Can't reconnect to hidden WPA2 network

Changed my network from hidden SSID to broadcast. Lost the network again about three days later, refuses to reconnect. This time iPod (2gen, 3.0) was up and running, shut it off, turned it back on 5 minutes later, no network. Thought it might've been Comcast (again) but computer is online. Still trying to coax the iPod.....

I seem to have resolved the issue on my iPhone.

Reset network settings.
Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings.

I have associated with a large number of AP's and suspect this may have caused the issue. The down side to resetting your network settings is that it also erases all VPN settings 😟

After reset, joined my home wifi network (Cisco 802.11g and Airport Express 802.11n, SSID not hidden and WPA2 with MAC filtering) and re-added my Cisco VPN, no issues. Arrived at work manually added the hidden SSID network on WPA2, disabled and enabled wifi, no issues!!!

Thanks! But..... not workin' here..... enter password, join, cannot connect, dismiss, repeat. I'll try syncing it with its mother and see what happens. Doesn't want to reconnect this time.

Appears to be the router - notebook won't connect, either! Oops. Time to lose WPA2. And/or reset router. D'oh!

One more here with the same problem.

My wife and I both have iPhone 3G phones with the 3.0 OS installed. Thus far, my wireless network has been configured with a broadcast SSID, 128 bit WEP, and MAC filtering. I've had no problems at all with this configuration. Today, however, in an effort to tighten things up a little bit, I have switched over to WPA-TKIP and a hidden SSID and now am experiencing the same problems as everyone else in this thread.

I can plug in my SSID and pass phrase and my iPhone connects fine. However, when I come back to it several minutes later (after it has gone back to sleep) it has "forgotten" my network. If I go back to broadcasting my SSID, everything is fine again.

Yes, the simple answer (in my case since it is my home network) is to just broadcast my SSID. Yes, it isn't much of a security measure. But I do disagree with the notion that it makes no difference at all. My neighbor also broadcasts his SSID, making his network a little lower hanging fruit for the wannabes and script kiddies out there. I would much rather HIS network get hacked than mine.

So, for now, I'll run with a visisble SSID. But I'm also casting my vote for Apple to provide a fix for this problem in the iPhone OS.



iPhone 3G / OS 3.0

Belkin Wireless Router Model # F5D7230-4
Firmware Version 4.03.03
MAC Fitering enabled
WPA-PSK (TKIP)

Howard,

When you go back through the Other network route, you have to tell it the security method and re-enter your password. You should not have to do this for each network.

In between all of this 3.0 craziness, I found an app (mac and pc) that Apple has written to allow you or an administrator, create login certificates for iPhones and iPod touches - iPhone Configuration Utility is that name of the app. In effect what this does is write the script to log you onto a network that uses advanced security or requires VPN logins.

Steve,

Hiding your network name does not make it harder to detect your network. You can install WiFiTrak ($0.99, App store) on your iPhone and see every network around you, in range, that is broadcasting in b/g mode on 2.4 Ghz. Your network is visible with or without a name. Your biggest deterrent to hacking is strong encryption and firewalls.

Yes, I am aware of this and I am familiar with the tools. Point being that the average joe shmo doesn't need to know about my network. And it certainly is a valid point that it is often corporate POLICY to not broadcast one's SSID in which case this bug could render my phone extremely frustrating to use. I was just tossing my vote in to get the issue fixed.

But I appreciate your concern.

Thanks,
Steve

I am having the same issue with a NetGear WAP with WPA2 security and set to not broadcast SSID. I have upgraded the Touch to OS 3.0 but the issue remains. Another data point - my MacBook Pro reconnects to the same WAP without issue.

Yes, it's still in progress with Apple.
I have not heard back in the last week, so I assume it's a tough one.
Logs have been submitted, and they ARE working on it.

Scott

A A P L wrote:
I need:

What firmware version do you have on your Airport Extreme? (if applicable)
What channel is it set to, and what network types (b/g/n, g/n, etc.).

I found this thread last night and got some things i'm interested in trying.

2g IPod Touch running 2.2.1, refurb that i bought about 3 weeks ago.

My current network config is:

500GB Time Casule (v1) running 7.4.2, b/g/n mixed, hidden SSID, WPA2, being extended by a....

Extreme Base Station (v1), running 7.4.1

The Touch appeared to only stay connected for a decent amount of time while plugged in next to my bed overnight. However, last night it was NOT plugged in and still stay connected in the same spot on the bed.

My dropouts are happening when i'm in the same room as the TC, from 3-15 feet away. I"ve reset the network settings until i'm blue in the face, then figured out i just had to type it all in again.

I was however having issues with the same Touch staying connected to a hardwired (to the Extreme) Mini sharing its connection. This was when i was running an exclusive N network between the 2 units. Since that solution wasn't acceptable, i ripped it apart and re-created it in the current b/g/n mode.

I skimmed enough to know that there appears to be issues with extended networks, so i'm going to go unplug the Extreme and see how it goes from there.

I'm not really able to run without the hidden SSID for a long period of time - it's a personal household issue i'd rather not discuss here because i don't need more stuff thrown at me in court. That cover it? LOL!

I've been reluctant to upgrade to 3.0 and frankly, don't really have the $10 to throw at the problem to see if it will fix it, see above personal reason, AND, provided i get reimbursed for some household expenses, i'll be updating to a new unit in Sept and this one will be passed to the kids and they won't be using WIFI anyway.

But back to 3.0, my main reluctance stems from the reports of poor wifi and really, i don't need it worse.

So i'll deal with it for now, after trying a few things, but wanted to share more info on another unit incase anyone was still talking to Apple about it.

I'll also submit a bug/ticket on it after i test, and/or also log a call so that it's there. I'm not really going to be happy if the "bug fix" is to spend $10 on something that i'm not 100% thinking I should have to buy since i bought mine after it was out anyway....

But thanks for all the info and allowing me to see i'm not alone.

Tracey

It happens the same to me. My iPhone 3GS, once goes to sleep, forgets about the WPA2 hidden wireless connection of my office and I have to connect manually every time.

Hey guys, new user here. I bought the 32GB Itouch 1 week ago and updated all the software, (currently using 3.1.2.) but I'm having the same issue. It will not connect to my home network unless I manually configure it. (Linksys router, hidden SSID, NO encryption, MAC filtering) It happens after it goes to sleep, when I come home from work.... heck, it'll drop it while I'm surfing with safari and I'll have to re-enter the SSID. As mentioned previously, I've turned off the security, so I know that isn't the issue. If I turn on SSID, it pops right up and connects with no issues. From as far as I can see, it doesn't like hidden SSID's. I already submitted a feedback form that was linked by AAPL (thanks!). Is there an app that I can download that will make it detect my network automatically? My wife and I both have mac laptops, and they have no issues connecting to the network automatically. Any help would be greatly appreciated.