can't connect to wi-fi during initial setup of iPad2

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Level 1

21 points

can't connect to wi-fi during initial setup of iPad2

My wife and I just purchased 2 new iPad 2's, one foe each of us. They came FedEx today, and I am trying to get past the setup screen. The unit recognizes my wireless internet, but when I enter the password for the connection, it just sits there thinking, and does nothing. I have tried this on both units, with the same results on both. I can't do anything else on this unit, because it is stuck on this screen, since it does not connect to the internet. And of coarse Apple does not give you any manuals to help with troubleshooting. Anybody else have this same problem and manage to get past it?

iPad 2

Posted on Apr 27, 2012 10:11 AM

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Answer 1

Best reply

toby2b2 Author

Level 1

21 points

Apr 27, 2012 11:55 AM in response to rockmyplimsoul

I just wished I could get the unit up and running, even without the Internet. When I power them on, they go to a language screen, and once selected, it goes to the country screen. After that, you get the wi-fi screen, but can't get passed that, cause it won't connect. Recognizes my internet, but won't connect. No option to get past that screen!

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Answer 2

Apr 27, 2012 10:33 AM in response to toby2b2

First, make sure that your router does not have MAC address filtering enabled, that is an extra layer of security over and above others. If you do have that, either turn it off temporarily or enter your devices' MAC address ("Wi-Fi Address" in Settings for each device).

If that doesn't do it, reset your router and modem (they may be the same unit), then try again.

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Answer 3

Apr 27, 2012 11:23 AM in response to toby2b2

toby2b2 wrote:

Is it because they are made in China????

Oh please don't go there ...

If you're trying to get these new iPads initialized, you might have better luck connecting to your computer with the latest version of iTunes installed. Once you get them set up, then try working on Wi-Fi connectivity. In theory you're supposed to be able to get them going without a computer, but there are so many variables sometimes that's not possible.

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Answer 4

Dec 25, 2013 8:14 AM in response to toby2b2

Here is a work around:

Connect your new iPad to a computer running iTunes. You can do some setup in iTunes then when you go back to your iPad there is a next button to skip setting up wifi. Then go into settings to get your MAC address.

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Answer 5

toby2b2 Author

Level 1

21 points

Apr 27, 2012 11:18 AM in response to rockmyplimsoul

The MAC address filtering is disabled on the router. I tried resetting the router and modem, but that did not help either. I am just amazed that this product will go no further than the Wi-Fi access screen during setup, it just stays on that screen with no other choices available. Why they did not make this product so that it can access the main screen so you can access the setup features independently is beyond me. That would make too much sense. As far as I can tell, these units are nothing more than fancy paperweights if you can't even get past the initial setup screen. I have 2 desktop computers, 2 laptops, 2 gaming systems, 3 Roku boxes, 1 wireless printer, and 1 blueray system all of which have no problem accessing my router. So there shouldn't be a problem with these units being able to access it. Is it because they are made in China????

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Answer 6

JimHdk

Level 7

28,874 points

Apr 27, 2012 12:23 PM in response to toby2b2

What type of security are you using on your router? If it is WEP then the security key must be configured in key position #1.

Since WEP is completely insecure if you are using it you should switch to WPA2. Also make sure that you are indeed using the correct password.

Make that there is not a limit set in your router on the maximum number of connections.

If you need more help please give the make, model and version of the router that you are using and how it is configured.

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Answer 7

toby2b2 Author

Level 1

21 points

Apr 27, 2012 12:51 PM in response to JimHdk

I am using WEP, only because it is the only security that the one gaming system supports. The security key is configured in position 1. And I am using the correct password. I even tried to use a different password to see what the iPad would do, and it rejected it immediately. So, it does recognize that I am using the proper password. The little wheel just keeps spinning like it is thinking, but getting nowhere. I am using a Linksys router WRT54G, and it is set to auto configuration DHCP. I am allowed up to 49 different connections for this router, and I am only using 11 of them.

