iPad only updates time automatically with phone network, but not over wifi

Yes! I have the latest iOS update.

Yes! I have restarted the iPad many time.

Yes! I have restarted my router, connection is good, etc.

I've tried all the suggestions that are given when the device is working fine but someone doesn't know what to do. I'm looking for suggestions for when the device isn't working as intended. Usually many people have the same issues and someone figures out a work-around. However, so far, everyone seems to have the opposite issue. Time updates on wifi for them but now me.

Thanks in advance for any help.

iPad mini (6th generation)

Posted on Aug 14, 2023 7:56 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Aug 15, 2023 4:21 AM

Your iPad has an internal clock that should accurately maintain time - this internal clock only requiring occasional correction if the clock drifts a little from actual time. As with many computer systems, your iPad automatically updates time using NTP (Network Time Protocol - over ) via whatever network it is connected.


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Network_Time_Protocol


NTP uses Port 123 to communicate with NTP Time Servers. If your WiFi network or Internet Router/Firewall is blocking access to Port 123, your iPad will not be able to automatically set/correct time. In such circumstances you may need to change appropriate settings - for which you may need to refer to your WiFi Router’s User Guide, or seek assistance from your Internet Service Provider.


If necessary - and you are unable to use automatic Time settings - you can manually set the correct time on your iPad:

Settings > General > Date & Time > Set Automatically - set to OFF


You can now manually set the correct time; ensure that you also select the correct Time Zone for your country/region - as otherwise you iPad may not work properly with many online services (including Apple).

2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Aug 15, 2023 4:21 AM in response to bernhagen

Your iPad has an internal clock that should accurately maintain time - this internal clock only requiring occasional correction if the clock drifts a little from actual time. As with many computer systems, your iPad automatically updates time using NTP (Network Time Protocol - over ) via whatever network it is connected.


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Network_Time_Protocol


NTP uses Port 123 to communicate with NTP Time Servers. If your WiFi network or Internet Router/Firewall is blocking access to Port 123, your iPad will not be able to automatically set/correct time. In such circumstances you may need to change appropriate settings - for which you may need to refer to your WiFi Router’s User Guide, or seek assistance from your Internet Service Provider.


If necessary - and you are unable to use automatic Time settings - you can manually set the correct time on your iPad:

Settings > General > Date & Time > Set Automatically - set to OFF


You can now manually set the correct time; ensure that you also select the correct Time Zone for your country/region - as otherwise you iPad may not work properly with many online services (including Apple).

Aug 15, 2023 3:35 PM in response to LotusPilot

Thanks for the reply. I will check with my router at home to see if Port 123 is blocked. I travel for work and my hope was that every time I'm in a new time zone and connect to wifi, the time would automatically adjust. I might be out of luck on this one. One thing I just thought of and haven't tried yet is to use my iPhone as a hotspot and see if the time adjusts using that connection.

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iPad only updates time automatically with phone network, but not over wifi

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