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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EDIT - I think I figured out the issue, I disabled WPA3 and I'm no longer getting the weak security warning. I guess it must be an issue with mixed mode and my router causing the issue.
I'm having this issue with my RE300 V2. I confirmed the settings on my main router are using only WPA2 and my iPhone doesn't display weak security settings when I connect to it. Can this be fixed in a firmware update please?
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Hello @Baggins111
Thank you for the feedback,can I know the model of your router and what is security type e.g. WPA3/WPA2 mixed?
Did you notice what is security type of the range extender when router is on WPA3?
To use WPA3, here are TP-Link range extender TP-Link WPA3 Devices which have WPA3 capability.
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Hello,
I have the RE200 V2 and I downloaded and installed the latest firmware (RE200_V2_221012). I also factory resetted my extender after installing the latest firmware but I still get the weak security notice.
Can you please help?
Thanks
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Hi @fernandog
Thank you for reaching out. Can you Start a New Thread so other moderators can take a closer look at your case, thank you
Please confirm router's Wi-Fi security setting is on WPA/WPA2-PSK (AES) and you can share a photo of the Wireless setting of router in the new thread, that would be helpful, thankyou!
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hello,
regarding TL-WA850RE v2.0 - OSX Big Sur shows "Weak Security" :
- how do i disable TKIP/Mixed-Mode for TL-WA850RE v2.0 ?
OR
- how can i get rid of the "weak security messages in iOS and OSX ?
OR
- how can i verify that my iphone/macbook is connecting securely via AES and not TKIP (to be sure that i can tell everyone that he is safe and can ignore this message) ?
thank you!
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After trying so many things eventually got rid of the issue by restarting the Wi-Fi router and your iPhone before you connect to the Wi-Fi.
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