iPad Gen 9 constantly loses Wi-Fi connection with spectrum

Question

Level 1

4 points

iPad Gen 9 constantly loses Wi-Fi connection with spectrum

I have been assisting my wife with this very frustrating issue. We have tried turning off the network and restarting it, changing the DNS number to 8.8.8.8, getting 3 new routers and a new modem, unplugging the router and modem and restarting them. The ISP has had techs to our house 3 times and I've spoken with them multiple times including escalating the issue to speak with a supervisor. None of these things have worked. The ISP claims there is nothing else they can do and the issue has to do with Apple. Any suggestions on how to fix this issue are greatly appreciated! We've been married a long time... divorce is not an option.

Thank you.

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

iPad (9th generation)

Posted on Jan 19, 2025 5:55 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Jan 19, 2025 6:42 PM in response to Barrymer

There are many potential issues that can cause connection issues with Wi-Fi networks. This can make troubleshooting difficult but let's give it a try.

Try the following:

If you have installed any apps from Spectrum related you Internet, or any security software, uninstall the apps completely from the iPad
Check Settings > General > VPN & Device Management >. If any apps are listed there, find the apps and uninstall them from the iPad.
Then refer to this document: If your iPhone or iPad won't connect to a Wi-Fi network - Apple Support. In particular, perform the section called "Reset your network settings".
Rejoin your Wi-Fi network
How many Wi-Fi signal bars are show at the upper left? Hopefully three meaning a solid signal.
Then, make the setting at: Settings > Wi-Fi > touch the (i) icon next to your network > Private Wi-fi Address > "FIXED"

Then do some testing to see if it retains a stable connection.

Note that depending on the model of Wi-Fi router that you are using and the construction of your home, that iPad likely needs to stay within a distance of only a single wall between it and the router.

Reply

Answer 2

Barrymer Author

Level 1

4 points

Jan 21, 2025 5:49 PM in response to FishingAddict

Hi FishingAddict-

Thank you for responding.

Following are responses to the information you provided.

The iPad has no apps from Spectrum, and no special security software installed.
No apps were listed under "VPN & Device Management."

3. We reset the network settings and and rejoined it.

4.This helped for a while, but within a short time, the problem with losing the network connection resumed.

5.We did have 3 signal bars.

6. We set the Private Wi-Fi Address to "Fixed." That also seemed to help for a while, but the issue resumed once again.

My wife has been dealing with losing the internet connection for years. She is so frustrated she got a T-Mobile 5G internet device to try today. She said her issue only occurred about 4 times all day, as compared with every 5 or 10 minutes with the Spectrum Wi-Fi. So it is not perfect, but the T-Mobile device is much better.

And another piece of information: My PC is hard-wired to the Spectrum router and I have a good signal all day. So the Spectrum people think there is an incompatibility between the router and the iPad and that seems to make sense. If it wasn't that we are tied to a bulk-billing contract with Spectrum for $90/month, I would just get the T-Mobile 5G internet device, but it would be expensive, especially for a redundant device.

Any additional suggestions you have are welcomed and appreciated.

-Barry

Reply

Answer 3

Jan 21, 2025 8:56 PM in response to Barrymer

You have certainly worked at this, how frustrating. The key is of course that your hardwired connection has stability, so it certainly sounds like a Wi-Fi issue. I'm going to throw out a few more things in the hopes that one may be something you have not already considered:

What is the make and model of the Wi-Fi router? Is there a manufacturer's firmware update availalble?
Have you tried moving and/or reorienting the placement of the router?
When you go to join Wi-Fi, how many other networks appear in the list after waiting 10-20 seconds? If there are many, and the iPad is connecting to 2.4 GHz, then all it takes is one neighbor to use a channel other than 1, 6, or 11 to cause massive interferance.
If the iPad is typically used in the same room as (or no more than one wall penetration from) the router, and you have access to the config. interface, it may be worth disabling 2.4 GHz on the router to only use 5 GHz.
Is the region setting on the iPad in the same country as the Wi-Fi router's region setting?
Are there any very old 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi devices in the house? If so, try powering them all off temporarily as a test.
Is there a protective case installed on the iPad, could that could be blocking signal?
Are there any old wireless electronics used around the house like microwaves or old wireless telephone handsets?

Good luck with continuing to play detective.

Reply

Answer 4

Barrymer Author

Level 1

4 points

Jan 22, 2025 8:32 AM in response to FishingAddict

Hi FishingAddict-

I appreciate that you can understand our frustration regarding this issue. I'll try to respond to your questions as accurately as I can.

Going back a couple years, I had a Night Hawk router and my wife had the issue with the WiFi connection being lost frequently. In communications with Spectrum, they thought the problem could be with the router, but they wouldn't deal with it because it wasn't their equipment. So I got a router from them and 2 more, but the issue continued. The most recent one is a <WI-Fi 6 Router>. On the box it came in it says it says it's a model ES2251, made in the Philippines. This is apparently their newest router. I will check with Spectrum regarding a firmware update.
I have not been able to move the router more than a few feet from where it has been all along. This is partly because logistically it would be difficult as it would involve moving not only the router, but the modem and a heavy UPS device. In addition, my wife is using the iPad in the same room as the router only ~12 feet away from it in a straight line of sight location. So I have ruled this out.
When connecting to Wi-Fi, there are usually 3 to 5 other networks available.
My wife uses the iPad in the same room as the router. I don't have access to the config. on the router. You make a good point about keeping it on the 5 GHz band. I researched this and the Spectrum router I have automatically chooses the band <depending on factors such as distance from the router and device capabilities.> Spectrum's WiFi 6 routers typically don't allow users to access advanced settings directly. I will check with Spectrum to see if that can be done with the router they gave me.
My wife bought her iPad at a big box store in Florida. She has been on the phone with Apple regarding the connection issue and I think they would have ruled out an incorrect region setting. Moreover, she has no connection issue except at our own house. I also think it is a fair assumption that the routers from Spectrum in Florida are set for correctly.
Regarding <old 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi devices,> you brought up something I hadn't thought of before. I do have a 6 year old Brother multi-function printer that uses the 2.4 GHz band to connect to my PC. It is usually in standby mode and I just read that being in standby could cause connection issues with other devices. I am going to turn off the printer and see if that eliminates the issue. I'm afraid to get my hopes up, but this could possibly be the problem. I will let you know how this works out.
My wife does have a cover on her iPad made by Apple. Her issue happens with or without the cover.

Thank you again for your assistance. I'll get back to you.

-Barry

Reply