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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TP-Link Range Extender Setup (Range Extender Mode)
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Unable to Connect to WiFi Extender or Saying Incorrect Password
What should I do if Internet speed becomes slow via Range Extender?
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If someone have the same problem with RE200 v4:
0) Make sure that your router uses WPA/WPA2 with AES (not auto mode)
1) Upgrade firmware to the latest one on your extender
2) Disconnect from your router network the extender and disable the connection
3) Search for the wi-fi again and then reconnect to your network
4) Reconnect your iPhone to the network
It helped in my case :)
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@Solla-topee I have a RE650 and have the same problem, ios 14 recognizes the range extender as weak security. PLEASE SOLVE THIS PROBLEM, IT TAKES LONG TO SOLVE THIS PROBLEM !!! THIS IS THE WORST SUPPORT I HAVE EVER KNOWN FROM A COMPANY! I bought this a month ago to expand my Wi-Fi, and I already regret spending 80 € for something I can't use in terms of security, this is totally unacceptable.
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I have a TL-WA860RE v6 with the latest firmware (TL-WA860RE(EU)_V6_201102) connected wirelessly to a Deco M4. The Deco is set to WPA2-PSK (AES) only.
If my iPad with iOS14.2 is connected to the Deco, no warning. If I connect to the 860, a warning is shown stating it's using TKIP.
EDIT:
Looks like I solved it by setting it back to factory defaults and configuring it again using the URL http://tplinkrepeater.net instead of using the Tether application.
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saisrujan wrote
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.
@Solla-topee and @TP-Link We are celebrating 3 weeks of no action from you on a firmware that you said is on the way. Also, it was originally on Oct 14 that you mentioned in the other thread that a firmware for RE450 v3 will be released and it has been close to 7 weeks and still there's no firmware update. You and your company just don't care, do you?
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@Solla-topee I have RE200 V4, changed my main Internet provider router to work only with WPA2 + AES. Confirmed my RE200 V4 has latest firmware, Reset my RE200 V4 to factory settings and reconfigured as an extender as per your directions.
iOS14 devices still shows the extended Wifi network as weak security. But my main Internet provider router does not show weak security when I connect directly to its WiFi
Is there going to be a firmaware fix for this? If so can I get access to the beta firmware for RE200 V4 to fix this?
Terry
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@Tailspin where can i find this firmware update(11/2020)? The latest update i can find for the RE650 is from 30/05/2019 version RE650(EU)_V1_190521.
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saisrujan wrote
saisrujan wrote
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.
@Solla-topee and @TP-Link We are celebrating 3 weeks of no action from you on a firmware that you said is on the way. Also, it was originally on Oct 14 that you mentioned in the other thread that a firmware for RE450 v3 will be released and it has been close to 7 weeks and still there's no firmware update. You and your company just don't care, do you?
@Solla-topee and @TP-Link CONGRATULATIONS! it has been one whole month since you stated that a firmware upgrade is on the way. I regret trusting you on this, because I didn't realize you don't deserve any trust. It has already been absolutely clear that you didn't care for your customer's wifi security. Customers spend their hard-earned money trusting you to deliver a fast, stable and secure wi-fi and in turn, all they get an insecure network and an abysmally pathetic customer service, backed by a company that lacks eithics and empathy.
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Hi,
We are still waiting for the new firmware (RE450 V3).
This security breach is not acceptable and is taking too long to be fixed.
When will the new firmware be released ??
Thank you
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