User profile for user: tarafromooltewah
tarafromooltewah Author
User level: Level 1
8 points

new ipad M2 keeps dropping wi-fi with full signal strength

I just replaced my ipad air 2 with an ipad air M2 and it will not stay connected to wi-fi even though signal indicator shows full strength. All of my other devices connect just fine and I wasn't having this problem with my 12 year old ipad air 2.

I have restarted router, re-booted ipad, turned off wifi and back on, forget network and log back in (though this took a while because it kept telling me my password was incorrect even when i shared it from my phone.)

I saw on here where someone was having this problem and he realized it was due to the 6E wifi capability on the new M2 devices wasn't compatible with his router capabilities. His solution was to go under the settings of my wi-fi network and toggle Wi-Fi 6E to OFF. I went to do that but I don't have that option on my screen.


Short of returning the device, what else can I do?? This is very frustrating!

Also, since wi-fi is so readily available these days, I didn't get the cellular option on the new ipad so I have no internet options now.

iPad Air (M2, 2024)

Posted on Aug 23, 2024 7:18 AM

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User profile for user: LotusPilot
LotusPilot
User level: Level 10
312,115 points

Posted on Aug 24, 2024 6:03 AM

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/AV/firewall 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 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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User profile for user: LotusPilot
LotusPilot
User level: Level 10
312,115 points

Aug 24, 2024 6:03 AM in response to tarafromooltewah

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/AV/firewall 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 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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new ipad M2 keeps dropping wi-fi with full signal strength

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