‘Why won’t my iPad connect to Wi-Fi?’: How to fix your iPad’s Wi-Fi connection in 4 different ways

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  • When your iPad won’t connect to Wi-Fi, there is often a simple fix.
  • Check and reset your Wi-Fi router and modem first when your iPad won’t connect to Wi-Fi.
  • If your router and modem are functioning fine, you should check and reset your iPad’s Wi-Fi connection and network settings.
  • Visit Business Insider’s homepage for more stories.

To get the most out of your iPad, you need to be connected to the Internet. 

If your iPad won’t connect to Wi-Fi, sometimes restarting the iPad will fix the problem. However, if that doesn’t work, here’s a guide to troubleshooting connectivity issues.

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Check your Wi-Fi router and modem for a failed connection to your iPad

Your router may not be sending a signal to your iPad, or the iPad might not be receiving a signal from the modem. 

  • While routers and modems are usually consolidated into one device, they do different things. If you have a separate router and modem, check to make sure both are on and that they’re connected properly.
  • Try resetting these devices by unplugging and plugging them back in. 
  • The rule of thumb when resetting a router or modem is to leave it off for 10 seconds to ensure that it has completely turned off before turning it back on.

Make sure your iPad has Wi-Fi connection enabled

The first step for iPad-based troubleshooting is to make sure you have Wi-Fi switched on in your iPad’s settings. Sometimes you can inadvertently turn it off.

1. Tap on Settings.

2. Tap on Wi-Fi in the left column.

3. When Wi-Fi comes up in the right column, tap on the toggle next to Wi-Fi so it’s green.

4. If you already have a preferred Wi-Fi, it should come up automatically. If not, a list of networks should come up. Click on yours.

5. If this is the first time signing into it, or if your iPad is signed out, you will be asked to enter your password. When there is a check next to your Wi-Fi and it’s showing up below your Wi-Fi toggle, you’re hooked up to the Wi-Fi coming from your router.

iPad_wifi2Ryan Ariano/Business Insider

Note, however, that if your modem or router is not functioning correctly, your iPad may show "No Internet Connection" or "Unable to join network." In this case, you should reset your router or modem by following the steps above. 

Reset your iPad’s network settings

If you’ve tried resetting your iPad and your router and modem to no avail, try resetting your iPad’s network settings.

1. Tap Settings.

2. Tap General (should be the top of the 3rd group in the left column).

3. Tap Reset (located near the very bottom of the right column).

4. Tap Reset Network Settings. This will require you to re-enter passwords as well as cellular settings and any other information saved in your network settings (for this reason it will require you to enter your iPad password before confirming).

iPad_wifi3Ryan Ariano/Business Insider

Try connecting to a different Wi-Fi network on your iPad

If it still doesn’t work, go to another place with Wi-Fi (office, coffee shop, or somewhere similar) and try to log in there. If your iPad can connect to a different Wi-Fi network, the issue is with your router, modem, or service provider.

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Source: Business Insider – feedback@businessinsider.com (Ryan Ariano)

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