Unable to check for update in iPad Air 5th Gen

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 some Apps are working as expected, while others are not - or other devices can connect to your WiFi network - you may find that a restart of your WiFi Router, followed by a restart of your iPad will clear the problem….

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

Re: "Today, suddenly, the wifi network which I am using shows that it has weak security, which I never had this before."

Am no expert in this area, yet your request deserves some response.

First: Ensure you have set a password to help keep your wi-fi network secure.

Wondering if you have contacted your wi-fi network provider yet, for assistance with the insecure network.

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Re: "And as I was about to update to iPadOS 18.2,

the device said unable to check for update"

May be your wi-fi network is just not secure enough to risk downloads, or not working as a consequence. (As well as a strong wi-fi signal, you may also want to check you have enough battery / power / storage space / for downloads)

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Re: "I tried force restarting, and also reset my network settings,

nothing worked"

Wondering if you tried re-starting your modem or router ? It is often the first step suggested in trouble-shooting network problems, and especially after the provider has been doing maintenance work in the area.

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Re: "Seriously, I am doubting whether it is a software problem

or something else. Kindly give a solution to this horrible incident."

We are all Apple users, like yourself in the community, so no-one here has access to your accounts or details to help check anything out at this end.

We'd like to help, however.

You could try going to Settings > Wi-F and click the (i) ifo. button to see if there are details there about the insecure network; may even explain how to fix that.

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There are many possible causes of the situation ... finding the cause may help with the correct solution.

How old or new is your modem ? (Could belong to you or to the internet provider ?) There may be documentation that came with it about compatibility with your iPad Air or about keeping the security up-to-date ?

The manufacturer's website may offer information or support. Maybe the simple solution is that there's a firmware update available via the internet provider, to help the modem / router stay in tune with the newer technology ?

Else: Apple support has articles online that may or may not help trouble-shoot wi-fi / network issues via settings:

See: Security features when connecting to wireless networks - Apple Support

If you are, know, or have, a Network Administrator:

and if your modem / router is not too old or incapable of being configured.

To check whether there's a setting that may provide more security: See:

Recommended settings for Wi-Fi routers and access points - Apple Support