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iPad 10th Gen automatically reverting to Cellular

Setting up a brand new iPad 10th generation. Moved my AT&T sim card from old iPad to new. Wi-Fi settings show that the new iPad is connected to my Wi-Fi, but the notification in the upper right-hand corner of the screen shows that my cellular plan is active. I've powered down and then turned it back on. As soon as I turned it back on, it showed it was on the network. Then it automatically reverted back to cellular. What am I doing wrong? (Running iPadOS18.1.1)


[Re-Titled By Moderator]

iPad, iPadOS 18

Posted on Nov 22, 2024 6:06 AM

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2 replies

Nov 22, 2024 6:10 AM in response to vmfan1

Start here:

If your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch won’t connect to a Wi-Fi network - Apple Support


…and here:

Recommended settings for Wi-Fi routers and access points - Apple Support


If your WiFi has been set-up according to Apple’s recommended settings, WiFi and 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 this occurs, your iPad may only have a self-assigned link-local IP address that begins 169.254.x.x.


If you have a VPN App or profiles installed, or a security App such as Norton, these may be interfering with DHCP and preventing your device from obtaining a valid IP Address for your iPhone hotspot - or 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 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

iPad 10th Gen automatically reverting to Cellular

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