By default, iOS tries to get internet access in this order:
Ethernet (wired network)
Wi-Fi (wireless network)
Cellular data
Video:
If you prefer not to watch the video, all steps are written below.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
Open Network Settings
Open the Settings app.
Choose either Ethernet (to stop iOS from using ethernet for internet) or Wi-Fi (to stop iOS from using a wifi network for internet).
For Ethernet:
Select your Ethernet adapter (usually there’s only one).
For Wi-Fi:
Connect to the Wi-Fi network.
Tap the “i” icon next to the network name.
Showing how to open wifi network settings; DNPWCM-ca4 is the wifi network in this case
2. Check Current Network Settings
You’ll see that the network is likely set to Automatic, with a Router IP address assigned.
When a router is set, iOS tries to use it for internet access, which we want to avoid.
iOS won’t let you remove the router value while in automatic mode, so we need to switch to manual IP configuration.
iPad set to use this wifi network for internet, because Router is set
3. Change IP from Automatic to Manual
Note down the current IP address (e.g., 192.168.4.162). You’ll need it in the next step.
Tap Configure IP: Automatic and change it to Manual.
Enter the following:
IP Address: Use the one you noted down
Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
Router: blank
Look Ma, no Router!
Tap Save at the top-right.
This effectively tells iOS: “Don’t use this network for internet.”
4. Verify Your Changes
Once saved, iOS will remember these settings for future connections to this network.
If you ever run into network issues later, you can follow the steps above and switch Configure IP back to Automatic.
iPad wifi network settings showing no router
If in the future things stop working, follow the steps above and change the "Configure IP" back to "Automatic".