How do I make IOS 6 keep wifi on when iPod is sleeping?

Hi, I've been very annoyed by IOS 6 disconnecting from the wifi after a few minutes in sleep mode. I need my iPod to stay connected at all times so I can receive information and get a ringer notification the moment I get anything (examples are e-mail, texts from texting apps, skype calls, etc.). I really dont like having to keep checking my iPod and reconnecting every now and then just to see if I got something. I am considering changing back to IOS 5 just to get my iPod to stay connected 24/7 but I don't want to do that unless I know that there is no hope for me in IOS 6.

iPod classic, iOS 6, iPod touch 4th generation

Posted on Sep 23, 2012 11:14 AM

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185 replies

Aug 29, 2013 4:48 AM in response to linksith

I don't know if anyone still looks at this thread, but the problem still exists.


I have found an effective work around, which is ugly but effective. First you have to install a free app called SmartRecord (or a similar app). Record a couple of minutes of near silence. Then set it to repeat playback, with the volume at zero. Now you can go back to the home page. As long as you leave this app running, the iPad will not disconnect from the wi-fi, even if you close the lid and/or lock it. It will auto-lock as normal, still without disconnecting the wi-fi.


I have found this invaluable at work, where connecting to the wi-fi is troublesome and time consuming, so you don't want to lose it once you've got it.


SmartRecord fits the bill perfectly because it provides for repeat playback, which most free apps do not, and because it has an independent volume control. It will stop repeating eventually, but only after several hours. Be aware that, if you use another recording app or just play some music, SmartApp will stop playback, so you will need to start it again afterwards. That is probably true of any audio app, as the iPad has limited multi-tasking capabilities.


It would be wise to leave the iPad on charge, since the wi-fi alone will drain the battery, but that has no effect on the wi-fi connection.


I hope a few people will find this useful.

Sep 3, 2013 5:35 PM in response to linksith

I currently am having the same problem with my 9 month old Itouch 5. It only started doing it a couple months ago. So freaking irritaiting... I can't recieve messages or any online notifcations without having to unlock my itouch. Why is there not a simple solution? Hypothetically speaking what happens if an emergency arises and someone sends me a message? I wont be able to respond because it wont come through unless i check my itouch like its my job... So dumb. I've tried every remedy people have said to do on this thread yet none of them work for me.

Sep 4, 2013 12:32 AM in response to linksith

Hi all, it now works for me at least ... very weird ...😕


For recall, my home network is full Cisco, and access-point is an AIR-LAP-1142N-E (running autonomous software, so, equivalent to an AIR-AP-1142N-E)


While I was on holidays, my iPhone 3GS and my iPad 3 were connected flawlessly to an ISP box, without any issues (a Freebox Revolution V6 - since I'm in France). Very frustrating that it works with a cheap box and not with a Cisco network 😠. So, definitely not an Apple iOS issue, but probably a Cisco IOS bug. And still very annoying to have mail app in background and often updating mailbox, this to reenable WiFi. Needless say, Youtube videos were unwatchable ...


Back then, I tried to solve this, performing many tests. Problem is that I performed so many tests that I do not know exactly what was the thing that solved the issue ...😐


On router:

-bound IP address on dhcp (permanent lease) -> no effect


On Access Point:

-Updated IOS to latest version (c1140-k9w7-mx.152-4.JA1) -> no effect

-Set holdoff time for authentication failed clients to 10 seconds (command: dot11 holdoff-time 10) -> no effect

-On 802.11b/g radio settings, set keepalive to 10 minutes (command: interface Dot11Radio0 then

keepalive 600) -> no effect

-On same radio, disabled default filtering ( commands: no bridge-group 1 subscriber-loop-control, no bridge-

group 1 spanning-disabled, no bridge-group 1 block-unknown-source) -> no effect


Then:


-Set en extra SSID to perform tests with other radio (802.11n) with iPad since 3GS is limited to 802.11g

-put SSID in other radio (interface Dot11Radio1, i.e. 802.11n)

-unshut 802.11n radio

-tried to connect to this radio. Connection failed since configuration was incomplete, but 802.11g was no

longer disconnecting this time.


I then shut 802.11n radio to reuse 802.11g, and I have since no issues. An explanation, perhaps, but really unsure: 802.11n radio was never used on that device, so perhaps, it may explain (seems like a bug 😉)


True, when devices enters in sleep mode, they disconnect themselves from network, but when alive, no longer constant disconnects while using internet (or not). Wifi icon remains in steady state.


Shame on Apple to be so uncommunicative with this well-known issue! My wife, seeing these issues, no longer wanted Apple devices, and turned to an S3 mini and a Galaxy Note (she never experienced that issue).


BTW, hope this helps some of you!

Sep 8, 2013 10:55 PM in response to donglejack

I bought an iPod Touch 64 5G just two weeks ago and recognized this issue where once in sleep mode it disconnected from my home wifi and no notifications appear.


I've tried every fix suggested in this chain with no success.


I noticed though that if I left the iPod to recharge no loss in wifi connection took place on my home wifi.


On the personal hot spot of my smart phone or on the wifi at work, the iPod touch stays connected even in sleep mode.


I have an iPad 2 64 that stays connected to wifi just fine and all notifications appear perfectly well no matter what wifi network I've connected it to.


I just had an exchange for a new iPod at the Genius Bar here in Paris where it was confiremed to me that this was not normal functioning. The new iPod reacts exactly as the first one: during recharge it stays connected to wifi. In normal use and left in sleep mode in disconnects.


I hope this issue will be resolved in iOS7.

Sep 19, 2013 3:28 PM in response to PascalVerstappen

Unless your device is plugged into a wall socket, it will drop the Wifi connection when it is turned off. It will recognize incoming Facetime calls, etc., and reconnects almost instantaneously when you click the home key and turn it back on. (so quickly, in fact, that you may not even notice it).


BTW - I am still on iOS 6.1.3, and that is how it works. That is how it has always worked. That is undoubtedly how it always will work.


This is to prevent unnecessary battery drainage. It is normal, and it is how it works....


Cheers,


GB

Sep 26, 2013 2:30 AM in response to gail from maine

Gail,


You are so wrong, yet you speak with such sweeping authority, dismissing everyone else's petty complaints!


The reason why this thread exists, with hundreds of entries, is because "the way it works" is a problem for many users, so we need to find a solution. And, by the way, plugging into a wall socket does not prevent it dropping the wifi connection. Nor has iOS7 (which I have installed and like very much) resolved the issue. The instantaneous reconnection process you describe works fine with most domestic wifi systems (including my own), but it does not work with many workplace systems (including my own).


Telling people that you don't have a problem - when they clearly do - is just not helpful. If you don't have any good ideas (why should you, you don't have a problem), keep quiet. Join another thread.


The best work around I have come across so far is to switch on a recording app (I use Instant Audio Recorder Lite, but there are many similar free apps out there) and leave it running. You can then lock the screen, close the lid etc and the wifi connection will not be switched off, presumably because the audio recorder is running. Now that is a useful piece of advice...

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

How do I make IOS 6 keep wifi on when iPod is sleeping?

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