wifi frequently drops on my new mini Retina

Isn't "Tap Settings > Wi-Fi and locate the Wi-Fi network to which you're connected" just the most helpful troubleshooting step when your issue is not being connected? Boggles the mind. I think most of these support offerings should begin with the disclaimer; "I don't know the solution for your particular problem but please enjoy this solution to a different one."

Hi MikeRH,

Thanks for visiting Apple Support Communities.

Be sure to try all of thse steps if the Wi-Fi connection on your iPad mini is disconnecting unexpectedly:

1. Be sure you're in range of your Wi-Fi router (access point).
   
2. Tap Settings > Wi-Fi and turn Wi-Fi off and on. If your Wi-Fi setting is dimmed, follow these steps.
   
3. Confirm that your Wi-Fi router and cable or DSL modem are connected to power, turned on, and connected to the Internet. If not, refer to your network administrator or Internet service provider (ISP) for assistance.
   
4. Restart your iOS device.
   
5. Tap Settings > Wi-Fi and locate the Wi-Fi network to which you're connected.
   
6. Tap and Forget this Network.
   
7. Try to connect to your desired Wi-Fi network.
   Note: You may need to enter your Wi-Fi password again if your network requires one.
   
8. Turn your Wi-Fi router off and on2. If your ISP also provides cable or phone service, check with them before attempting this step to avoid interruption of service.
   
9. Update your device to the latest version of software.
   
10. Update your Wi-Fi router to the latest firmware2. For AirPort Base Stations, install updates using the AirPort Utility.

Wi-Fi disconnects or signal strength is less than expected

1. Check for sources of potential interference.
   
2. Remove any case, stand, or other accessories from your iOS device and see if signal strength improves.
   
3. Reset network settings by tapping Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings. Note: This will reset all network settings including
   • previously connected Wi-Fi networks and passwords
   • recently used Bluetooth accessories
   • VPN and APN settings

You can find these steps here:

iOS: Troubleshooting Wi-Fi networks and connections

http://support.apple.com/kb/ts1398

All the best,

Jeremy

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

6. Potential Quick Fixes When Your iPad Won’t Connect to Your Wifi Network

http://ipadinsight.com/ipad-tips-tricks/potential-quick-fixes-when-your-ipad-won t-connect-to-your-wifi-network/

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

Fix WiFi Issue for iOS 7

http://ipadnerds.com/fix-wifi-issue-ios-7/

iOS 6 Wifi Problems/Fixes

Wi-Fi Fix for iOS 6

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4823738?tstart=240

How To: Workaround iPad Wi-Fi Issues

http://www.theipadfan.com/workaround-ipad-wifi-issues/

Another Fix For iOS 6 WiFi Problems

http://tabletcrunch.com/2012/10/27/fix-ios-6-wifi-problems-ssid/

Wifi Doesn't Connect After Waking From Sleep - Sometimes increasing screen brightness prevents the failure to reconnect after waking from sleep. According to Apple, “If brightness is at lowest level, increase it by moving the slider to the right and set auto brightness to off.”

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/

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

iPad: Issues connecting to Wi-Fi networks

http://support.apple.com/kb/ts3304

How to Boost Your Wi-Fi Signal

http://ipad.about.com/od/iPad_Troubleshooting/a/How-To-Boost-Your-Wi-Fi-Signal.h tm

Troubleshooting a Weak Wi-Fi Signal

http://ipad.about.com/od/iPad_Troubleshooting/a/Troubleshooting-A-Weak-Wi-Fi-Sig nal.htm

How to Fix a Poor Wi-Fi Signal on Your iPad

http://ipad.about.com/od/iPad_Troubleshooting/a/How-To-Fix-A-Poor-Wi-Fi-Signal-O n-Your-iPad.htm

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/

Connect iPad to Wi-Fi (with troubleshooting info)

http://thehowto.wikidot.com/wifi-connect-ipad

10 Ways to Boost Your Wireless Signal

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2372811,00.asp

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

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

How To Fix iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch Wi-Fi Connectivity Issue http://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.

Some Wi-Fi losses may stem from a problematic interaction between Wi-Fi and cellular data connections. Numerous users have found that turning off Cellular Data in Settings gets their Wi-Fi working again.

You may have many apps open which can possibly cause the slowdown and possibly the loss of wifi. In iOS 4-6 double tap your Home button & at the bottom of the screen you will see the icons of all open apps. Close those you are not using by pressing on an icon until all icons wiggle - then tap the minus sign. For iOS 7 users, there’s an easy way to see which apps are open in order to close them. By double-tapping the home button on your iPhone or iPad, the new multitasking feature in iOS 7 shows full page previews of all your open apps. Simply scroll horizontally to see all your apps, and close the apps with a simple flick towards the top of the screen.

Wi-Fi or Bluetooth settings grayed out or dim

http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1559

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

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

 Cheers, Tom 😉

Hi there

I had this problem for quite a while, then I found a solution that actually works - well, time will tell for how long, but at this point in time it does work

It's really simple: Go to the settings of your router and change the control channel.

I found by doing that, my wifi connection instantly worked again AND I was able to update the IOS straight away as opposed to trying a dozen times and having it fail each time

I'm not saying that this will work for everyone, but it did for me, so if you hare having issues with the wifi dropping out a lot, try the above. It doesn't harm to try it and it may save you a trip to Apple to replace it

cheers

MH

This help me alot, I had my Airport Extreme configured to 2.4ghz channel 1 and 5ghz channel 48 after. I set it back to automatic and my ipad Mini retina was fast again. I tried alot of tips before this solution.

A big thanx!

My mini iPad keeps losing wifi connection