Recently, our Support reps have noticed a recurring issue with netBlazr customers making use of devices that are running iOS 14. While this issue is related to your router’s settings and not netBlazr’s network, we wanted to provide written detailed instructions on how to solve this issue.
What’s going on?
Many iPhone users with iOS 14 and above have been reporting an error message stating that they have “Weak Security” underneath your Wi-Fi Network.
This message is notifying you that your Wi-Fi encryption security is weaker than desirable. iOS is most likely sending you this message as your network security settings are not set to WPA2 (AES) or WPA3.
Continue reading below and we will walk you through how to resolve this error message.
How do I know that this is the error message I’m receiving?
Check your Settings > Wi-Fi and then click the info symbol (i) next to the Wi-Fi connection with the weak security. You should see a message that will look like this:
What can I do?
The message that is appearing on your devices is prompting you to make the switch to WPA2 (AES) or WPA3 if it is available. In order to make your Wi-Fi more secure, you will need to change your router’s settings.
Before attempting to resolve your error message: you’ll need to ensure that your devices have the latest software updates, which you can check in your device settings. You’ll also need to ensure that your router has had the latest firmware update. You can check this by navigating to your router manufacturer’s website, and searching for your model.
Follow these steps to resolve your error message.
- Make sure your devices have the latest software updates.
- Log into your router by typing your router’s IP address into your browser’s URL/Search bar. Some router manufacturers (such a TP-Link) may allow you to log in to your router through an app or dedicated website.
- Install the latest firmware updates for your router.
- Look for the Security/Encryption settings on your router and make the change to WPA3. You may need to make this change on each your SSID’s (both the 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz bands).
You may need to forget the network on your device after changing your router’s settings to be sure your device will use the new settings when re-joining the network.
While you’re logged into your router, we recommend assessing the following security settings further in order to ensure your network is protected. These steps should help both iOS and Android software users.
- Set a strong password to join the network.
- Choose WPA2 (AES). This will provide for the widest compatibility with both current and legacy devices whilst ensuring that your connection between your router and devices is secure.
- WPA3 (or WPA2/WPA3 mixed) is also a suitable option, however keep in mind that the WPA3 standard was only introduced in 2018, and didn’t become a required feature on wifi certified devices until July 2020. If your devices are older than this they will likely not be able to connect to a WPA3 or WPA2/WPA3 mixed network.
- Don’t use “None”, “Open” or “Unsecured” for your security settings. Even for a guest network this could make your network vulnerable.
If you’re having trouble logging into your router, or making the above suggested changes, we recommend calling technical support for the manufacturer of your router.