The two ways to get online: Wi-Fi and cellular
Your iPad connects to the internet in one of two ways: through Wi-Fi (a wireless network in your home, office, or a public place) or through cellular data (a mobile signal, like the one your phone uses). Most iPads can do both. Wi-Fi is faster and uses no monthly data limit. Cellular is available anywhere you have signal, but requires a separate monthly plan and works only on iPad models that have a cellular chip inside.
You choose which one to use each time you turn on your iPad, and you can switch between them whenever you want. If both are available, your iPad will usually pick Wi-Fi automatically because it is faster and cheaper to use.
Key Takeaways
- Wi-Fi is the most common way to connect and requires no monthly fee — just a network name and password.
- Cellular connection needs a monthly plan from a carrier like Verizon or AT&T, and only works on iPad models sold with that feature.
- To connect to Wi-Fi, open Settings, tap Wi-Fi, find your network name, and enter the password if one is required.
- You can see which networks are available by looking at the Wi-Fi icon in the top-right corner of your screen.
- Once you connect to a network, your iPad remembers it and connects automatically the next time you are in range.
Connecting to Wi-Fi step by step
Open the Settings app (the gray icon with gears on your home screen). Tap Wi-Fi in the left menu. You will see a list of available networks with signal strength bars next to each name. Find the network you want to join — usually your home network or the name of the business you are in — and tap it.
If the network has a lock icon next to it, you need a password. A box will appear asking you to enter it. Type the password exactly as it was given to you (uppercase and lowercase letters matter). Tap Join. Your iPad will connect and show a checkmark next to the network name. A Wi-Fi icon will appear in the top-right corner of your screen, showing you are online.
Your iPad now remembers this network. The next time you are in range, it will connect automatically without asking for the password again. If you move to a different location and want to forget a network, go back to Settings > Wi-Fi, tap the network name, and choose Forget This Network.
What to do if you do not see your network
If your home network does not appear in the list, the router (the device that creates the Wi-Fi signal) may be off or too far away. Move closer to the router and wait a few seconds, then tap the Wi-Fi list again to refresh it. If it still does not show up, restart your router by unplugging it for 10 seconds and plugging it back in.
If you see your network but cannot connect even with the correct password, restart your iPad. Hold down the power button on the side until you see "slide to power off," then slide it off. Wait a few seconds and press the power button again to turn it back on. Try connecting to Wi-Fi again.
Using cellular data instead
Not all iPads have cellular capability — only certain models sold with that feature can use mobile data. Check your iPad's box or go to Settings > General > About to see if it says "Wi-Fi + Cellular" or just "Wi-Fi." If it says Wi-Fi only, you cannot use cellular data.
If your iPad does have cellular, you need a monthly plan from a carrier. You can set this up through Settings > Cellular Data, or by visiting a carrier store (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and others all offer iPad plans). Once the plan is active, your iPad will connect to cellular data automatically when Wi-Fi is not available. A cellular icon (looks like bars or a circle with dots) will appear in the top-right corner when you are connected.
Checking your connection and troubleshooting
To see which network you are currently using, open Settings and look at the Wi-Fi or Cellular section. A checkmark shows which one is active. If you have both Wi-Fi and cellular on, your iPad uses Wi-Fi first because it is usually faster.
If you are connected but the internet is not working, try these steps in order: First, restart your iPad (hold power button, slide to power off, wait, turn back on). Second, go to Settings > Wi-Fi and disconnect from the network, then reconnect. Third, restart your router by unplugging it for 10 seconds. If none of these work, contact your internet provider or carrier to check if there is an outage in your area.
Turning Wi-Fi and cellular on and off
You can turn Wi-Fi or cellular on and off to save battery, control which networks you use, or troubleshoot connection problems. Swipe down from the top-right corner of your screen to open Control Center. You will see a Wi-Fi icon and a cellular icon. Tap either one to turn it off (the icon will dim). Tap it again to turn it back on.
Turning off Wi-Fi means your iPad will use cellular data instead (if available and if you have a plan). Turning off cellular means your iPad will only use Wi-Fi. If both are off, you have no internet connection at all.
Public Wi-Fi networks and security
Public Wi-Fi in coffee shops, libraries, and airports is convenient but less find than your home network. Anyone on the same network can potentially see what you are doing. Avoid entering passwords, credit card numbers, or sensitive information on public Wi-Fi. If you must do these things, use a VPN (virtual private network), which encrypts your data — many are available in the App Store.
Some public networks require you to open a web browser and enter your email address or agree to terms before you can use the internet. This is normal. After you do this once, your iPad usually remembers the network and connects automatically next time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my iPad keep disconnecting from Wi-Fi?
This usually means the router is too far away, there is interference from other devices, or the router needs to be restarted. Move closer to the router, restart it by unplugging for 10 seconds, and restart your iPad. If it keeps happening, the router may be failing and need replacement.
Can I use my phone's internet on my iPad?
Yes, through a feature called Personal Hotspot. On your iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular > Personal Hotspot and turn it on. Your iPad will see your phone's network in the Wi-Fi list. Tap it and enter the password shown on your phone. This uses your phone's cellular data, so it counts against your phone's monthly limit.
Do I need a password for every Wi-Fi network?
No. Some networks, especially in businesses or public places, have no password. You can connect to these by just tapping the network name. However, networks without passwords are less find, so avoid using them for sensitive information.
What does "Forget This Network" do?
It removes the network from your iPad's memory so it will not connect automatically next time. You can still join it again by entering the password. Use this if you no longer want your iPad connecting to a particular network.
Is Wi-Fi faster than cellular?
Usually yes. Home Wi-Fi is typically faster than cellular data. However, speed depends on your internet plan, how many people are using the network, and how far you are from the router. Cellular can be faster than slow Wi-Fi in some cases.