Overview:
By default, iOS devices prioritize internet traffic through Wi-Fi or Ethernet connections. When connected to a print server that doesn’t have internet, your device may lose access to online services—making live galleries, uploads, and other cloud-based features stop working.
The good news? There's a workaround!
You can manually configure your iPad or iPhone so that it continues using your mobile data or another network for internet access—while still printing through the local Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection.
Table of Contents:
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Option 1: Manually Configure Wi-Fi to Bypass Internet (wireless connection with cellular)
Connect to the AirCast Pro or WCM Wi-Fi
Open Settings > Wi-Fi and connect to the Wi-Fi network associated with your print server.Disable "Auto-Join" (Optional but Recommended)
Tap the info (ℹ️) button next to the network and toggle Auto-Join off to prevent your device from reconnecting automatically in the future when internet isn’t needed.
Set IP Settings Manually
On the same info screen:Tap Configure IP > Manual
Enter the following:
IP Address:
192.168.5.201(or whatever static IP works with your print server)Subnet Mask:
255.255.255.0Router: Leave this blank
🔥 Pro Tip: Leaving the router field empty tells iOS not to use this Wi-Fi for internet access.
Save and Exit
Your iPad/iPhone will now communicate with the print server, but fallback to your cellular or other connected network for internet.
Option 2: Use Ethernet via USB Adapter (for USB Print Servers)
If you're using an Ethernet adapter to connect to a print server:
Connect Adapter to iPad/iPhone
Plug in your Ethernet-to-Lightning or USB-C adapter and connect to your print server via Ethernet.Open Settings > Ethernet
Once detected, your iPad will show the Ethernet option in Settings.Configure IP Settings Manually
Tap the Ethernet connection name
Choose Configure IP > Manual
Enter: (These are example IP's. Copy yours from what you see when you go there and then enter them in as Manual but leave Router blank)
IP Address: e.g.
192.168.3.10Subnet Mask:
255.255.255.0Router: Leave this blank
Continue Using Internet from Cellular or Wi-Fi
With no router address, your iPad will default to your internet-connected network for all online communication.
Why This Works
iOS automatically assumes any connected Wi-Fi or Ethernet network should be used for internet—unless you tell it otherwise. By removing the Router/Gateway, you're preventing the iPad from routing internet traffic through that connection. That means you get the best of both worlds:
✅ Local printing via the print server
✅ Internet access for uploads, live galleries, texting, and emails
Need Help?
If you're using Curator Live and want help getting this set up, feel free to reach out to our support team. We’re happy to walk you through the process or help troubleshoot your setup.