iPad Wi-Fi, message "Hidden network with weak security", then Wi-Fi keeps dropping out, connects then disconnects. Wife's iPad has weak security message but does not disconnect? - help !
iPad Pro, iPadOS 16
A hidden WiFi network is configured from the WiFi Router that provides the WiFi network. To change the visibility of your WiFi network, you’ll need to access your WiFi Routers administration page - and make changes to the configuration.
You will need to consult your Router’s User Guide - or if provided by your Internet Service Provider (ISP), you should be able to find the necessary information from the ISPs support resources.
A hidden network attempts to hide the network name that is broadcast by the WiFi Router - making casual network discovery more difficult. Ironically, for technical reasons beyond the scope of this post, this feature actually weakens security - and engenders a false sense of security. The network name can be easily discovered using readily available network tools.
If you are concerned about iPad warnings concerning weak security, or other elements of your WiFi setup, your WiFi network may benefit from update in either settings or improved hardware...
Since release of iPadOS, your iPad is now better able to [warn] bring to your attention potential security deficiencies of your WiFi network and iPad settings.
This support page will describe the more secure (recommended) settings for WiFi:
Recommended settings for Wi-Fi routers and access points – Apple Support
It is possible that your WiFi Router is too old to be (or not capable of being) configured for more secure settings. As such, you can either configure the most secure settings that your Router will support - or replace your Router with something more advanced that provides better security configuration options.
Whilst WPA3 is the newest standard, you should aim to use WPA2 (AES-PSK) as a minimum. Some Routers seemingly continue to support the insecure/deprecated TKIP standards - even when apparently configured for WPA2 operation; TKIP will definitely cause a security warning to appear. Be aware that if you are using a WiFi network extender, these may continue to use weaker security standards - and continue to trigger a warning.
There is a also new privacy feature included within iOS/iPadOS14 and later that hides your unique physical MAC Address - and instead uses a randomly selected Private MAC Address. This feature can be enabled/disabled on your iPhone/iPad for each configured WiFi Network. This feature also has bearing upon the appearance of the Weak Security notifications.
More information about this new feature can be found here:
Use private Wi-Fi addresses in iOS 14, iPadOS 14 and watchOS 7 – Apple Support
If you are unable to employ more secure security settings on your WiFi network, you might consider replacement of your WiFi network equipment, such as your WiFi Router, with more advanced equipment. However, if the router is provided by your ISP, this may not be practical proposition. A potentially cheaper and more flexible approach might be to add an additional upstream WiFi Router, of WiFi Access Point (AP) that meets the required standards.
I hope this information provides some helpful insight into ways to resolve the WiFi Security warnings that you may observe.
A hidden WiFi network is configured from the WiFi Router that provides the WiFi network. To change the visibility of your WiFi network, you’ll need to access your WiFi Routers administration page - and make changes to the configuration.
You will need to consult your Router’s User Guide - or if provided by your Internet Service Provider (ISP), you should be able to find the necessary information from the ISPs support resources.
A hidden network attempts to hide the network name that is broadcast by the WiFi Router - making casual network discovery more difficult. Ironically, for technical reasons beyond the scope of this post, this feature actually weakens security - and engenders a false sense of security. The network name can be easily discovered using readily available network tools.
If you are concerned about iPad warnings concerning weak security, or other elements of your WiFi setup, your WiFi network may benefit from update in either settings or improved hardware...
Since release of iPadOS, your iPad is now better able to [warn] bring to your attention potential security deficiencies of your WiFi network and iPad settings.
This support page will describe the more secure (recommended) settings for WiFi:
Recommended settings for Wi-Fi routers and access points – Apple Support
It is possible that your WiFi Router is too old to be (or not capable of being) configured for more secure settings. As such, you can either configure the most secure settings that your Router will support - or replace your Router with something more advanced that provides better security configuration options.
Whilst WPA3 is the newest standard, you should aim to use WPA2 (AES-PSK) as a minimum. Some Routers seemingly continue to support the insecure/deprecated TKIP standards - even when apparently configured for WPA2 operation; TKIP will definitely cause a security warning to appear. Be aware that if you are using a WiFi network extender, these may continue to use weaker security standards - and continue to trigger a warning.
There is a also new privacy feature included within iOS/iPadOS14 and later that hides your unique physical MAC Address - and instead uses a randomly selected Private MAC Address. This feature can be enabled/disabled on your iPhone/iPad for each configured WiFi Network. This feature also has bearing upon the appearance of the Weak Security notifications.
More information about this new feature can be found here:
Use private Wi-Fi addresses in iOS 14, iPadOS 14 and watchOS 7 – Apple Support
If you are unable to employ more secure security settings on your WiFi network, you might consider replacement of your WiFi network equipment, such as your WiFi Router, with more advanced equipment. However, if the router is provided by your ISP, this may not be practical proposition. A potentially cheaper and more flexible approach might be to add an additional upstream WiFi Router, of WiFi Access Point (AP) that meets the required standards.
I hope this information provides some helpful insight into ways to resolve the WiFi Security warnings that you may observe.
IPAD WI-FI Message comes up "Hidden Network with weak security" then wi-fi disconnects repeatedly - Help !
