iPad 11-inch 3rd gen, iOS 17.0.3, drops its Wi-Fi connection while in some apps, does not automatically reconnect to Wi-Fi when turned on. Is this a hardware or software issue?

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iPad 11-inch 3rd gen, iOS 17.0.3, drops its Wi-Fi connection while in some apps, does not automatically reconnect to Wi-Fi when turned on. Is this a hardware or software issue?

When I lose the Wi-Fi connection, setting shows Wi-Fi enabled and connected, but there is no Wi-Fi icon on the screen and no connection to the Internet. When I switch Wi-Fi off, then on again, the wi-fi icon reappears and Internet connectivity is restored until the next time I need to turn the pad on. I have rebooted the pad on several occasions with no change in Wi-Fi behavior. I have even gone as far as resetting the pad to first time setup, then restoring it from backup. I have no issues with our other pads or iPhones.

iPad Pro (3rd generation)

Posted on Oct 18, 2023 07:51 AM

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Answer 1

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Randywolf244

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23 points

Oct 18, 2023 08:07 AM in response to gohallam

It sounds more like an issue with your router than anything. Most routers that you get free when you sign up for internet service struggle when you put a bunch of devices on the network. They also tend to "choose" a device to give the worst access to once they start to struggle to keep up with the number of devices.

The best bet is probably to go buy a good router.

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Answer 2

gohallam Author

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Oct 18, 2023 12:20 PM in response to Randywolf244

Thanks for your feedback. While my IP provides the modem, I have my own router, a Netgear Nitehawk R6400v2, which has served me well. The iPad Wi-Fi issue began only recently, and only on my iPad. We have another iPad and two iPhones, all with the latest updates, connected through this router with no issues. The router serves other devices in the house, also with no issues. I'll do some more testing, including shutting off the other devices, to see if a reduction in traffic through the router supports a stronger connection in the subject iPad.

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Answer 3

Oct 26, 2023 07:59 AM in response to gohallam

Any update? Mine decided to start disconnecting last night, and I have reset the network twice. All other devices work fine with my router. Currently using my hotspot on the iPad which is working fine as well.

Thanks.

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Answer 4

gohallam Author

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Oct 26, 2023 08:15 AM in response to ellaminnowp3a

Still a mystery. Since my original post we’ve had intermittent Wi-Fi issues on other Apple devices. My VPN has started doing some funky stuff too. I’m about to replace my router per another response to that post. If that solves it I’ll send an update.

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Answer 5

Oct 26, 2023 09:41 AM in response to gohallam

I have an update myself and I feel incredibly silly. Xfinity allows me to pause wifi access to devices in my home and sometimes it triggers the pause function on other devices without my knowledge. It was the 30 seconds of connectivity after resetting the network before disconnecting that was throwing me. So I’m good, and I wish you the best!

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Answer 6

gohallam Author

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5 points

Oct 27, 2023 01:52 PM in response to Randywolf244

Update: ALL our IOS devices (but not my Windows 11 laptop) began dropping WiFi or failing to start up in WiFi. Long story short, the common thread was that the VPN was dropping out and taking the WiFi connection with it. Restart the VPN and WiFi would come up with it (at least for a while). The solution was to change a protocol in the VPN settings. Keeping fingers crossed.

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iPad 11-inch 3rd gen, iOS 17.0.3, drops its Wi-Fi connection while in some apps, does not automatically reconnect to Wi-Fi when turned on. Is this a hardware or software issue?

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