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My iPad doesn't connect to 4G when switching from WiFi.

I've never had this problem with my older iPad. But the new iPad (version 3) doesn't pick up 4G when switching from Wifi. I get bars but not Internet connection. I've rebooted, I also reset the network settings. My wife and I bth have the same new iPad but she doesn't have this problem, only mine...

Posted on Mar 18, 2012 2:14 PM

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36 replies

Mar 21, 2012 5:33 AM in response to Christopher GM Powers

I have this problem riding the metro. I get super fast LTE here in D.C. area (at home and work). When I'm riding Metro and go into tunnel, signal of course drops off. Soon as I get out of tunnel I get 5 bars LTE again but no connection to internet. I get a popup window that says my cellular plan is not activated (or something like that). Clearly my plan is activated and it's not all used up because haven't used that much off of WIFI. I too have to turn off cellular data in settings and turn it back on. Then it's fine. I haven't waited more than 2 minutes to see if would reconnect by itself. I shall have to try that and I'll report back my findings here.

Mar 27, 2012 7:09 AM in response to Calistograph

I see the Cellular Plan not Activated message frequently when the cellular signal is either weak or when it varies rapidly in strength. This always happens when I'm in a vehicle of some kind traveling rapidly. The variation can easily happen on the Metro in DC when going into and out of tunnels but other nearby interference can cause it as well. Normally I just ignore the message and have a little more patience. This allows the iPad to eventually connect to the cellular network and finally connect back to the Internet.


If the signal strength variation happens quickly from bad to good and back to bad, etc. the cellular circuitry may not ever have time to complete the connection and you'll see that message again.

Mar 27, 2012 8:03 PM in response to Christopher GM Powers

I am another person having a similiar problem! I have a new iPad 64GB + 4G w/ at&t. I am on my 3rd SIM card and 2nd iPad. Within the last 26 hours, I have talked to 4 individuals at at&t and 6 at Apple. Currently I am waiting for at&t to get back to me with the results of a "network check", by NLT 8p on 28 March.......


My problem is that '4G' drops either while I am sitting at my desk or traveling, but does not reconnect on its own. I have to either toggle airplane mode or cellular data on/off. Typically the drop occurs with 2 to 5 bars showing...... Note sure what to do, as both Apple and at&t have told me that there have not been other reportsof this issue.


After 4.5 hours on the phone tonight and 2+ hours with a trip to the Apple store last night, it is getting a little frustrating.


Should note that I am also in St. Louis, Missouri.

My iPad doesn't connect to 4G when switching from WiFi.

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