I have tried plugging the iPad into my laptop to see if that would give me access to any of its features, but even that would not work. I-tunes recognized that I had an iPad connected, but it said I needed to update to version 10.5 or higher (I have 10.2), so I tried that, but version 10.6 will not install without errors. And I am unable to uninstall version 10.2 without receiving the same errors.

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Answer 8

JimHdk

Level 7

28,874 points

Apr 27, 2012 1:04 PM in response to toby2b2

Make sure that the firmware in your WRT54G is the latest.

If you are using WEP you need to enter the hex version of the key and not a passphrase.

Apple recommends moving to WPA2.

If you want to get past the WiFi problem just temporarily turn off security in your router.

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Answer 9

Apr 27, 2012 1:15 PM in response to toby2b2

Look at iOS Troubleshooting Wi-Fi networks and connections http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1398

iPad: Issues connecting to Wi-Fi networks
http://support.apple.com/kb/ts3304

iOS: Recommended settings for Wi-Fi routers and access points
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4199

Additional things to try.

Try this first. Turn Off your iPad. Then turn Off (disconnect power cord) the wireless router & then back On. Now boot your iPad. Hopefully it will see the WiFi.

Change the channel on your wireless router. Instructions at http://macintoshhowto.com/advanced/how-to-get-a-good-range-on-your-wireless-netw ork.html

How to Quickly Fix iPad 3 Wi-Fi Reception Problems

http://osxdaily.com/2012/03/21/fix-new-ipad-3-wi-fi-reception-problems/

If none of the above suggestions work, look at this link.

iPad Wi-Fi Problems: Comprehensive List of Fixes

http://appletoolbox.com/2010/04/ipad-wi-fi-problems-comprehensive-list-of-fixes/

Fix iPad Wifi Connection and Signal Issues
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwWtIG5jUxE

You can download a complete iPad User Guide here: http://manuals.info.apple.com/en/ipad_user_guide.pdf

Also, Good Instructions http://www.tcgeeks.com/how-to-use-ipad-2/

Apple - iPad - Guided Tours

http://www.apple.com/ipad/videos/

Watch the videos see all the amazing iPad apps in action. Learn how to use FaceTime, Mail, Safari, Videos, Maps, iBooks, App Store, and more.

iPad How-Tos
http://ipod.about.com/lr/ipad_how-tos/903396/1/

You can download this guide to your iPad.

iPad User Guide for iOS 5

http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/ipad-user-guide-for-ios-5/id470308101?mt=11

 Cheers, Tom 😉

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Answer 10

toby2b2 Author

Level 1

21 points

Apr 27, 2012 1:31 PM in response to JimHdk

Firmware is the latest. And I have been entering the hex version of the key. I have tried moving to WPA2 security, but it does not change things. Still not connecting.....

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Answer 11

JimHdk

Level 7

28,874 points

Apr 27, 2012 1:32 PM in response to toby2b2

Have you tried temporarily turning off security?

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Answer 12

toby2b2 Author

Level 1

21 points

Apr 27, 2012 2:18 PM in response to JimHdk

I went to Linksys and they did have a new firmware upgrade, (last time I checked, they said no new upgrades were planned, because it was an older router) so I installed the upgrade and everything works perfectly now. I was even able to go back to the WEP security, so the game system will still work. Thanks for all of your help!

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Answer 13

JimHdk

Level 7

28,874 points

Apr 27, 2012 2:29 PM in response to toby2b2

Glad you got it working.

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Answer 14

May 27, 2012 6:13 PM in response to toby2b2

Why do I need wifi to start up the ipad? does that mean that any time I want to use it I have to have a wifi connection? so i can not use it at 30k ft

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Answer 15

Jun 25, 2012 12:00 AM in response to toby2b2

This is very disappointing. There does not seem to be a straight forward process to getting this setup. I first typed the passphrase and then it said it was invalid which it wasn't...now I can't even get the keyboard up to type it again...and I'm not sure why the Wi-fi has to be setup just to use what's in the iPad

Apple does so many complicated things well...but the easy things it makes it soooo difficult.

I don't care for the solutions above. It shouldn't have to come to this.

Very disappointed.

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