In simpler terms, an IP address is an identifier that allows data to be transferred between devices connected to a network. The IP address contains unique information about a device's location and helps to make the device more accessible for communication. IP addresses are significant because they allow the internet to differentiate between routers, websites, and computers.
If you want to learn everything about your iPad IP address, then you are in the right place. Below is a guide on everything you need to know about finding your IP address on an iPad. Check it out.
What is an iPad IP address?
The IP address of an iPad consists of a string of numbers that are separated by periods. A set of four numbers is used to express the IP address. For instance, an example of an IP address can be 193.157.3.76. Every number in the set ranges between 0 and 255. Therefore, a full IP address ranges between 0.0.0.0 and 255.255.255.255.
IP addresses are considered unique because they are not selected randomly. Each IP address is mathematically produced and then allocated by the IANA (Internet Assigned Numbers Authority), which is a division of ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers).
How an IP address works
If your iPad is not connecting to the internet like your other devices, then the IP address of the iPhone or iPad could be the issue. The Internet Protocol of your iPad device works by communicating specific guidelines to the internet to pass information. Essentially, your iPad is supposed to find, send, as well as exchange information with other devices that are connected.
Here is a breakdown of how your iPad uses its own private IP address.
Your iPad gets indirectly connected to the internet by first connecting to a network that is connected to the internet e.g. your internet service provider (ISP) if you are home or the company network if you are at work. When the iPad is connected to the ISP or the company network, it is then granted access to the internet.
Every internet activity you engage in will pass through the ISP, which will use your IP address to route the information back to you. Since the internet service provider gives you access to the internet, it is the role of the internet service provider to assign your iPad device with an IP address.
However, the IP address of your iPad can change if you turn the router or the modem on and off. Additionally, if you contact your internet service provider, they can change your iPad's IP address too.
Also note that if you are using your iPad away from your home or your workplace, maybe while traveling, your device will not use the same IP address when you connect it to another network. For instance, if you connect your iPad to the airport, coffee shop, or hotel's Wi-Fi network, the internet service provider of the coffee shop, airport, or hotel will assign your iPad a new IP address.
How to find the IP address of my iPad
If you find yourself in a situation where you need to locate your iPad IP address, follow the steps below. These will guide you how you can find IP address of your iPad no matter what the network in use is.
Step 1
Go to the home screen of your iPad and tap the Settings button.
Step 2
Tap Wi-Fi (the buttons with WiFi icon on it). The screen should show you something similar to the image below.
Step 3
Tap on the connected Wi-Fi network. The window below should appear on your screen.
Step 4
The current IP address of your iPad should be displayed on the screen as shown in the image above. In case your device is connected to an IPv6-enabled network, it means that the iPad is assigned more IPv6 (Internet Protocol) IP addresses.
Tap on the IPv6 address section and view the other IP addresses of your iPad.
How to find the local IP address of my iPad
Do you need to find the local Internet Protocol address of your iPad? Take the steps below.
Step 1
Go to the Home Page of your device and proceed to the Settings button. Once there, click on the Wi-Fi button that is located just below the Airplane Mode as shown in the image below. In this section, you will be able to see all the networks that your iPad is connected to.
Step 2
Click the information button located on the right side of the connected network. The set of numbers displayed in the IP address section represents your local IP address as shown below.
How to find the public IP address of my iPad
Follow the steps below to find the public IP address of your iPad;
Step 1
Open Settings on your home page and click the Wi-Fi button.
Step 2
Click the name of the same Wi-Fi network that your device is connected to or simply tap the ''i'' information icon as seen in the image below.
Step 3
Under the IPV4 address section, you will find the public IP address listed as shown below.
What to do if the iPad IP address is not working
If your IP address has issues, then your iPad will not be able to connect to the internet. Here are a few actions you can take to ensure your iPad is connected to Wi-Fi network. They include:
Check your router
Ensure that your router is actually on and that your iPad device is within range. If the distance between your iPad and the router is too far, you will not be able to receive any signal. Therefore, always ensure that your iPad is within the router's range.
Make certain the Wi-Fi is on
Another reason why your iPad's IP address has an issue could be that your Wi-Fi is off. If your iPad is not connected to the same Wi-Fi network, you will not be able to see your networks. Go to the Settings app, click on Wi-Fi, and have a look at the networks available. Once you spot the name of your home or company's network, click on it to connect.
If you see a blue checkmark next to a network, it means that your device is currently connected to it.
Enter the Wi-Fi password
Sometimes you may get disconnected from the Wi-Fi network for various reasons e.g. turning off your iPad. As a result, your device may not be able to connect automatically to the network unless you type in the password. This is especially common in company networks. If this occurs, simply key in the Wi-Fi password to get connected to the network again. In case you do not know the company password or it has been changed, get help from the IT department.
Sometimes, you may enter the correct password and still get the notification that your iPad is unable to join the network. If this happens especially with your home internet, we recommend restarting all your devices including your iPad as well as the router, then try to key in the Wi-Fi password again.
To restart the modem or the router, simply unplug it and then plug it back.
Check whether your Wi-Fi network has problems
Your IP address may have issues if the iPad detects a problem in the Wi-Fi connection. Luckily, if the Wi-Fi is the problem, your iPad will almost always have a recommendation under the Wi-Fi section to notify you what the problem could be. For instance, if there is no network, the Wi-Fi recommendation will display on the screen '' No Network Connection''.
Check the cables
If you have tried everything and your iPad is still unable to connect to the network, check the cables as well as the modem. Ensure that the router is still connected to your modem and that it is turned on.
Reset network settings
In case you are still unable to connect your iPad to the internet, consider resetting the network settings of the device. For example, if you are using iPad OS 15 or other later models, tap on the Settings app, click on General, and then click on Reset device or Transfer. Once you do this, tap on Reset Network Settings.
If you are using iPad OS 14 or other earlier models, tap on the Settings button and click on General. Tap the Reset button and click on Reset Network Settings.
Once you reach the Reset Network Settings, click on it to reset your Wi-Fi networks, cellular settings, passwords, APN, and VPN settings. This section allows you to reset any network activity you have engaged in using your iPad in the past. Just ensure that you know the passwords before resetting them because you will have to enter them again.
Connect other devices to the Wi-Fi
If after trying out all the tips above you are still unable to connect your iPad to the Wi-Fi, we recommend connecting other devices to the Wi-Fi. If other devices get connected, then your IP address might be the issue and we recommend calling an iPad expert for assistance.
If other devices are unable to connect as well, then you might be dealing with a service outage and you should call your internet service provider for assistance.
