DQOTD: Why does my iPad Wi-Fi connection keep locking up?

[Midpack]

Not a big issue, but a nuisance, and I like solving puzzles like this. At least once/day my iPad just stops playing nice with our home wi-fi connection, even though the wireless connection icon is still showing on the iPad. All I have to do is go into Settings on my iPad, switch wi-fi off, and then switch it back on again - and everything is fine. I've done this hundreds of times.

• I always keep our iOS software updated with the latest version, and through several iOS updates, the problem persists. So not iOS?
• I have updated the firmware on my Linksys router, hasn't helped.
• I have never had any issues with internet connectivity from my PC, hardwired into the modem, so evidently it's not the ISP.

Have any of you run into this, and found a fix?

 

[Meadbh]

This happens occasionally, and when it does, I am often doing some data-intensive activity such as watching a video on YouTube. I find it is helpful to close down all the apps that are running in the background (here are frequently 30 or more). To do this, press the round button twice and swipe each window upwards.

 

[niven]

Do you have any other wifi devices, and if so, are they losing their connection so often? I assume not, or you would have mentioned them. I've seen wifi routers/APs start developing hardware problems, as well as client devices, and I've had to replace them. Someone nearby could be causing your problem by trying to hijack your wifi connection as well, but I don't think it's likely. You could try changing your router SSID and channel (if it isn't on auto) and see if it helps.

 

[zinger1457]

Do you have your router setup as a DHCP server and given out IP addresses? I usually like to reserve specific IP addresses for my devices so I don't run into issues of IP addresses trying to renew a lease, it can sometimes cause disconnections.

 

[Sunset]

Does someone run a shredder or the microwave at that time, as both broadcast a lot of radio wave interference.
If you are in an apt, your neighbor's microwave can affect you.
Also see how many other neighbors are broadcasting their wifi on the same channel as you, and consider switching to a less used channel.

 

[W2R]

I doubt the following will work, but if all else fails you could try this just to eliminate the easy stuff:

(1) stop all processes on your iPad (as Meadbh suggested).
(2) Then completely shut down and reboot your router, modem, and iPad.
(3) Disconnect the iPad from your router (under "Settings", "WiFi", wait a few minutes, and then reconnect it.

 

[Midpack]

This happens occasionally, and when it does, I am often doing some data-intensive activity such as watching a video on YouTube. I find it is helpful to close down all the apps that are running in the background (here are frequently 30 or more). To do this, press the round button twice and swipe each window upwards.

Hmmm. We did buy a smart TV some time ago. Wonder if that would cause it even though I'm not using any apps on the TV when the iPad wifi freezes.

Do you have any other wifi devices, and if so, are they losing their connection so often? I assume not, or you would have mentioned them. I've seen wifi routers/APs start developing hardware problems, as well as client devices, and I've had to replace them. Someone nearby could be causing your problem by trying to hijack your wifi connection as well, but I don't think it's likely. You could try changing your router SSID and channel (if it isn't on auto) and see if it helps.

I use smart TV apps daily, and about 2-3 times/month the TV says no internet connection? I press reset on the router, and the TV connects again. I also doubt a neighbor is trying to hijack our wifi, though it's possible. We changed the router name and password a few months ago, so that should have thrown them off if they were? And our password was pretty solid before anyway.

 

[Midpack]

Do you have your router setup as a DHCP server and given out IP addresses? I usually like to reserve specific IP addresses for my devices so I don't run into issues of IP addresses trying to renew a lease, it can sometimes cause disconnections.

I think the IP address is set, but I'll double check.

Does someone run a shredder or the microwave at that time, as both broadcast a lot of radio wave interference.
If you are in an apt, your neighbor's microwave can affect you.
Also see how many other neighbors are broadcasting their wifi on the same channel as you, and consider switching to a less used channel.

Doesn't correlate with running appliances (same observation as above), unless I'm losing the connection between iPad sessions without realizing it - seems likely. Not in an apt.

 

[Midpack]

I doubt the following will work, but if all else fails you could try this just to eliminate the easy stuff:

(1) stop all processes on your iPad (as Meadbh suggested).
(2) Then completely shut down and reboot your router, modem, and iPad.
(3) Disconnect the iPad from your router (under "Settings", "WiFi", wait a few minutes, and then reconnect it.

Thanks, I have tried all that many times, but it would have been helpful a few months ago when I started this problem solving.

 

[W2R]

Thanks, I have tried all that many times, but it would have been helpful a few months ago when I started this problem solving.

Sorry! And good luck with the other measures you plan to take. For some reason the procedure I outlined worked for me when my iPad wi-fi was giving me problems after a severe thunderstorm in the area. But honestly, I did not really expect it to work for you. Oh well.

 

[REWahoo]

1. Order a new router from Amazon.
2. Replace your current router.
3. If that doesn't fix the problem, return the router to Amazon.
4. Buy a new Ipad...

 

[niven]

I use smart TV apps daily, and about 2-3 times/month the TV says no internet connection? I press reset on the router, and the TV connects again. I also doubt a neighbor is trying to hijack our wifi, though it's possible. We changed the router name and password a few months ago, so that should have thrown them off if they were? And our password was pretty solid before anyway.

Based on that, I'd personally replace the router as the next step. If you buy something locally like an inexpensive but usually reliable TP-Link Archer 802.11ac router and your problem goes away, great, otherwise return it and no harm, no foul.

 

[Ready]

I have the exact same issue, usually about once a day. I've spent over 40 hours troubleshooting my network, replacing routers, working with the ISP. Nothing has resolved the issue. But I don't generally have to reboot the router. Just wait a minute or so, and the connection comes back. I have no clue what's causing it.

 

[target2019]

Use an app to find the optimum channel. Set your router to that channel.

 

[donheff]

I have the same issue on my iPad, my iPhone, and DW's iPhone. Sometimes turning the device's wifi off and then back on will correct it, sometimes not. It has happened with multiple routers in multiple places. I think it is an Apple feature.

 

[greydog17]

Had similar issue here with iPad and iPhones and kindles in house, with TVs etc, I think we overloaded the 12 yr old router's capacities. Bought a new one (TPLink Archer C7 dual band) and it seems to have solved the drop outs for all devices.

 

[EastWest Gal]

Do you have a wifi repeater or extender? Could the signal be weak where you are using your iPad? We have two router boosters in the house, at the edges, where the signal would otherwise be weak.