Ensure that you have updated your iPad to the most recent version of iPadOS:
- iPad6, iPad Pro 12.9" 2nd generation*, iPad Pro 10.5" - iPadOS 17.7.10
- iPad7 - iPadOS 18.7.7
Newer models are all able to be updated to the current version - iPadOS 26.4:
- iPad Pro 13" (M4/M5)
- iPad Pro 12.9" (3rd generation and later)
- iPad Pro 11" (1st generation and later + M4/M5)
- iPad Air (3rd generation and later + M2/M3/M4)
- iPad (8th generation and later + A16)
- iPad mini (5th generation and later + A17 Pro)
This support page describes the recommended settings for your WiFi:
Recommended settings for Wi-Fi routers and access points – Apple Support
It is possible that your WiFi Router is too old to be (or not capable of being) configured for some secure settings. As such, you can either configure the most secure settings that your Router will support - or replace your Router with something more advanced that provides better security configuration options.
Whilst WPA3 is the newest standard, you should aim to use WPA2 (AES-PSK) if your Router does not support WPA3. If enabled, you may need to disable mixed-mode operation. Some Routers seemingly continue to support insecure/deprecated TKIP standards - even when apparently configured for WPA2 operation; disable TKIP if necessary.
There is a privacy feature included within iOS/iPadOS (Private WiFi Address) that hides your physical MAC Address - and instead uses a randomly selected Private MAC Address when connecting to WiFi - this address changing regularly. Private WiFi Address is enabled/disabled on your iPhone/iPad for each configured WiFi Network. If your WiFi Router uses MAC Address access controls, to control access to your WiFi network, you must disable Private WiFi Addresses on your iPad.
More information about this feature can be found here:
Use private Wi-Fi addresses in iOS 14, iPadOS 14 and watchOS 7 – Apple Support
