iPad Air (4th gen) Wi-Fi connectivity issue with software 18.1.1

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 some Apps are working as expected, while others are not - or other devices can connect to your WiFi network - you may find that a restart of your WiFi Router, followed by a restart of your iPad will clear the problem….

To restart your router, disconnect power from the router for at least 30 seconds - then reconnect power to restart. After your router reboots (which may take several minutes), force restart your iPad:

Force restart iPad (models with Face ID or with Touch ID in the top button)

If your iPad doesn’t have the Home button, do the following:

1. Press and quickly release the volume button nearest to the top button.
2. Press and quickly release the volume button farthest from the top button.
3. Press and hold the top button.
4. When the Apple logo appears, release the top button.

Force restart iPad (models with the Home button)

Press and hold the top button and the Home button at the same time. When the Apple logo appears, release both buttons.

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 is largely unnecessary for your home WiFi network; if enabled, Private Addressing can cause issues if specific MAC addresses are expected by your WiFi Router. You may need to disable this feature - and can be enabled or disabled for each individual network.

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

So, just found another apple support thread with a similar issue - a user suggested these things:

1. check if your device has a routable IP-Address: non-routable, local IP-Addresses usually begin with 169.254; *I don’t believe that’s the problem here (used to connect), but you could doublecheck nevertheless
2. Check for and disable VPNs or other installed security applications due to them possibly blocking your dhcp from working properly
3. disable the „private ip address“ feature - „can be causing issues if specific MAC addresses are expected by your WiFi router“

also, restart your iPad and the router!

when you tried all this? I’d maybe contact apple support about the issue.

support thread: iPad stuck after software update, unable … - Apple Community

Is the issue specific to your home WiFi router or won’t it connect to any WiFi at all?

So, it occurs to me, that you might have a router incompatible with iPads, which might be caused by firmware issues, maybe hardware issues, or incorrect router settings. If your iPad essentially won’t connect to WiFi, apple support advises this: If your iPhone or iPad won't connect to a Wi-Fi network - Apple Support

So, summary:

if your iPad won’t connect to your own router, check your WiFi network settings and compatibility and seek help in case you can’t figure it out. (Provider/vendor/manufacturer)

if your iPad won’t connect to any WiFi (test with other networks/hotspot), contact official support: Contact - Official Apple Support

comment: sorry for the delay, I was not allowed to post earlier due to me still being lvl 1. I hope I could help you resolve the issue!

You're very welcome.

With WiFi Private Address enabled, your iPad will regularly change its MAC address - which can cause issues where your WiFi Router expects either a specific or consistent MAC address for normal operation. While this is perhaps not an appropriate forum to offer a deep-dive into IP networks, perhaps suffice to say that ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) binds the device's MAC Address with its local IP Address.

When the WiFi Private Address feature has been disabled, your iPad will instead consistently use its globally unique (a.k.a. "burned-in") physical MAC address to access your local network. If connecting to a public WiFi network, use of your globally unique MAC Address can introduce privacy issues - as your unique address and your network activity can be tracked.