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iOS 8 Wi-Fi problems

WI-Fi problems on iPad Air, iPad mini with Retina display and iPhone 5S after upgrading to iOS 8.

Typical results from OOKLA Speedtest before upgrade: Ping 17 ms, Upload 21 Mbps, Download 4.4 Mbps

Typical results after upgrade: Ping 39 ms, Download 2.9 Mbps, Upload 0.47 Mbps

iPad 2 with iOS 7.1.2 get 15 Mbps download and 4.4 upload on the same network.

Resetting network settings on the iOS 8 devices did not improve the performance.

Changing band on the router from 2.4 GHz to 5 GHz did give me back the speed on all devices.

However the speed occasonally drops on the iOS 8 devices, and the signal strengt can go from full til lost connection without moving the devices.

Also sometimes the Wi-Fi SweetSpots app report 0 mbps when the signal strenght is indicated as full and then suddenly go up to around 58 Mbps again.

It is almost like the device is trying to use cellular network that I do not have on the iPads before it suddenly switches back to Wi-fi nettwork again.

I am thinking about going back to my iPad 2 with iOS 7.1.2 that is working perfectly until the Wi-Fi issues are resolved.


Any help will be very much appreciated!

iPad Air Wi-Fi, iOS 8

Posted on Sep 20, 2014 9:17 AM

Reply
3,343 replies

Sep 17, 2015 5:08 PM in response to E-2043

I have an issue


Upgraded from 8.4.1 to IOS 9 on IPhone 6 / Ipad air 2 / Ipad Mini 2 and whenever I switch off the broadcast SSID on my router, I am unable to connect to my wifi network (get message ...."unable to join")...as soon as I enable SSID broadcast, all my devices connect immediately.

The weird thing is...is that all the devices I mentioned above are connected to my 5ghz frequency (WPA2 security).....I have an old Ipod touch 3rd gen that is able to connect to my 2.4 ghz wifi network with the SSID NOT broadcasting (WPA2 security)


If anyone finds a solution, please let me know

Sep 17, 2015 5:12 PM in response to B1aze

B1aze wrote:


I have an issue


Upgraded from 8.4.1 to IOS 9 on IPhone 6 / Ipad air 2 / Ipad Mini 2 and whenever I switch off the broadcast SSID on my router, I am unable to connect to my wifi network (get message ...."unable to join")...as soon as I enable SSID broadcast, all my devices connect immediately.

The weird thing is...is that all the devices I mentioned above are connected to my 5ghz frequency (WPA2 security).....I have an old Ipod touch 3rd gen that is able to connect to my 2.4 ghz wifi network with the SSID NOT broadcasting (WPA2 security)


If anyone finds a solution, please let me know

This thread was for iOS8 Try starting a new thread or join ios9 wifi not working


Cheers


Pete

Sep 18, 2015 4:40 AM in response to elcpu

I've now been using IOS9 for a few days, didn't want to comment earlier in case the improvement wasn't sustained.


Well everything now seems fine, have not had any instances of drop-outs. When I get home my iPhone connects instantly to my router (with IOS8 I was having to select from list of networks), same at work and in public Wi-Fi spots - instant connection. Have also noticed at home there are more networks shown, as I doubt all my neighbours have simultaneously boosted their routers it would appear IOS9 has much better reception.


I've seen comments (and a new thread) about people having difficulties connecting since upgrade to IOS9, but this seems to be a different problem - those posting cannot connect at all, whereas the problem with IOS8 was dropping connection. Hopefully the tips that elcpu has posted, including link to Apple advice, will resolve this.


(and my spell check does not change elcpu to elk poo)

Sep 18, 2015 7:10 AM in response to old_chap

Thanks, Don, you are a gentleman and a scholar - informative post containing solid technical feedback. Glad to hear all continues well. While my issues were minor in comparison, all were resolved with iOS 9 and I have similar good news, all ok this morning for me as well.


Regarding the new thread on iOS 9 there is a plethora of issues being intermixed there, 3g and wifi as examples which have nothing to do with each other. Some users refusing to broadcast their SSISs (PW protected) when doing so, by their own statements, resolves the issue. I have offered a list of potential Wi-FI steps and may help were I can, otherwise I'll stay out to the muck.


Thanks for your good words again....

elcpu

Sep 18, 2015 7:08 AM in response to old_chap

xanda

Not sure if you have sorted out your problems (hope you have), there is a new version of iTunes available which includes support for Windows 10. Even if everything on your phone is working I'd recommend downloading so you can back-up your device


Good advice again, shame I did not think about it myself.... Yesterday I was on the phone with my contact at AppleCare who informed me of the new iTunes version. Even though I am still on W7 (on a MacBook Pro at the moment) I quickly updated my PC myself. Was told that the new version resolves most issues with iTunes for W10.

Cheers,

elcpu

Sep 18, 2015 7:17 AM in response to elcpu

Well I upgraded to iOS 9 in hope of solving my issues and unfortunately seem to be still having the exact same difficulties. Doesn't pick up signal at my house when I get home. If I manually pull it up, it sees my connection but is not connecting to it. I click to and it asks me for my password. I then enter it and it just asks for it again. I close that out and just walk over directly to my router, it then automatically connects and seems to work fine. Walk away about 10 ft and I am back to the same issues. Was really hoping this would fix my issues.

Sep 18, 2015 7:40 AM in response to Buffalo_DanK

I close that out and just walk over directly to my router, it then automatically connects and seems to work fine. Walk away about 10 ft and I am back to the same issues.


If you have diligently followed the steps old_chap and I recommended and they have not helped you, you may have a defective Wi-Fi chip, only solution would be to take it to an Apple Store for evaluation and possible replacement. I had an iPhone in similar condition replaced under warranty.


Here are my suggestions again...

Wi-Fi Options:

1) Upgrade to iOS 9. The Networking Routine was changed in iOS 9.

2) Perform a Forced Restart: Hold down the Home and Wake/Sleep buttons at the same time for about 15-20 seconds until the Apple logo appears. Allow device to restart.

3) Reset Network Settings: Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings. Rejoin the Network again.

4) Change to Google's DNS: Settings > Wi-Fi > Click on the Network, Delete all numbers under DNS and enter 8.8.8.8 or alternatively 8.8.4.4

5) Reboot Router/Modem: Unplug from power for 2 minutes and plug again. Update Router Firmware (check manufacturer’s support website). Verify your router is Wi-Fi certified.

6) Determine if other Wi-Fi devices on network are working well (other iOS devices, Macs, PCs).

7) Try device at another Network, i.e., neighbors’, public coffee house, etc.

8) Restore the Device (ask for additional for details if desired).

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201252

9) Go to an Apple Store for hardware evaluation.

Sep 18, 2015 9:22 AM in response to Philly_Phan

Philly_Phan wrote:


Why aren't you helping those that have indicated that IOS-9 has caused problems and they want to downgrade to IOS-8?

So why aren't you helping anyone? After all, you must be a much better expert than elcpu - you have more than 5 times the number of points he (a mere level 4) has got.


Or are you clueless (remind me who said that)?



PS Both my ipad and iPhone are now working perfectly since I upgraded

iOS 8 Wi-Fi problems

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