iPad mini Unable to join network during activation

The iPad is obviously an old iPad. I understand that. But I don’t understand why it won’t even connect to the network. It has been factory reset but upon trying to connect to Wi-Fi to activate it, it just says unable to join network.

•I know the password is correct

•I know the network is up and running

•I’ve tried multiple networks

•I even tried the hotspot on my phone

Nothing is working

Please help!!!!

iPad mini (1st generation)

Posted on Jan 7, 2025 11:37 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jan 7, 2025 3:50 PM

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.


1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jan 7, 2025 3:50 PM in response to Cleeb1471

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.


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iPad mini Unable to join network during activation

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