A16 iPad WiFi connection issue

You may have explored some of this already...

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 or your iPad's network connection - and may be preventing your device from reliably obtaining a valid IP Address for the WiFi network to which you are attempting to connect, or renewing its DHCP lease. 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 and the network connection to operate normally - allowing connection to your WiFi 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.

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

Celestron4 wrote:

I’ve recently bought an A16 iPad but am having issues with my WiFi connection. The iPad is repeatedly trying and failing to connect to my home WiFi network and sometimes loses the network from the list entirely despite it being remembered from before.

I’ve found that a neither a restart of the WiFi network or toggling airplane mode resolves it but restarting the iPad does.

I have switched Private WiFi address off as suggested in other threads but this hasn’t made any difference.

Does anyone have a solution to the problem that doesn’t involve restarting the iPad every few days when the issue occurs?

As a side note, my Dad also has an A16 iPad and hasn’t been having any issues on the same network.

Did you purchase this ipad new from an authorized Apple retailer?

you can troubleshoot here If you can't connect to Wi-Fi on your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support