IPad Pro dropping connection

Just bought the new iPad Pro and I noticed my connection to the internet keeps going on and off. Sometimes fast and then slow. I called Apple Customer Service and they advised me to do a diagnostic test online. I was able while the connection was fine and it passed. But then while talking with them, the problem came back. We did some resetting and it did something good that day. But they suggested to go to an Apple Store to have someone fix the problem definitely. The Apple Store is too far from my place. So, I didn’t go. But the problem was still there. I went instead to the store where I bought it for a replacement thinking it was only a lemon product that I got. Now, I have a new one but I am noticing the problem still existing. Then I found out it is not only me having this kind of a problem.

Posted on Aug 4, 2023 4:00 AM

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Posted on Aug 4, 2023 4:22 AM

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


Consider that your Router, to which you are attempting to connect, may be configured to require support for security features that are not supported by older versions of iOS. If you have an older iPad and your router is configured for WPA3 or WPA3/WPA2 mixed authentication, you will need to change this to WPA2 PSK(AES). Newer models of iPad support WPA3.


Some Mesh WiFi Routers are known to be troublesome in some circumstances.


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.


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 disable or remove the Security App and/or VPN.


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



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3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Aug 4, 2023 4:22 AM in response to tomasito65

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


Consider that your Router, to which you are attempting to connect, may be configured to require support for security features that are not supported by older versions of iOS. If you have an older iPad and your router is configured for WPA3 or WPA3/WPA2 mixed authentication, you will need to change this to WPA2 PSK(AES). Newer models of iPad support WPA3.


Some Mesh WiFi Routers are known to be troublesome in some circumstances.


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.


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 disable or remove the Security App and/or VPN.


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



Aug 4, 2023 2:27 PM in response to LotusPilot

From your reply, I got an idea of doing something of my own. But first, I have to confess that I’m an amateur regarding computers or such. I’m replying because it might help others having the same problem.


First, our household is using a Wifi 6 router in which I don’t know how to configure.

Second, I found out that the default setting in my iPad Pro was set at Automatic mode in Wi-Fi 6E in which I turned it OFF.

And thirdly, I followed your advice to turn OFF the Private Wi-Fi Address.


The result is fantastic. My Wi-Fi/internet connection became very stable, prompt, and even faster. Now, the issue is - THE PRIVACY/SECURITY? Any suggestion? VPN? How much it can do or can’t do?


At any rate, thank you.

Mar 30, 2024 9:39 PM in response to tomasito65

I have an iPad Pro that is also dropping internet connection. When I put it on airplane mode for a minute and turn the Wi-Fi back on it connects for a while. But when I continue using it , it goes off again. I have to constantly turn it on and off. I’ve checked my Wi-Fi connection and it’s fine. I don’t have any issues with my other iPad 9th generation or other devices. It didn’t always do this. It is an older device. It’s 9.7 inches . The model number is MLT52LL/ A

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IPad Pro dropping connection

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