Joining a Wi-Fi network

Wi-Fi settings determine whether iPad uses local Wi-Fi networks to connect to the Internet. When iPad is joined to a Wi-Fi network, the Wi-Fi icon  in the status bar at the top of the screen shows signal strength. The more bars you see, the stronger the signal.

Once you join a Wi-Fi network, iPad automatically connects to it whenever the network is in range. If more than one previously used network is in range, iPad joins the one last used.

You can also use iPad to set up a new AirPort base station that provides Wi-Fi services to your home or office. See Setting up an AirPort base station.

• Set iPad to ask if you want to join a new network: Turn “Ask to Join Networks” on or off. If “Ask to Join Networks” is off, you must manually join a network to connect to the Internet when a previously used network isn’t available.

• Forget a network, so iPad doesn’t join it: Tap  next to a network you’ve joined before. Then tap “Forget this Network.”

• Join a closed Wi-Fi network: In the list of network names, tap Other, then enter the name of the closed network. You must already know the network name, password, and security type to connect to a closed network.

• Adjust the settings for connecting to a Wi-Fi network: Tap  next to a network. You can set an HTTP proxy, define static network settings, turn on BootP, or renew the settings provided by a DHCP server.

Setting up an AirPort base station

An AirPort base station provides a Wi-Fi connection to your home, school, or small business network. You can use iPad to set up a new AirPort Express, AirPort Extreme, or Time Capsule base station.

If the base station you want to set up isn’t listed, make sure that it has power, that you’re within range, and that it hasn’t already been configured. You can only set up base stations that are new or have been reset. Some older AirPort base stations cannot be set up using an iOS device. For setup instructions, see the documentation that came with the base station.

Manage an AirPort network: If iPad is connected to an AirPort base station, tap next to the network name. If you haven’t already downloaded AirPort Utility, the App Store opens so you can get it.

About

• Available storage space

• Serial number

• iOS version

• Network addresses

• Cellular Data Number (on Wi-Fi + cellular models)

• IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) on Wi-Fi + cellular models

• ICCID (Integrated Circuit Card Identifier, or Smart Card) for GSM networks (on Wi-Fi + cellular models)

• MEID (Mobile Equipment Identifier) for CDMA networks (on Wi-Fi + cellular models)

• Legal notices, license, and regulatory marks.

To copy the serial number and other identifiers, touch and hold the identifier until Copy appears.

To help Apple improve products and services, iPad automatically sends diagnostic and usage data. This data does not personally identify you but may include location information.

Software Update

Software Update lets you download and install iOS updates from Apple.

Usage

• See your cellular data usage and reset statistics (Wi-Fi + cellular models)

• View and delete iCloud backups, turn off backing up the Camera Roll, and buy additional storage

• View each app’s storage

• Display battery level as a percentage

• See the elapsed time since iPad has been charged

Siri

VPN

VPNs used within organizations allow you to communicate private information securely over a non-private network. You may need to configure VPN, for example, to access your work email. Ask the network’s administrator for the settings necessary to configure VPN for your network. After one or more VPN settings are defined you can:

• Turn VPN on or off: Go to Settings > VPN.

• Switch between VPNs: Go to Settings > General > VPN, then choose a configuration.

iTunes Wi-Fi Sync

You can sync iPad with iTunes on a computer that’s connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

After you configure Wi-Fi Sync, iPad automatically syncs with iTunes once a day, when:

• iPad is connected to a power source,

• iPad and your computer are both connected to the same Wi-Fi network, and

• iTunes on your computer is running.

Spotlight Search

The Spotlight Search setting lets you specify the content areas searched by Search, and rearrange the order of the results.

Auto-Lock

Locking iPad turns off the display in order to save the battery and prevent unintended operation of iPad. You can still receive messages, and you can adjust the volume and use the mic button on your headset while listening to music.

