My iPad 3 won't connect to WiFi

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Level 1

14 points

My iPad 3 won't connect to WiFi

I had some problems on my iPad 3 with the IOS 9.3 update. The 9.3.1 fixed them (link between Mail and Safari wasn't working).

Last night the WiFi stopped working on the iPad 3. I'm using an Airport Extreme sitting three feet from the iPad 3 and it won't connect to either my private WiFi or to my private 5 GHz WiFi. My iMac 27" 5K connects. My iPhone 6S connects.

On other Forums for Apple users I see some hints for others experiencing this problem, but not a word here on the Apple Support Communities. I find that strange as I'm not the only one seeing this problem since the 9.3.1 update.

I have tried all the suggestions on the other forums: Reset the iPad3, Reset Network Services, Forget the Network and then re-link to it. Nothing seems to work. I reset the Airport Extreme (removed power and then restored it). It sees all my other WiFi devices.

I can connect to Cellular (Verizon) and that works fine. Just can't see WiFi.

Some others on the other forums have seen their WiFi stop after updating to 9.3.1. Maybe this isn't a widespread problem??

Any suggestions? Anyone else having trouble connecting to WiFi?

iPad, iOS 9.3.1, iPad 3, 32 GBytes, Verizon

Posted on Apr 7, 2016 8:51 AM

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Answer 1

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elcpu

Level 7

31,481 points

Apr 7, 2016 1:22 PM in response to veehb

General suggestions for Wi-Fi issues, maybe one of them will help….

1) 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.

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

3) Reboot Router/Modem: Unplug from power for 2 minutes and plug again. Update Router Firmware (check manufacturer’s support website for a newer FW). Also try different bands (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) and different bandwidths (20 MHz recommended for the 2.4 band).

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) Disable device prioritization on the router if this feature is available.

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.

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Answer 2

veehb Author

Level 1

14 points

Apr 7, 2016 1:26 PM in response to elcpu

Thanks, elcpu. I had tried the first two steps you suggested to no avail. I did reboot the router/Modem (Netgear ADSL2+) as you suggested and that fixed the problem.

My router/modem has the latest firmware (it is only about six months old).

So, I recommend your suggestions be followed by anyone else with a problem like this.

I find it strange that everything else in my network was working. Only the iPad3 would not connect. Now it does.

Thanks again

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