Unable to check for updates

If you have a VPN App or profiles installed, or a security/AV/firewall App such as Norton, these may be interfering with your iPad's network connection. If applicable, the resolution is usually simple; you may need to disable or fully remove the Security App and/or VPN from your iPad.

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.

I bought used iPad ...

Your result is a common outcome of buying a used Apple device. They are in high demand world-wide and criminals know it. More infor on issues with buying Apple stuff used is here:

The All Too Common SAD Reality of Buying … - Apple Community

Charge the battery.

Connect the unit to the charge circuit, and leave it connected during any update.

Turn off low power mode.

Check again for an available update.

Is there an error message when you try to update?

You mention that you "can't reach the server."

• Is your iPad connected to WiFi?
• If yes, are you able to connect to any web pages?

We want to help if we can but need more information, please.

If you had a VPN App installed on your iPad - and removing it caused your iPad to enter recovery mode - then the App was definitely impacting normal operation of your iPad.

Steps to Restore from Recovery Mode:

1. Connect your iPad to a Mac computer or Windows PC via USB cable.
2. Open Finder/iTunes: Open Finder (macOS Catalina or later) or iTunes (Windows PC/older macOS); for Windows 10/11, install the Apple Devices App from the Windows App Store.
3. Locate Device: Find your iPad in the sidebar.
4. Restore: A message will appear saying "There is a problem with the iPad...". Select Restore to wipe the device and reinstall the software.
5. Wait: Keep the device connected until the process completes. 

Tell Siri: "Low Power Mode" to toggle it on or off.

The information that stedman1 provided is recommended for your situation.

Good luck! 👋🏼😉

Smiliñ 😎 Brian