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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Unable to Connect to WiFi Extender or Saying Incorrect Password
What should I do if Internet speed becomes slow via Range Extender?
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Hello
I have VR600 AC2100 (V3) router and RE450 (V4) extender
both devices are on the latest firmware and I have the "weak security" issue when connected through the RE
I used Tether app to setup the extender
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@Karim-Souman I suggest you read the previous two pages of this thread that give descriptions of how to fix the issue.
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Hello @Karim-Souman
Thank you for the photo, may I know is that VR600 wireless security on tether app?
Try to factory reset the range extender as page 1 of this thread and set it up again
If you use tether to set it up, confirm Tether APP is up-to-date in APP store or Play store, then set up the extender again.
If still the same, can I know the model of the device which reports the error and its IOS version? What is the firmware version of your RE450 V4?
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Hi, I have a V1 RE450. From your post in 2020, it seems there is only a BETA firmware update to fix this "Weak Security on iPhone" issue. It seems to have been in BETA since January 2021. The latest official non-beta firmware driver in TP-Link website is from 2017. Is development still in going on for a non-beta firmware update to fix this for the V1 RE450 ?
Thank you.
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Hello @Rnz currently I do not see any new firmware for RE450 V1 coming out soon, the device firmware test stage could take long, you could use the beta for now.
For new firmware, it is recommended to keep an eye on the official website.
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I noticed that this discussion has been going on since last September or maybe even before then. I am greatful that I got some years of good use out of RE200 V1 over the last 5 years. But given the lack in priorities for a remedy for this product, I think I'm not waiting some future promised resolution. I will do some research into competiter's devices and seek one that works and is well liked.
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Hello @jhp635 A few old models' beta firmware is still under evaluation, we are monitoring similar feedback here for future consideration. Personally, I think it's not a bad idea to upgrade the range extender to a newer one, tp-link range extenders with newer hardware version supports syncing WPA2-AES wireless encryption. Hope you could find a suitable range extender soon.
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@Solla-topee The accepted solution post says that the RE650 V1 is fixed in the official firmware. However, that is not correct. The RE650 V1 latest official firmware on the download page is 201112, published 12/17/2020. It has not been updated.
I need the beta firmware for the RE650 V1 please.
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Hello @TripleArcher
RE650 V1 latest firmware released in 2020 -12 contained this fix, actually it fixed in the former firmware RE650(EU)_V1_200922.
If ios devices still reports weak security, try to change router security type to WPA/WPA2-AES , factory reset the extender and reinstall it like suggested on the page 1.
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@hugo11 for me, going to wireless security and changing Encryption to AES from Automatic did the trick.
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