Passcode Lock

By default, iPad doesn’t require you to enter a passcode to unlock it.

iPad Cover Lock/Unlock

You can automatically lock or unlock iPad when you use it with the iPad Smart Cover or iPad Smart Case (available separately). When this feature is turned on, iPad automatically locks and goes to sleep when you close the cover, and wakes when you open it. This setting appears when you attach an iPad Smart Cover or iPad Smart Case.

Restrictions

You can set restrictions for some apps and for purchased content. For example, parents can restrict explicit music from being seen on playlists, or prevent the installation of apps.

You can set restrictions for the following apps:

• Safari

• Camera (and apps that use the camera)

• FaceTime

• iTunes Store

• iBookstore

• Siri

You can also restrict the following:

• Installing Apps: The App Store is disabled and its icon is removed from the Home screen. You cannot install apps on iPad.

• Deleting Apps: You cannot delete apps from iPad. doesn’t appear on app icons when you’re customizing the Home screen.

• Explicit Language: Siri attempts to replace explicit words you speak by replacing them with asterisks and beep sounds

• Privacy: The current privacy settings for Location Services, Contacts, Calendars, Reminders, Photos, Bluetooth Sharing, Twitter, and Facebook can each be locked.

• Accounts: The current Mail, Contacts, Calendar settings are locked. You cannot add, modify, or delete accounts. You also cannot modify iCloud settings.

• Find My Friends: The current Find My Friends settings are locked. This option is available when the Find My Friends app is installed.

• Volume Limit: The current sound volume limit setting is locked.

• In-App Purchases: When In-App Purchases is turned off, you can’t purchase additional content or functionality for apps you download from the App Store.

• Require Passwords: Requires you to enter your Apple ID for in-app purchases after the time period you specify.

• Content Restrictions: Tap Ratings For, then select a country from the list. Then set restrictions for music and podcasts, books, movies, TV shows, and apps. Content that doesn’t meet the rating you select won’t appear on iPad.

• Multiplayer Games: When Multiplayer Games is off, you can’t request a match, send or receive invitations to play games, or add friends in Game Center.

• Adding Friends: When Adding Friends is off, you can’t make or receive friend requests in Game Center. If Multiplayer Games is turned on, you can continue to play with existing friends.

Side Switch

You can use the Side Switch to lock screen orientation or to silence notifications and sound effects.

Multitasking Gestures

Multitasking gestures let you quickly switch between apps, reveal the multitasking bar, and go to the Home screen. See Multitasking gestures.

Date & Time

These settings affect the time shown in the status bar at the top of the screen, and in world clocks and calendars.

Keyboard

You can turn on keyboards for writing in different languages, and you can turn typing features, such as spell-checking, on or off. For information about keyboard options, see Typing.

For information about using international keyboards, see International Keyboards.

International

Go to Settings > General > International to set the following:

• The language for iPad

• The calendar format

• The keyboards you use

• The date, time, and number formats

Accessibility

Go to Settings > General > Accessibility and turn on the features you want. See Accessibility.

Profiles

This setting appears if you install one or more profiles on iPad. Tap Profiles to see information about the profiles you install. For more information about profiles, see iPad in Business.

Reset

You can reset the word dictionary, network settings, home screen layout, and location warnings. You can also erase all of your content and settings.

• Reset all settings: All your preferences and settings are reset.

• Erase all content and settings: Your information, and settings are removed. iPad cannot be used until it’s set up again.

• Reset network settings: When you reset network settings, your list of previously used networks and VPN settings not installed by a configuration profile are removed. Wi-Fi is turned off and then back on, disconnecting you from any network you’re on. The Wi-Fi and “Ask to Join Networks” settings remain turned on. To remove VPN settings installed by a configuration profile, go to Settings > General > Profile, then select the profile and tap Remove. This also removes other settings or accounts provided by the profile.

• Reset the keyboard dictionary: You add words to the keyboard dictionary by rejecting words iPad suggests as you type. Resetting the keyboard dictionary erases all words you’ve added.

• Reset the Home screen layout: Returns the built-in apps to their original layout on the Home screen.

• Reset location & privacy: Resets the location services and privacy settings to their factory defaults.