WiFi problem that won't go away.

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Level 1

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WiFi problem that won't go away.

I have an iPad 1 32GB WIFI. Still on 5.1.1 (because I can't do anything else). It has only really started having problems in the last few months. I think it's just two years old - so it was still covered by statutory warranty when the issue arose, despite Apple trying to argue to the contrary. Its main problem is the wifi (there are some problems with sound not working and battery life too, but they're less of a problem).

A few months ago, it decided that it just wasn't going to connect to my home wifi network. Full signal strength, but it would just decide to drop out randomly. And when I tried to reconnect, it would tell me that it was unable to connect to the network. Tried everything I read, but nothing changed: turn the actual modem on/off, renewed lease, forget this network, turned the wifi on the iPad on/off, turned airplane mode on/off, tried hard reset, reset network settings - nada. One day, it just randomly decided to start reconnecting and the world was good again.

However, without notice, on Christmas Eve, it decided that it was time to repeat its little issue. Although now it seems to be more annoying. It hasn't connected at all since Christmas Eve (so three days). It will show as having a WIFI full signal strength on the top bar and it will have the network name against Wi-Fi in Settings, but it won't have actually connected because it will just have the spinning loading circle next to the network itself and also next to 'Choose a network...'. Full signal strength though. For the first time though, it has given me a 169.xxx.xxx.xxx IP address (nothing changes this). [Oh, actually, it finally just appeared with a tickmark next to the network name for the first time in days, but the actual internet isn't recognised (there no WIFI signal in the top bar of the iPad and nothing works) - this appears to be because it somehow changed itself from DHCP to Static IP Address].

There doesn't appear to be any problem with my modem/router - iPhone and other computers connect to it without problems.

The spinning circle next to the network when it's "already detected" just makes me want to break the **** thing (I won't 😉, but it's so frustrating).

What can I do? 😟

Edit: I've already followed the advice on the troubleshooting page (http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1398)

iPad, iOS 5.1.1

Posted on Dec 27, 2012 3:22 AM

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Answer 1

JimHdk

Level 7

28,874 points

Dec 27, 2012 3:51 AM in response to elle online

This could easily be a problem with your WiFi router (despite the fact that other devices appear to work). Test your iPad on some other networks. If it works there then replace your router. If it does not work on other networks then your iPad probably has developed a hardware problem.

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Answer 2

Dec 27, 2012 4:32 AM in response to elle online

It was a beta product and ran its shelf life. You are lucky to get that long. Hardware issue for sure. My iPad 2 is garbage, everyday something stops working. Good luck.

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Answer 3

Dec 27, 2012 5:20 AM in response to elle online

This probably has nothing to do with your iPad or your router but more to do with a neighbour having received a present of a new router or of another device that has made them reconfigure their existing one!

You only experience your iPad attempting to connect to your router but you don't know how many others are using the same wireless channel (or, possibly, even the same SSID on their routers - particularly if it is using the 'default'!).

It is worth 'sniffing' wifi channels to see who is using what, if possible, and then changing to channels with the least use.

Good luck!

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Answer 4

Dec 27, 2012 5:26 AM in response to elle online

Some things to try first:

1. Turn Off your iPad. Then turn Off (disconnect power cord for 30 seconds or longer) the wireless router & then back On. Now boot your iPad. Hopefully it will see the WiFi.

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

3. Change the channel on your wireless router (Auto or Channel 6 is best). Instructions at http://macintoshhowto.com/advanced/how-to-get-a-good-range-on-your-wireless-netw ork.html

4. Go into your router security settings and change from WEP to WPA with AES.

5. Renew IP Address: (especially if you are droping internet connection)

• Launch Settings app

• Tap on Wi-Fi

• Tap on the blue arrow of the Wi-Fi network that you connect to from the list

• In the window that opens, tap on the Renew Lease button

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iOS 6 Wifi Problems/Fixes

Fix For iOS 6 WiFi Problems?

http://tabletcrunch.com/2012/09/27/fix-ios-6-wifi-problems/

Did iOS 6 Screw Your Wi-Fi? Here’s How to Fix It

http://gizmodo.com/5944761/does-ios-6-have-a-wi+fi-bug

How To Fix Wi-Fi Connectivity Issue After Upgrading To iOS 6

http://www.iphonehacks.com/2012/09/fix-wi-fi-connectivity-issue-after-upgrading- to-ios-6.html

iOS 6 iPad 3 wi-fi "connection fix" for netgear router

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsWS4ha-dn0

Apple's iOS 6 Wi-Fi problems

http://www.zdnet.com/apples-ios-6-wi-fi-problems-linger-on-7000004799/

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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

WiFi Connecting/Troubleshooting http://www.apple.com/support/ipad/wifi/

How to Fix: My iPad Won't Connect to WiFi

http://ipad.about.com/od/iPad_Troubleshooting/ss/How-To-Fix-My-Ipad-Wont-Connect -To-Wi-Fi.htm

iOS: Connecting to the Internet http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1695

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

How to Quickly Fix iPad 3 Wi-Fi Reception Problems

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

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

Fix Slow WiFi Issuehttps://discussions.apple.com/thread/2398063?start=60&tstart=0

How To Fix iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch Wi-Fi Connectivity Issuehttp://tinyurl.com/7nvxbmz

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

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4010130

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.

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

 Cheers, Tom 😉

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Answer 5

Everjohn

Level 1

0 points

Dec 27, 2012 7:05 AM in response to elle online

Is your Internet service DSL highspeed?

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Answer 6

KLFH0423

Level 1

0 points

Dec 27, 2012 8:06 AM in response to Texas Mac Man

Updated router setting for channel from automatic to channel 1 - and was able to connect to the WIFI from the IPAD 2 - 🙂

Tried rebotting IPAD, resetting network, etc., but then when I finally changed the channel on the ROUTER - I was able to connect to the network with no issues - hopefully it will continue to work!😮

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Answer 7

elle online Author

Level 1

0 points

Dec 27, 2012 3:27 PM in response to Texas Mac Man

Thanks for all the replies!

My internet is ADSL1 - ADSL2 isn't available in my area 😟.

Have tried 1, 2 and 5. No change, unfortunately.

I think I might be unpopular if I change the security settings - the others in the house don't seem to have a problem with the wifi 😐?

I have a wireless modem somewhere - I might give that a go and see if it picks that up. It was working well with other networks earlier in December (but then again, it was also working well with my home wifi 😉.

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