage again.


4. Restart your iPad: A simple restart can often resolve various software issues. Press and hold the power button until you see the "Slide to power off" option. Slide it to power off your iPad. After it's turned off, press and hold the power button again until the Apple logo appears, indicating that the device is restarting. Once it's restarted, try loading the webpage again.


5. Update your iPad's software: If your iPad is running an outdated version of iOS, it may have compatibility issues with certain websites. Go to the Settings app, tap on "General," and then select "Software Update." If an update is available, download and install it on your device.


6. Reset network settings: Resetting your network settings can help resolve connectivity issues. Go to the Settings app, tap on "General," then "Reset," and choose "Reset Network Settings." Note that this will remove your saved Wi-Fi passwords, so make sure you have them handy.


7. Try a different browser: If the issue persists with one browser, consider downloading a different browser from the App Store, such as Google Chrome or Firefox, and see if the webpage loads properly in the alternative browser.


If none of these steps resolve the issue, it's possible that the hardware or software limitations of your older iPad may be contributing to the problem. In such cases, you may want to consider upgrading to a newer iPad model that can better handle modern web browsing requirements.

Jun 29, 2023 9:05 AM in response to amosshy

There are no details of your iPad model - or the installed version of iOS/iPadOS. As such, offering constructive advice or guidance is difficult.


Older devices of versions of iOS/iPadOS may be restricted in what they can be used for - or in some cases the services or web-pages that can be accessed or used.


Here is a list of the highest version of iOS supported by the older models of iPad (for simplicity - “generations” are shortened to a number) that are restricted in their ability to be updated:


32-bit devices (obsolete)

iPad1 - iOS 5.1.1

iPad2, iPad3 and iPad mini1 - iOS 9.3.5 (WiFi Only models), iOS 9.3.6 (WiFi+Cellular)

iPad4 - iOS 10.3.3 (WiFi Only), iOS 10.3.4 (WiFi+Cellular)


64-bit devices

iPad Air1, iPad mini2 and iPad mini3 - iOS 12.5.7

iPad Air2, iPad mini4 - iPadOS 15.7.7


Newer models are all able to be updated to the current version, iPadOS 16.5.1

  • iPad Pro (all models)
  • iPad Air (3rd generation and later)
  • iPad (5th generation and later)
  • iPad mini (5th generation and later)


If you would like to provide more information about your iPad and the specific issues that you have encountered, contributors may be better able to offer more help.

Jun 29, 2023 10:01 AM in response to amosshy


What happens when you try to load a webpage?

Does it happen with all web pages, or just a specific one?

Have you verified the web page is working on another device?


Please provide details and context about your issue, and someone may be able to advise.


You have an iPad 2 from 2011 running iOS 9.3.5.

iOS 9.3.5 is 7 versions old at this point. It's unsurprising some things stop working. If the website no longer works correctly on such an old device you may need purchase a newer one, that can run a newer version of iOS and has a newer web browser that can open the website.

My ipad is an old one. Now it cannot load a webpage, Any help? Thanks

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