Weak Security WiFi on iPhone

Ultimately, while this article is pretty good, the proposed fix didn’t work. After seeing the “Weak Security” message on my iPhone 11, followed the instructions here to access my Netgear router local UI (all good) and was poised to change the protocol; however, WPA2 is already the current setting. Sheesh. Not helpful.

We have 2 iPhones 1x 8 and 1x 11 both running iOS 14 and we have the weak security warning and wifi keeps dropping off them. My mini iPad is still running iOS 12.4 and is fine. My PlayStation connects fine too. I spent a torturous hour last night chatting to my broadband supplier who checked line etc to no avail! I’ve checked my wifi setting on router and they seem to be on correct security with a totally random mix of letters, numbers & characters for password. Logic tells me now, after reading this thread that it has to be the phones iOS ????

Again just for comment, I am using TalkTalk with WPA2/AES and have the same weak security issues but only since updating to 14.0 onwards. Apple assistance say it is a provider issue but did refer me to this forum. I honestly believe it is an Apple issue and not my network provider. The problem has even prevented me from connecting to some websites so I hope they admit it their problem and get it sorted soon.

Until this is sorted out, people comment it isn't an ios problem or bug. But all indications point to that it is. And as far as the problem being the router, i'm amazed how that can even be considered when it's highly unlikely everyone has a same router or is it possibly a coincidence that the issue happened when everyone updated to ios 14. Well, if it is, all the providers better get on the ball and keep up to meet Apples upgrades. ( yes, that was oozing with sarcasm) :). I'm with you TurningJohn. Frustrating though, isn't it? That nobody from Apple will fess up.

This is yet another arrogant response.

The WiFi network I’m trying to use is not “mine” to fix. SO, I am forced to join a TOTALLY unsecure “Public Network” instead of having a chance at privacy with my friend’s network. Please inform me, but DO NOT PREVENT ME. This is big government at its finest.

I have the exact same issue. I live on a military base and we have a public network you log in to. I don’t have access to a router, nor can the routers be updated. This means I currently cannot use my wifi at all on my phone which is ridiculous. I’m happy this network is secure enough to use for what I need so just allow me to use it. I don’t think Apple should interfere in such a manor especially without me being able to change my end. Wish I could revert to the old IOS. If anyone finds a way around this stupid security please let me know!

I’m registered with the Blind and I vision foundation of New Zealand because I have very limited site I’m almost completely legally blind. I’m currently using voice typing on an iPad to send you this using mobile data because my my tablet and all of the other devices that I’ve got have been playing up since this error occurred. None of the smart devices which are controlled with my iPad are working properly and it is affecting every aspect of my life. The only thing that seems to be working properly is my Amazon Alexa but even then I am having connection problems when it comes to controlling my Smart home. I live in New Zealand and I don’t think we have WP a three my modem is WPA3 there’s not even an option on my router meaning I cannot change but at the same time for some reason it is affecting every single device I control normally through my iPad. I keep getting a network error cannot connect then I go into the Wi-Fi settings and it says to me which security. To make matters worse we are on a long weekend here because it is Waitangi weekend meaning that I will be without all of my smart home devices until Tuesday and it’s only Friday evening. Ironically I chose Apple because of the Blind Foundation recommendations, they are meant to have the best accessibility options for people with limited or no site.

The printer network was set up connecting the Mac and printer with a password. It is only turned on when I print. We have a wifi booster. I do not use wifi on my iMac for anything other than printer. It has cable connection. No other equipment using wifi shows any warning signal at all.

Lawrence, I am not sure what you mean. Reconnect what?

My iMac does not have a panel like the first screenshot with Forget the network.

My printer is connected with WPA2/WPA3 Personal but my 2G and 5G are WPA/WPA2 Personal Networks. This morning, Virgin Media told me my updated Hub is safe; and a page on its Broadband Forum says the same. https://community.virginmedia.com/t5/Networking-and-WiFi/iOS-14-Weak-Security/td-p/4410050. As I have said, my iPhone is happy and shows no security warning; so this adds to the confusion.

I will open the Hub again tomorrow and see if there are other options. If not, I will either have to buy a new hub or live with what I have. I will need to assess the risk and make a decision. I have no idea how likely it is for my network to be hacked and the implications if it was. I have firewalls, virus scanners, tough passwords and now this! It's tough for a non-techie to understand and assess.

Thanks for all the replies. They have educated me.

I have today checked my Hub settings. It shows security on both 2G and 5G using WPA2-PSK[AES]. This contrasts with the iMac which falsely says they are both using WPA/WPA2 Personal and hence shows a warning.

My iPhone has shown no warning since I updated the security settings yesterday because no warning is now not necessary. The false warning on the iMac remains. I do not know how to remove it; but I will stop worrying about it, as Virgin Media suggested.

Does any one know how to remove this false information from iMac settings and stop the false warning?

Thank you but I am not sure why that would solve the problem. In all my years with Virgin Media, I have never had to renew DHCP Lease. I tried your suggestion anyway on my 2 iMacs and it made no difference to the security data shown alongside my networks in their respective System Preferences. I think iMac is unable to update the data.

My new iMac also suggests my printer has no internet connection - and then prints normally. I was worried about network security but I now believe it is false messaging.

Thanks for the information. I read about renewing leases and must have misunderstood what it was saying. If the iMacs did make a fresh connection, they were unable to update their records to the new information that is now within the router. This contrast with my iPhone which dropped the security warning immediately after I updated the router.

So, the router is updated; the iPhone has recognised the new data and is satisfied; no other equipment [non-Apple mobile phone or laptop] has signalled weak security; Virgin Media says the network is safe. I don't know why the iMacs have not updated their information but since there is only one network I am using, I think it is safe and the iMacs are giving false signals.

Unless I want to get into solutions that are outside my comfort zone, I may have to live with that.

Second Update: I usually use a cable connection rather than wifi but I have just been experimenting with wifi. The weak security warning usually appears when I switch on wifi; but not always. I have just turned wifi off and on mid-typing and again, no weak security warning! There's no change in the security settings for the network.

I think iMac is playing games. Time for a coffee and change of scenery!

Understood.

I had a long conversation with the Apple team and even if the diagnostic test showed that "everything was fine, no hardware problems" the phone still drops connectivity and it does it everywhere not only at home so i thought that might be the case. They will replace the device and will see if that fixes it.

I still have my 12Pro sealed because of this and this WIFI issues which is a common problem as far as i can see.

Thanks Lauren for the fast reply.

I have never discovered why I still get the message on my new Mac with Big Sur. Apple Support suggested a number of solutions that did not work and one that was too complicated for me to try. There is definitely an inconsistency between my iPhone and Mac.