michaelion
Level 1 (4 points)
Desktops

Q: iPad / iPhone continually drop connection

I have a power line WLAN system based on the modem supplied by my internet provider and an AirPort Time Capsule (in my office), three ZyXEL PLA4211 500 Mbps Mini Powerline Pass-Thru Ethernet Adapters and two Apple Express stations in my bedroom and living room, where I also have Apple TV. (iMac late 2013, El Capitan 10.11.3, Airport Utility 6.3.6). First thing: it all works. I should mention that I have a very strong, fast Internet connection (wirelessly from the Time Capsule to the iMac). Everything is green and I can always listen to my music from the computer through Apple TV. The problem comes with my iPad and iPhone. If I move from one area to another, I usually get a message telling me that the device can't connect with the server. The only way I can get it to work is to switch to another network and then back to the regular one or restart the device. Once I've done that, everything is OK. So the problem doesn't lie with the network. It's as if there's something needs to be restarted every time. It's an annoyance, but is getting on my nerves. Any help appreciated.

Michael

Posted on Mar 2, 2016 4:19 AM

by D.Cohen,Solvedanswer
D.Cohen D.Cohen
Level 6 (8,424 points)
Desktops
A:

Take a look at this Apple Support article:

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204051


Reset your network settings.


Settings - General - Reset - Reset Network Settings


Reset your device. This won't delete your data stored on the phone.

  • Press and hold the Sleep/Wake button
  • Press and hold on the Home button
  • Keep holding both buttons until the display turns off and back on with Apple logo on it.


Alternatively, you may go to Settings - General - Reset - Reset All Settings

Posted on Mar 2, 2016 12:28 PM

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michaelion

Q: iPad / iPhone continually drop connection

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  • Helpful answers

  • by D.Cohen,Solvedanswer

    D.Cohen D.Cohen Mar 2, 2016 12:28 PM in response to michaelion
    Level 6 (8,424 points)
    Desktops
    Mar 2, 2016 12:28 PM in response to michaelion

    Take a look at this Apple Support article:

    https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204051


    Reset your network settings.


    Settings - General - Reset - Reset Network Settings


    Reset your device. This won't delete your data stored on the phone.

    • Press and hold the Sleep/Wake button
    • Press and hold on the Home button
    • Keep holding both buttons until the display turns off and back on with Apple logo on it.


    Alternatively, you may go to Settings - General - Reset - Reset All Settings

  • by michaelion,

    michaelion michaelion Mar 2, 2016 5:15 AM in response to D.Cohen
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Desktops
    Mar 2, 2016 5:15 AM in response to D.Cohen

    I'd like to thank you very much for your incredibly fast response. I've tried all your suggestions (including  what seemed the most radical - Reset All Settings) with my iPhone, but the problem persists. If I try another network (actually, one I've deactivated) and then go back to my normal network, everything works just fine, but if I move around the house from one Airport Express to the other, the connection is lost. Any other suggestions?

  • by Tesserax,Helpful

    Tesserax Tesserax Mar 2, 2016 12:28 PM in response to michaelion
    Level 9 (54,901 points)
    Wireless
    Mar 2, 2016 12:28 PM in response to michaelion

    The problem comes with my iPad and iPhone. If I move from one area to another, I usually get a message telling me that the device can't connect with the server. The only way I can get it to work is to switch to another network and then back to the regular one or restart the device. Once I've done that, everything is OK.

    Unfortunately, what you are describing is "normal" operation of the iOS devices on Wi-Fi. Unlike their OS X counterparts, the iOS devices tend to "stick" with the Wi-Fi network that they are connected to. Eventually losing connectivity when going outside the wireless router's range, even if there is another closer to it. Cycling wireless on the iOS device is currently the only option available. Sorry!

  • by Bob Timmons,

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Mar 2, 2016 11:39 AM in response to michaelion
    Level 10 (105,433 points)
    Wireless
    Mar 2, 2016 11:39 AM in response to michaelion

    Mac laptops will usually do a very nice job of automatically switching from one access point to another as you move the Mac from one area to another in a home.

     

    Unfortunately, iPhones, iPads, and most other 'tablets" will not do this very well......if they do it all.  Nature of the beast with these devices, as they have much simpler operating systems and antenna systems.

     

    You will need to get in the habit of temporarily turning off the WiFi on the iPhone when you move from one location to another, waiting a few seconds,  then turning the WiFi back on when the iPhone is at the new location.

     

    Then, the iPhone will usually....but not always....pick up the stronger signal from the closer wireless access point.

     

    If you want the iPhones and iPads to perform better in this regard, you might want to let Apple know. 

     

    Product Feedback - Apple

  • by michaelion,

    michaelion michaelion Mar 2, 2016 1:00 PM in response to Bob Timmons
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Desktops
    Mar 2, 2016 1:00 PM in response to Bob Timmons

    Dear All

    It's a relief – of sorts – to know there isn't a solution I should have thought of. Thank you enormously, Bob, for your suggestion to turn off Wi-Fi and then switch on again as I move around the house. It's a minor inconvenience, but it has worked every time so far, and I can live with it. I'll probably get a second iPad that I leave in the living room for that part of my network. You were also right about laptops switching around: one of the things I couldn't understand was that my MacBook Air moves around the house seamlessly. I'm happy, but it would of course be better if iOS did the same. Never mind. Problem – and frustration – solved. One more thing: thank you to everyone who replied: it's incredible that there are so many people out there prepared to help with problems like this.