iPad Wi-Fi connection issue with MalwareBytes VPN

UPDATE TO A CLOSED QUESTION ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM: The solution in my case was different from any answers that I found so I'm sharing it here:


The Settings in my iPad said I was connected, but none of my apps could connect. I tried every suggestion provided in the answers I found online, including here, but none of them worked. I finally noticed that MalwareBytes was continuously connecting and disconnecting, so on a hunch I turned off my Malwaebytes VPN. Voila! Everything works again, and I can go back to reading my newspapers on my iPad and stop using up my iPhone's battery by reading them on that much smaller screen.


[Re-Titled by Moderator]

iPad mini (6th generation)

Posted on Jan 27, 2025 2:03 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jan 27, 2025 3:47 PM

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 - or in your case MalwareBytes - these may interfere with DHCP and prevent 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.


VPN software is not a universal security solution. Unless you fully understand the few instances of where a VPN can add a useful layer of additional security - and have the skills to recognise and correct networking issues when they occur - you would be best advised to avoid them. VPN Apps can cause more issues than they resolve.

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jan 27, 2025 3:47 PM in response to carljs27

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 - or in your case MalwareBytes - these may interfere with DHCP and prevent 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.


VPN software is not a universal security solution. Unless you fully understand the few instances of where a VPN can add a useful layer of additional security - and have the skills to recognise and correct networking issues when they occur - you would be best advised to avoid them. VPN Apps can cause more issues than they resolve.

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

iPad Wi-Fi connection issue with MalwareBytes VPN

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