Solution iPhone iOS14 recognizing the range extender wireless network as "weak security"
Problem phenomenon:
If you have since updated your iPhone you may see the range extender’s Wi-Fi shown as having weak security. This is due to the range extender supporting the mixed WPA/WPA2 (AES/TKIP) by default for compatibility purposes. The iPhone now recognizes WPA as a weak security type. This may also be the same with other security suites with a similar notification.
Why range extender network is displayed as “Weak Security”?
A range extender is essentially a device that connects to an existing Wi-Fi hotspot and repeats the signal, so generally, it will generate the wireless security of the host Wi-Fi hotspot. While the default wireless security of the TP-Link range extender itself was auto, it supports WPA2+AES, as well as older WPA+TKIP for compatibility with older devices. Even though your iOS device recognizes the range extender network as weak security, it connects to the network with the stronger WPA2+AES by default, so there won’t be any security concerns upon to this point.
Troubleshooting : What to do if IOS devices shows ' weak security'?
Steps 1
Make sure main router is on WPA2-PSK (AES) and IOS devices does not show' weak security' when connected to main router
Here is a related guide to check security type on router:
Why my iOS14 warning weak security when I connect to TP-Link Wi-Fi
Step 2
Confirm Range extender is on the latest firmware :
Download the latest firmware for range extender from tp-link Download Center or make sure firmware is up-to-date on TP-Link Tether APP.
(select hardware version first before download the corresponding latest firmware)
Step 3
Restore the range extender to the factory default settings and re-associate the host Wi-Fi through the web page Quick Setup Guidance is as below:
https://www.tp-link.com/support/faq/2485/
RESET: with RE powered on, use a pin to push the reset hole until all the LEDs flash once
Note: if you use Tether app to install Range extender, update Tether app in Google Play or APP store first before set up.
If the above does not fix the problem, please report back with some information to help locate the issue:
1. Model of router & a photo of the wireless security settings on router
2. firmware and hardware version of range extender, better to attach a photo showing weak security
3. do you use Web or Tether to set up the extender
Note:
If some of your devices cannot connect to the whole Wi-Fi network after these modifications, you may need to change the wireless security back.
Let the community know if you have any further inquiries, thanks a lot~
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Especially considering that this bug was there since the beginning and our networks have been exposed until we noticed the problem thanks to iOS update.
KR
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Solla-topee wrote
As for the RE450 v3, the official firmware is on the way but I am sincerely sorry that there is no ETA either.
But I promised the community would be the first to update the estimated time of arrival.
@Solla-topee You said that a firmware update is "on the way". It has been a week and there's no news about the firmware. "On the way" isn't meaningful anymore and we now need a clear commitment. We are unable to use the extender your company sold to us because it is faulty. Either give us a clear ETA for the fix immediately or facilitate a full refund for the money we paid for your faulty device.
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@Solla-topee Will the RE355 V1 receive a firmware update as well to resolve this issue?
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Hi, Tom.
RE200 V& V4 should not have this problem and please make sure you are on the latest firmware or flash the latest firmware again.
RE305 v3, did not have this issue either and please make sure that you are on the latest firmware.
Till now, RE200 V1 and V2,as well as RE355 V1, since they had been sold for quite a long time, the beta firmware might be on a lower priority than other models.
Thanks!
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I have installed the latest firmware few days ago and iOS still shows me an information about weak security when I am using the extender. On my normal Wi-Fi there are no such problems.
I have the following configuration:
Firmware: 1.0.7 Build 20200922 Rel. 39466(6985)
Hardware: RE200 v4.0
Also I do not see any option to change the encryption using in the extended network.
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@Solla-topee Im using RE450 latest firmware upgrade. Have applied your suggestions but still getting 'weak wifi' encryption. The extender management site doesn't provide an option to select an encryption type. Please add encryption type to the next firmware upgrade.
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@Solla-topee Do you have an ETA on when option to select encryption type will be added to the RE450 v2 management site?
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@SaturnV issue not fixed with RE450 v2 latest upgrade
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Good day.
Thanks a lot for your time and patience.
We would like to follow up on your case by email.
And please have a check of your message box.
Thank you very much.
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saisrujan wrote
Solla-topee wrote
As for the RE450 v3, the official firmware is on the way but I am sincerely sorry that there is no ETA either.
But I promised the community would be the first to update the estimated time of arrival.
@Solla-topee You said that a firmware update is "on the way". It has been a week and there's no news about the firmware. "On the way" isn't meaningful anymore and we now need a clear commitment. We are unable to use the extender your company sold to us because it is faulty. Either give us a clear ETA for the fix immediately or facilitate a full refund for the money we paid for your faulty device.
@Solla-topee and @TP-Link Another week has passed and the firmware for RE450 v3 is still "on the way". Your team stopped responding to us and it feels awful. We can't use the product unless you allow us to block TKIP on the extended network. Provide a fix ASAP.
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