Mac Wi-Fi joins unexpectedly after security warning

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Mac Wi-Fi joins unexpectedly after security warning

A few strange things occurred on my Mac this morning which I thought might be corrected by restarting both Mac and WiFi. After restarting, I received the following message:

“Network” was previously joined as WPA2/WPA3 Personal, not Open.

Are you sure you want to join this network?

I clicked Cancel so that I could take time to figure out why this message occurred, but the Mac joined the WiFi network anyway.

I turned the network off and called my network provider to ask if they could see anything strange and they found nothing.

Does anyone have feedback on how to check my network security settings and why this message occurred?

Posted on Jul 28, 2026 7:57 AM

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Answer 1

Jul 28, 2026 8:05 AM in response to DWJ123

When it is connected to the Network, hold the Option key and click the WiFi icon in the menu bar. Under Security, it will show the protocol used for the connection. Also view your WiFi list at  > System Settings > WiFi, and make sure there is a lock icon next to the Network. Are there duplicate networks with the same name where one of them may be showing without a Lock icon?

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Answer 2

Jul 28, 2026 9:54 AM in response to DWJ123

The WPA3 protocol must be set up on the router where you are making the connection. One of the options on the router may be WPA2/WPA3 Transitional where a compatible Mac will automatically connect use the WPA3 protocol while still allowing older devices to connect to that network using WPA2. All Mac models after 2013 support WPA3.

Recommended settings for Wi-Fi routers and access points - Apple Support

It is unknown why you would have received that Open message. If it just happened that one time, I would chalk it up to a glitch and restart the router/device.

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