iPad Pro A1674 WiFi greyed out repair options?
 

Mom has an iPad Pro 2016 9.5" where the WiFi option is greyed out. (all other devices can connect wirelessly in the house) I suspect that the WiFi modem has failed. Online research shows that it might be able to be repaired. New 2020 iPad Pro cost about $1,000+/-. She needs cellular capabilities, (currently thru Verizon.)

This machine is her lifeline to her great-grandkids. I have set up a Chromebook so at least she can browse, email, and zoom. But she is having difficulty mousing around.

I'm looking for some suggestions /advice on alternatives to purchasing a replacement.

Does anyone have experience repairing their iPad Pro?

Have you tried 'unplug - wait 60 sec - plug back in' to reset the router?

Tried forced restart? Sometimes it will solve the problems.

All other devices can connect to the router. If the iPad could not connect to our wireless router, it would still find other WiFi networks nearby.

The WiFi option on the iPad is greyed out. Unavailable.

I have tried ALL the reset options. Nothing works.

I apologize if you've already tried this, but did the iPad accidentally get put into airplane mode? The wifi button on mine is gray when this happens.

iPads last for a long time but if it comes down to it you might just want to upgrade to the newer version for the increased capabilities.

That's the first thing I tried, since she had done this before.

Pretty sure it is a hardware issue. Looking for repair suggestions please.

u break it i fix it has done good work for us

Just called them. Motherboard issue beyond their ken.

My iPad started spontaneously powering down every few seconds and it was also an issue with the motherboard that was beyond fixing. Apparently the regulators have forced the use of an eco friendly solder in the motherboard circuits that is frequently failing. Go figure?

It could be that the built-in wireless adapter has failed. You can buy an external wireless adapter that is about the size of a flash drive for about 20 dollars and just plug it into a usb port on the Ipad. You may need to use a usb adapter to convert from a regular usb input to the smaller Ipad usb input connection.

Call Apple support. They will ensure that you have tried everything possible to fix the issue.

They will advise if it is repairable.

An interesting thought. I have multiple USB WiFi adapters that I can try when I get home. A,B,G,N,AC. Although I doubt that the Apple OS has appropriate drivers. But will try all and keep this thread advised.

Does anyone know what brand of WIFi adapter is in the iPad Pro 2016? Having trouble finding details on the internet.

The new eco friendly solder is LEAD FREE and the early use of this caused a phenomena called "tin wiskers' where the tin in the solder would actually grow wiskers which according to Murphy's law go to the closet point to cause a short circuit. Do so repair work and this stuff is miserable to work with. OP sorry, i have never worked on any Apple equipment.

Is it on airplane mode?

If all of the previous suggestions fail try Gizmo Depot in Lady Lake. The repaired my phone. They were timely and reasonable

I think you’re going to find that the repair cost won’t be justified. Not to mention, most repairs will have a very limited warranty period.

If she needs cellular, as you indicated, why is having working WiFi an issue? Will it not connect through cellular either?

I found this with google.
Apple's Fix for Grayed Out Wi-Fi Settings on your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch | iPhone in Canada Blog

Re: WiFi no longer working

This happened to me with an iphone 4S. WiFi grayed out. Still could access internet using the cellular capability.

Apple Store analyzed the problem and declared it unfixable. Out of warranty, but they did offer to sell me a refurbished replacement at a discount, with a 1 year warranty.

If your iPad Pro has cellular capability, you can add it to your cellular plan by adding a line. ATT and Verizon typically charge $15/mo without contract. Much less expensive than a new plan.

Go to Jacobs Computer in Wildwood. He fixed my wife’s broken iPad and I highly recommend him. 352-399-6801, 102 South Main St in Wildwood. He’s a Great young man.

Bad iPad
 

You might consider taking it to Best Buy. They will look at it at the repair counter to see if its an easy fix. If not then you will be told the options for repair or replacement.

CALL Apple support!

Definitely contact Apple support (go through their website). They’ll help you exhaust all possible causes and solutions. In the end if they recommend a whole new iPad, consider a regular iPad instead of an iPad Pro, which is more expensive. Every iPad model that Apple currently sells new works with an Apple Pencil, if your Mom likes to use that. Just go with one that has enough capacity to hold whatever pictures and videos she wants to keep on it.

In addition to my comment above, make sure there is always a case on the iPad. Not a flimsy decorative case, but one that actually protects from a hard fall on a tile floor. It doesn’t have to be bulky, and some provide a better a nice grip to the device for holding. Speck is an excellent brand but if you Google “best iPad covers” there will be numerous websites with recommendations.

Question, why would anyone need their I pad to have cellular connectivity? I just turn on my phone settings personal hotspot option and pair my I pad’s WiFi setting with my phone and now my I pad is getting a cellular connection. Very easy.

Go online to Apple.com and schedule a service
appointment with the Apple Store at Millennium Mall in Orlando. It should still be under warranty.

You should contact The Villages Apple Users Group. The 3rd Tuesday of the month is when TVAUG has a Q&A online Zoom meeting.

Just a observation, I have all apple products and when in airplane mode my wifi does still connect and the wifi icon is not grayed out

The OP stated it was a 2016 iPad Pro.

I’m not aware of any Apple or third party warranty that lasts five years

iPad repair
 

Try MMD Computers in Lady Lake
352-750-3707