Connecting to and using internet at McDonald’s with a non-cellular ipad

Question

Connecting to and using internet at McDonald’s with a non-cellular ipad

I just changed from an android Samsung 2 tablet to an apple 9th generation non-cellular iPad. When I took it to McDonald’s I discovered that the apple software allowed a wireless connection to the store’s router, but prevented me from entering the internet with the explanation that the network was unsecured. My friend with an apple phone discovered that the same thing happened when he tried to make a wireless connection.

I have searched the internet and learned this has been an issue for years. The suggested fixes seem to have produced spotty results and appear to usually involve phones that use a cellular connection to aid in creating a workaround to establish a wireless connection.

A fix is needed for the humble non-cellular iPad. My new iPad is useless when it comes to providing information to morning coffee partners. If someone has a fix, please remember I am asking about an iPad and not a phone. Thank you for any help.

iPad, iPadOS 17

Posted on Oct 20, 2023 8:29 PM

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Answer 1

faith185

Community Specialist

Oct 21, 2023 3:49 PM in response to McdonaldsUser

Hello McdonaldsUser,

Thanks for using Apple Support Communities. The alert that you see is a warning but should not prevent the connection. The following from Recommended settings for Wi-Fi routers and access points - Apple Support helps explain.

"About privacy and security warnings on your device

If your Apple device shows a privacy warning or weak-security warning about a Wi-Fi network, that network could expose information about your device.

If you administer the Wi-Fi network, we recommend that you update the settings of your Wi-Fi router to meet or exceed the security standards in this article.
If you don't administer the Wi-Fi network, bring the recommended settings in this article to the attention of the network administrator."

If you try to connect, is there a different error that occurs or what happens? If this only happens with a particular public Wi-Fi connection, try the guidance from If your iPhone or iPad won't connect to a Wi-Fi network - Apple Support.

Take care.

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Answer 2

Jun 5, 2024 8:25 AM in response to McdonaldsUser

I have the exact same issue using an iPad 10 at any McDonalds within my local area and even McDonals locations when traveling out of state. This has recently become an issue over the last couple months, previously I’ve never ha d an issue with McDonald’s WiFi. In my thinking this maybe connected to a recent update of some kind. Been trying to tract down the issue for a few weeks now.

I’m running iPad OS 17.4.1

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Connecting to and using internet at McDonald’s with a non-cellular ipad

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