Wifi constantly drops and iPad goes to 3G

Question

Level 1

8 points

Wifi constantly drops and iPad goes to 3G

I'm almost out of 3G data because my iPad loses my home wifi network every 30 seconds or so. It drops it, reconnects, drops, reconnects, drops and asks me if I want to connect. So frustrating! It didn't do that until recently. I've made no changes to my router or to my iPad. My iPad is a 32 GB iPad 2 with 3G from AT&T. It's running iOS 5.1.1. My router is a TP Link WR940N wirless N router. All my other wireless devices from my HP laptop to my son's custom build desktop, to my iPhone, to my daughter's MacBook play nicely with the wireless. It's only the iPad, and it's driving me nuts! I purchased the data plan to use when I'm on the road for business, but at this rate, I won't have any data left. Any fixes or ideas would be veryy appreciated. Thanks!

iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G, iOS 5.1.1

Posted on Jun 29, 2012 12:28 PM

Reply

Answer 1

BB623

Level 4

1,209 points

Jun 29, 2012 12:56 PM in response to musictchr

Did you try turning off the 3G? Depending on signal strength it seems to be defaulting to the 3G over your Wifi.

Reply

Answer 2

Jun 29, 2012 1:01 PM in response to musictchr

Try resetting network settings on your iPad. This will erase all saved wi-fi networks and settings which will require re-joining an available wi-fi network your iPad has access to when returning within range of such a network.

Reply

Answer 3

musictchr Author

Level 1

8 points

Jun 29, 2012 1:03 PM in response to BB623

Yes, I had to turn 3G off because I didn't want the extra charge for going over my limit. Nothing was different after I did that a few days ago.

Reply

Answer 4

musictchr Author

Level 1

8 points

Jun 29, 2012 1:05 PM in response to musictchr

I also tried deleting all saved networks and resetting them. Still no difference. I will add that I also did a firmware update of the router and its drivers to no avail.

Reply

Answer 5

Thom_D

Level 4

1,161 points

Jun 29, 2012 1:07 PM in response to musictchr

I have had this problem and it appeared that my iDevices were not able to hold the IP address for some reason. So I did a power cycle on my modem, router, iPhone and iPad and that seemed to clear the problem up for me.

Unplug the power cord from your router

Unplug the power cord from your modem

Wait about a minute for everything to shut down and for the memory to clear

While you are waiting reset network settings on your iPad, Settings => General => Reset => Reset Network Settings

Plug the power cord back in on your Modem

Wait for your modem to stabilize and indicate that you are back on the net

Plug in the power cord on your router

Wait for the router to stabilize and show you have a good internet connection

Once everything is up and running then reconnect your iPad to your wifi network.

If you can't get a stable connection, try refreshing the IP address on your iPad by going into Settings => Wifi => Select your wifi network from the listings by tapping on the blue arrow/dot, scroll down and select Renew Lease.

If this doesn't work do the same thing but select Forget This Network and try reconnecting to your wireless network..

Reply

Answer 6

musictchr Author

Level 1

8 points

Jun 29, 2012 1:19 PM in response to Thom_D

Thanks Tom D. I'm still holding my breath, but the resetting Network Settings seemed to do it. I've power cycled the modem and the router before but with no success. I hope this fixes it ... If it doesn't, I'll post again. Thanks again!

Reply

Answer 7

musictchr Author

Level 1

8 points

Jun 29, 2012 6:51 PM in response to Thom_D

And a half a day later, not one single wifi signal dropped! Thom D, you are fabulous! Many, many thanks for the advice!!!!!

Reply

Answer 8

Jun 30, 2012 6:23 AM in response to musictchr

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.

Go to Settings>Wi-Fi and turn Off. Then while at Settings>Wi-Fi, turn back On and chose a Network.

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

Another thing to try - Go into your router security settings and change from WEP to WPA with AES.

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

Unable to Connect After iOS Update - saw this solution on another post.

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4010130?tstart=60

Note - When troubleshooting wifi connection problems, don't hold your iPad by hand. There have been a few reports that holding the iPad by hand, seems to attenuate the wifi signal.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

If any of the above solutions work, please post back what solved your problem. It will help others with the same problem.

 Cheers, Tom 😉

Reply