Member Avatar for computerbear

Hi, I miss Daniweb. I have been away too long. My problem is my iPad, which I have had for a few years, (it is the first version) will not connect to wifi. I can get to listing of available networks, but when I select one, I do not get to where I can enter the password. It takes me to the page with "DHCP BootP Static" tabs. No matter which tab I choose, blank lines for "IP address, Subnet Mask, Router, DNS, Search Domains, and Client Id" are all I get. I have tried on many different networks, so it isn't the router. I have reset network settings. It didn't help.

Any ideas? I have Googled around and have not found this issue addressed. Thank you.

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by rubberman

Dani AI

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As describes, the iPad can see SSIDs but never shows the password dialog — instead it goes straight to the network IP configuration (the DHCP/BootP/Static tabs). Since basic checks and trying different routers didn't fix it, here are focused, practical steps to try before visiting the Genius Bar (as suggested).

  • Make sure you are tapping the network name (or the Join button) and not the small blue "i" info icon. Tapping the "i" opens the IP settings screen by design; the password field appears only when you explicitly join the network.
  • Simple restart first: switch Wi‑Fi off, wait 10–20 seconds, toggle Airplane Mode on/off, then fully power the iPad off and back on. If that fails, force-restart by holding Home and Power together until the Apple logo appears.
  • Test with a known simple hotspot: create an open or simply secured Wi‑Fi hotspot from a phone or laptop and try to join. If the iPad prompts for a password and connects there, the problem is likely router/compatibility or DHCP behavior rather than the iPad radio.
  • If a hotspot shows the DHCP fields instead of connecting, try a manual/static IP on that network (Settings > Wi‑Fi > tap the network > Configure IP > Static). Use a free address in the router range, mask 255.255.255.0, gateway = router IP, DNS 8.8.8.8. This helps determine whether DHCP is the blocker.
  • Backup to a computer, then connect to iTunes and try Update; if Update fails, consider Restore (note: Restore erases data). If software restores do not help, a hardware fault (Wi‑Fi module or related board) is likely.

If software troubleshooting fails, ’s advice to get Apple diagnostics is sensible. Back up first, document which steps you tried, and ask the technician to run a network/hardware test so you can compare repair cost versus replacement.

Member Avatar for rubberman

Time to take it in to the "geniuses" at your local Apple store...

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