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Pjoter31
User level: Level 1 (4 points)

iPad mini Wi-Fi fails to connect to hotspots after iPadOS 27.0.1

Hi everyone,


I’m having a Wi-Fi connectivity issue with my 6th-generation iPad mini that started immediately after installing iPadOS 27.0.1.


Before the update, everything worked normally. Since yesterday, my iPad has been unable to connect to my iPhone 11’s personal hotspot (running iOS 18.0.1). Initially, I received a “Too many attempts” error, followed by an “Incorrect password” message, even though I was entering the correct password.


I also tried connecting to a friend’s hotspot, but the exact same problem occurred: the iPad rejects the correct password. Meanwhile, other devices, including an Android phone, can detect my iPhone’s hotspot and successfully connect to it with internet access.


Here is what I have tried so far:


  • Restarted both the iPad and iPhone multiple times.
  • Turned Wi-Fi and Personal Hotspot off and on again.
  • Changed the hotspot password.
  • Enabled “Maximize Compatibility” in the hotspot settings.
  • Changed the name of my iPhone.
  • Tried connecting to a different phone’s hotspot.
  • Connected the iPad to the iPhone using a cable, but there was no internet access on the iPad.
  • The iPad can still detect other Wi-Fi networks, but it reports an incorrect password when I try to connect to hotspots.


There is another complication: I cannot reset the iPad’s network settings because I have forgotten my Screen Time passcode. I set it up myself, but there is no “Forgot Passcode?” option on either my iPad or iPhone. Both devices are signed in to the same Apple Account, and Share Across Devices is enabled.


Has anyone experienced a similar issue after updating to iPadOS 27.0.1? Could this be a system bug affecting Wi-Fi authentication? I would really appreciate any suggestions, especially solutions that do not require erasing the iPad or knowing the Screen Time passcode.


Thanks a lot

Posted on Oct 20, 2026 12:32 AM

2 replies

LotusPilot
User level: Level 10 (334,506 points)

Oct 21, 2026 9:00 AM in response to Pjoter31

A forgotten ScreenTime passcode cannot be reset - unless, at the time of creation, you defined a recovery Apple Account (AppleID). If no reset option is available and you have forgotten the ScreenTime passcode, you'll need to follow the procedures outlined within this link:

If you forgot your Screen Time passcode - Apple Support


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 completely 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. For a hotspot connection issue, you may need to restart both devices.


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 - Apple Support


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

WheelieNick
User level: Level 9 (74,110 points)

Oct 21, 2026 7:06 AM in response to Pjoter31

Hi there


Try this


  • Reset All Settings: Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Reset > Reset All Settings. This restores system settings (like Wi-Fi, home screen layout, and location permissions) to factory defaults while leaving your photos, documents, and installed apps intact.
  • Toggle Private Wi-Fi Address: Tap the i info icon next to your hotspot network in Settings > Wi-Fi, and turn off Private Wi-Fi Address or switch it from "Fixed" to "Off" to rule out MAC randomization authentication bugs. 
  • Check VPN and Profiles: Go to Settings > General > VPN & Device Management. If any VPN or enterprise/security profile is installed, delete it, as stale network filters often block personal hotspot handshakes after major OS updates


Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256379392