Solution iPhone iOS14 recognizing the range extender wireless network as "weak security"
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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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What should I do if Internet speed becomes slow via Range Extender?
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@The_Highlander
I did that before. There is no publicly available update.
The latest and the one firmware publicly available on site is RE455(EU)_V1_191209 Rel. 52814
The firmware I have on my RE is 1.0.0 Build 20191209 Rel. 52814
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re350v1 same problem. maybe any beta firmware available? because security is weak , iphone doesn't automatic connect
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@mustafaicil response from TP-link was firmware update for R450. Is there one for the R650?
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2022/06 Update
'Weak security ' has been fixed for many RE models on the latest firmware ( mostly are fixed on 202009XX firmware or later firmware) , make sure RE's firmware is up-to-date first
Fixed on official Firmware :
Note: factory reset your range extender and reinstall it after you install the latest firmware for your range extender.
Reset: with RE powered on ,use a pin to press the reset hole until all the LEDs flash once.
- RE200 _V2_ Build20191016 released in July 2022
- RE450_ V1_Build 210129 released in July 2022
- RE455_V1_Build210224 released in July 2022
- RE650_V1_200922 and later firmware released in 2020
- RE450_V2_210301 and later firmware released in 2021
- RE450_ V3 _201203 and later firmware released in 2021
- etc.
- For other models, go to TP-Link Download Center to download the latest firmware for your model: (select hardware version first before download corresponding latest firmware )
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Hi, here is the beta firmware for RE455 v1 to fix the weak security issue.
Please have a try and let us know whether the issue could be fixed;
https://static.tp-link.com/beta/2021/202102/20210226/RE455v1_210224.zip
Thank you very much.
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TP-Link wrote
Hi, here is the beta firmware for RE455 v1 to fix the weak security issue.
Please have a try and let us know whether the issue could be fixed;
https://static.tp-link.com/beta/2021/202102/20210226/RE455v1_210224.zip
Thank you very much.
@TP-Link Hi. I've installed this beta, and it seems to have solved the problem for me. Initially, after the reboot, my iPad still showed "weak security", so I had to go to the RE455's settings, choose Wireless, Connect to Network, and click on the "Wireless Scanner" button, choosing my host's network and entering the password again. That seemed to do it.
I've only been using it for less than an hour, so let's see if it doesn't cause other problems. :) But it looks good, so far. Thanks!
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@TP-Link it is good to see at least some progress with new betas to fix the issue, BUT:
what about a (beta) firmware update for RE305 v1 (EU)? do you have an ETA for a release date?
I don't want to throw away a properly working hardware and have to do a new investment.
Thanks
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@TP-Link I have a tl-wa850re v5.0 and struggling with the weak security problem could you send a update please!
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