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The new iPad has unstable 3G connection

3G icon is visible and signal is strong but safari tells no connection (other programs don't have connection as well). Switching to airplane mode and back doesnt help and reset (off and on) always helps, but problem appears again after some period. I can't tell exactly how much time should I wait but I noted that it appears after long idle period.

iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G, iOS 5.1

Posted on Mar 27, 2012 12:32 AM

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271 replies

Mar 31, 2012 1:57 AM in response to v0vets

I can confirm that switching off the Wifi has helped dramatically so far. My new iPad was not backed up / restored from iPad 2 - it's completely fresh so I don't think that is the issue.


It seems to be something cocked up with Wifi, though I'm not 100% sure this will last. Good so far, though.


Apple's way is to not acknowledge any problems unless they are absolutely forced to (the antenna problems, for example). So this will hopefully be quietly fixed in an upcoming patch.

Mar 31, 2012 2:58 AM in response to v0vets

I've been having the same issue from day one. Connected on WiFi at home and when I leave the house with a full 3G signal I dont get a data connection until I power down the ipad and boot it back up again. I've also had the problem if I disable WiFi before leaving home. I'm in the UK and using the o2 network.


Tried a restore and a reset of network settings without solving it so called Apple today who deny knowledge of a problem, they have advised resetting the device to new and setting it back up again as fresh without a restore - reading many forum posts I doubt this would work either.


I dont blame Apple (yet) as its a new device and they may have only just found out about it. I do urge any one who is having the problem to call Apple and log a support case with them. Unless we tell them there is a problem that needs fixing, how will they know they need to fix it. This is a forum hosted by Apple but not necessarily read by Apple so give them a call so they can appreciate how big the problem is and how many peole its affecting.

Apr 3, 2012 7:02 AM in response to v0vets

I spent 2 plus hours on the phone with Verizon yesterday, 2 different techs, finally got a trouble ticket number and am now 24 hours into the 72 hour response time. WIFI works as advertised but the cellular service is non existant. It will not hold a stable signal. Our iPad 2 did work on 3G. April 12th is my return by date for the New iPad. We live in the country so am not sure if it is a Verizon problem or an Apple problem but am sure it is only temporarily my problem.

Apr 6, 2012 7:44 AM in response to v0vets

Here in Lincolnshire, United Kingdom the 3g issue persists on my 64g ipad3.


The curious thing is that it works perfectly in the home location and at my partners, both 3G and wifi, yet once I go out and about, out of reach of wifi, the 3G fails after a few minutes!


Having read this thread we will have to await Apple coming up with the answer, as the very purpose of the product is not being met. Under local laws, the product does not meet the requirements of the Sale of Goods Act, in the United Kingdom and purchasers are entitled to a full refund by law.


Let's hope that the manufacturer manages to discover the problem, before we all demand our money back.


Kind regards.

Apr 6, 2012 8:13 AM in response to v0vets

I did as you all suggested and called Apple here in Sweden and talked to them about the problem. According to the apple rep that I talked to, this was a known problem for the new ipad and that they are waiting for an update to resolve this problem (although they had no info of when this will happen). One thing she did suggest was to hold the top and button down as if shutting it down, but keeping them pressed until the apple shows up on the black background. She said that this was a hardware reboot and sometimes solved these minds of problems. I can't exactly test if this worked since I'm not going into town today, but maybe some of you all could try to see if this helps.

Apr 6, 2012 9:09 AM in response to v0vets

As the guy from Sweden said about what the apple team advised him to do in that un-desirable situation, it does work pressing the home button and the power off button together until the iPad is reset.

But seriously, I didn't wanna do that every time I switch from wifi to 3G, which in my case happens quite often.

Hopefully un update comes out soon to fix the problem, or else they will have to deal with more cases of reimbursement

Apr 6, 2012 9:15 AM in response to v0vets

Yes, here in Germany I have the same problem.


Last week I did a 5 hour train ride from west to east Germany and I had to reboot my iPad 6 times. Everytime the 3G connection was lost and recovered, a full 3G signal was displayed but no connection to the internet was possible. In addition I commute every day between two cities and have to reboot the iPad at least once per way.


Another problem occurs when I leave the home Wifi zone, then it displays full 3G connection but no internet access is provided.


No hint really helped so far. I even ordered a new Sim card with my carrier (Deutsche Telekom), I turned off sim pin and restored the iPad as a totally new device. Problem still exists.


Very annoying.


If someone knows any advice, please post it here.

Apr 6, 2012 10:06 AM in response to v0vets

I have the same issue on my ipad 3 64GB WIFI+4G with Singtel 3G in Singapore.

It happens when it switches from WIFI connection or when it was idle for long time.


Resetting network settings or restarting the ipad works, but it is annoying doing this from time to time.

I hope apple will come up with a solution soon, as it seems to be an issue on the ios 5.1

Apr 6, 2012 10:07 AM in response to Angry_Lyrad

It does not really matter if apple try to delete this thread. This is now officially a large issue worldwide

in several large Tech sites already, and it is a problem that needs to be adressed in one way or the other.


http://news.softpedia.com/news/The-New-iPad-Now-Has-3G-Issues-iOS-5-2-May-Be-Req uired-Soon-263246.shtml


http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-57410454-37/new-ipad-owners-complain-of-3g-con nection-issues/


http://www.ubergizmo.com/2012/04/apples-new-ipad-facing-3g-connectivity-issues/


http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/12/04/06/users_report_3g_connection_issues_ with_apples_new_ipad.html


And the list goes on:)


I really hope Apple releases as statement as to how they are going to adress this problem, or

as to why it exists. My biggest question is: Is this a software or a hardware problem?


I am seriously considering returning my new ipad in the morning to either get a refund and buy back my Ipad 2 or just wait for a while until the situation is more clear.

Apr 6, 2012 10:19 AM in response to v0vets

As a side to this issue which is causing me issues, I believe their is another one which is related, in the uk on orange if you go into carrier and select auto to off, then connect to t-mobile network it take ages to connect compared to iPad 1 and unlike the iPad 1 if you then flick back to auto it takes you back to orange.


Like I said it stays on t-mobile until you move out of range of the tower when you do this on an iPad 1 but not on iPad 3


I do this a lot to get a 3G near me instead of GPRS on orange

The new iPad has unstable 3G connection

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