Solution iPhone iOS14 recognizing the range extender wireless network as "weak security"
Problem phenomenon:
If you have since updated your iPhone you may see the range extender’s Wi-Fi shown as having weak security. This is due to the range extender supporting the mixed WPA/WPA2 (AES/TKIP) by default for compatibility purposes. The iPhone now recognizes WPA as a weak security type. This may also be the same with other security suites with a similar notification.
Why range extender network is displayed as “Weak Security”?
A range extender is essentially a device that connects to an existing Wi-Fi hotspot and repeats the signal, so generally, it will generate the wireless security of the host Wi-Fi hotspot. While the default wireless security of the TP-Link range extender itself was auto, it supports WPA2+AES, as well as older WPA+TKIP for compatibility with older devices. Even though your iOS device recognizes the range extender network as weak security, it connects to the network with the stronger WPA2+AES by default, so there won’t be any security concerns upon to this point.
Troubleshooting : What to do if IOS devices shows ' weak security'?
Steps 1
Make sure main router is on WPA2-PSK (AES) and IOS devices does not show' weak security' when connected to main router
Here is a related guide to check security type on router:
Why my iOS14 warning weak security when I connect to TP-Link Wi-Fi
Step 2
Confirm Range extender is on the latest firmware :
Download the latest firmware for range extender from tp-link Download Center or make sure firmware is up-to-date on TP-Link Tether APP.
(select hardware version first before download the corresponding latest firmware)
Step 3
Restore the range extender to the factory default settings and re-associate the host Wi-Fi through the web page Quick Setup Guidance is as below:
https://www.tp-link.com/support/faq/2485/
RESET: with RE powered on, use a pin to push the reset hole until all the LEDs flash once
Note: if you use Tether app to install Range extender, update Tether app in Google Play or APP store first before set up.
If the above does not fix the problem, please report back with some information to help locate the issue:
1. Model of router & a photo of the wireless security settings on router
2. firmware and hardware version of range extender, better to attach a photo showing weak security
3. do you use Web or Tether to set up the extender
Note:
If some of your devices cannot connect to the whole Wi-Fi network after these modifications, you may need to change the wireless security back.
Let the community know if you have any further inquiries, thanks a lot~
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Hey @STANJAV , May I know did you try the factory reset on the range extender and set up from sratch after update the beta
RESET: with RE powered on, use a pin to push the reset hole until all the LEDs flash once
If yes, can you help confirm some information to help locate the issue, thank you.
1. Model of router & a photo of the wireless security settings on router
2. firmware and hardware version of range extender, better to attach a photo showing weak security
3. do you use Web or Tether to set up the extender (if you use Tether app to install Range extender, update Tether app in Google Play or APP store first before set up. )
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@Solla-topee Thank you.
it worked. I did a reset and reconfigured it. My 5GHz network can be discovered on manual channel 48 and it no longer show weak security now.
Many thanks!!
Do you know if there is an issue for RE 200 V2 unable to locate 5GHz if channel is set to Auto?
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@Solla-topee pls fix re350 v1
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Good day@xplodzs As RE350 V1 model is a bit old, its beta evaluation would take longer, we would record your suggestion for team further evaluation. Thank you for your feedback!
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Hi @Solla-topee @TP-Link, I have an RE200 with hardware version v3.0, with the latest published firmware (1.1.3 Build 20210128 Rel. 60944(8583)) and still see the "weak security" warning when connecting to the repeater's network on the latest iOS (15.0.2).
I've read through a bunch of posts here but it's still unclear whether there is an official or beta firmware that fixes this. If there is, could you please direct me to it? Are there any other steps I need to take to get rid of the warning?
Thanks in advance for your help!
Jared
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I will answer together as you have similar questions. RE315 V1 Firmware 1.0.7 Build 210705 OR RE200 1.1.3 Build 20210128 uses 2021 new firmware and should not have the weak security issue if router wireless security is set up properly. (Most models are fixed on Sept,2020)
Please confirm router is using WPA2-PSK(AES) first, later factory reset extender and reinstall the extender.
RESET: With the extender powered on, use a pin to press the RESET button until most Leds flash once.
If you use tether app for set up, update Tether APP to the latest version.
If the concern persists, can I know the model of router, a photo of security mode on router, a photo of weak security error. Thank you.
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@Solla-topee any news?
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Just to confirm: the V2 Beta version is for all countries. I am in Japan (JP) and it applies? Thanks.
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Hello @dcontp The beta also works for (JP)version RE200 V2, but the UI is of English. If you do not mind English UI, you could update the beta and factory reset the extender and reinstall it.
RESET: with RE powered on, use a pin to push reset hole until all the Leds flash once.
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