iPad A16 Wifi connection issue

I have bough my iPad A16 about two weeks ago. When I wanted to use it at school, it had connection problem. It did not connect to wifi or my personal hotspot. I-personally- tried to reset wifi setting, restar my device, forget&connect the wifi. IT department could not detect any issues that's why I visited Apple store. They also could not find any problem about wifi system. They offered me to change my device with a new one. Two days ago, I got my new device but the problem still continues. I cannot connect to wifi outside. I can only connect to wifi at home; however, there are some connection losses time to time. How can I solve the problem?


iPad, iPadOS 18

Posted on Mar 27, 2025 11:01 AM

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Mar 27, 2025 4:26 PM in response to Curiousdr

WiFi/Internet connection difficulties are usually an indication that your device does not have a routable IP Address - your IP Address usually being assigned by DHCP. When problems occur, your iPad may only have a self-assigned link-local IP address that begins 169.254.x.x.


You can verify your DHCP-assigned IP Address from settings:

Settings > WiFi > [Your WiFi Network / SSID] - tap the blue “i” icon - [IPv4 Address] IP Address



If you have a VPN App or profiles installed, or a security/AV/firewall App such as Norton, these may be interfering with DHCP and preventing your device from obtaining a valid IP Address for the WiFi network to which you are attempting to connect. The resolution is usually simple; if installed, you may only need to temporarily disable or remove the Security App and/or VPN.


DHCP is frequently used to automatically obtain an IP Address. Until your iPad has a valid IP Address to connect to your network, you will not have an internet connection. Disabling or removing VPN and/or the offending security App should allow DHCP to operate normally - allowing connection to your network and the internet.


If this resolves your issue, the VPN and/or security App can be reinstated after the connectivity problem has been resolved.


If you continue to have difficulties, check to see if your iPad is using the WiFi Private Address feature. This feature is intended to provide additional privacy and security when using “public” (untrusted) WiFi networks.

Settings > WiFi > [Your WiFi Network / SSID] - tap the “i” icon - Private Address


The Private Address feature can cause issues if specific MAC addresses are expected by your WiFi network. You may need to disable this feature - which can be enabled or disabled for each individual WiFi network.


Use private Wi-Fi addresses in iOS 14, iPadOS 14, and watchOS 7 - Apple Support


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Apr 11, 2025 6:25 AM in response to Curiousdr

I’ll add onto the connection issues at times at home. I have not tried my new iPad on an outside network yet. I bought my first iPad a16 online. After having the internet connection drop at times, I returned it. Then I purchased another at the Apple Store near me. I’m having the same problem. There are 2 of us in the house. So we have 2 iPhones, Apple TV, a new Mac mini m4, and another iPad all on the WiFi. None of the other devices are having issues. Just the new a16 iPad. In fact, my old iPad worked fine with respects to WiFi. I’m on a Xfinity modem/router, just FYI. I think it’s an iPad a16 issue. Or, an incompatibility with some routers. We probably need to wait for a bug fix from Apple. Disappointing.

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iPad A16 Wifi connection issue

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