“This update requires a WiFi network connection to download.” message when I try to update my iPad

WiFi/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 some Apps are working as expected, while others are not - or other devices can connect to your WiFi network - you may have a routing problem that may be resolved with a restart of your WiFi Router, followed by a restart of your iPad….

To restart your router, disconnect power from the router for at least 30 seconds - then reconnect power to restart. After your router reboots (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:

1. Press and quickly release the volume button nearest to the top button.
2. Press and quickly release the volume button farthest from the top button.
3. Press and hold the top button.
4. 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.

If you continue to have difficulties, check to see if your iPad is using the 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

Am I crazy or did Apple Customer Support not address the issue. The update says it can’t install with out a Wi-Fi connection even though you have one. And all they can do is first ramble on about how to fix your Wi-Fi connection. Then they give you a possible workaround. Never once did they even mention the actual problem (which my son has on his iPhone 13 and I have on my iPad 11).

You are correct Apple pointed to the router or Wi-Fi first. Multiple iPhones and IPads in our home are having the same issue..the iPhones and iPads wont backup to iCloud and they wont update.. stating that a Wi-Fi connection is need. They are all connected to Wi-Fi.

Thank you, Joeliam. My problem has been resolved. I was reluctant to change the router settings. It is a new fibre to the home setup and did not want to change anything.

I visited someone who lives in a different area, tried the update again from their home and successfully updated the iPad to OS 17. Today, at home again, I tried updating my iPad to 17.0.3 and it was again successful. The problem therefore appeared resolved once the iPad was updated to OS 17.

My iPhone 12 was also successfully updated to OS 17 then to 17.0.3.

Regards

I had a similar issue on my iPad Pro 2020 when trying to update, turning off the setting “Private Wi-Fi Address” in Wi-Fi in your Wi-Fi network settings allowed me to begin the update. You can turn private Wi-Fi address back on after the update.

iPadOS 16.5.1 is current - in addition to which there is an available Rapid Security Response (RSR) update to iPadOS 16.5.1(c).

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.

TheResortKeeper wrote:

I wasn't aware that LotusPilot was a member of Apple Support. I don't expect any help from Apple. Big companies don't do that anymore.

With limited exceptions, contributors within the Apple Support Community (ASC) are all end-users, just like you. Other than the site Moderators, Apple neither monitor nor participate within the Support Community.

ASC is a user-to-user technical community. Contributors can offer advice with operation of your devices - and guidance/help if you are experiencing difficulties. We can also direct you to technical resources and appropriate contact-points for Apple support. Contributors have absolutely no influence with Apple, Apple Support, or its Development Team.

For information, Apple staff are identified as Community Specialists.

I have exactly the same problem on both my iPad and iPhone 12. I tried all the options listed on this forum. I solved the phone problem by closing home WiFi and using my ISP data for a few seconds. Then I switched on WiFi and switched off my ISP data. The download continued happily on home WiFi data.

My iPad is another problem. I have been using iTunes for communication with my Windows 7 PC for years - also to update my iPad. However I now get a message from iTunes saying I should upgrade iTunes in order to update the iPad. I am unable to do so as the upgrade requires the PC to use Windows 10. I had difficulty upgrading the PC before so decided to stick with Windows 7. So I cannot update my iPad using this route.

Sigh…..

I think it’s a shady marketing strategy from Apple that they do every 2 years to get people to buy a new iPhone. The same thing happened to me and my gf when we updated our phones to IOS 17.1.1 and this is not the first time this happened, it’s happened with my old phone as well. Apple is really sketchy and something is going on and Apple support don’t help at all.