Weak security Apple WiFi (Can it be fixed?)

Users have experienced a number of issues with iOS 14 regardless of whether they are using an iPhone or iPad like Weak security Apple WiFi messages. It is a bit concerning and most people assume that there is an issue with their network.

According to reports, iOS 13 has been the biggest update for Apple’s mobile devices since the original debut.

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Why Am I Seeing Weak WiFi Security in white on a vectorized image of a padlock with the ITBlogPros logo on it
Weak security Apple WiFi

Many people, however, report that they are unable to access their wireless network after updating and that their internet speed has slowed down.

Because the message is quite explicit, people feel that their security is now weak and that they are vulnerable, and naturally, this isn’t something you want to mess around with, as your personal information could be compromised.

The following article will outline the problem and provide instructions for fixing Weak Security WiFi on your own. It isn’t a big problem and you don’t need to worry about it, but you can follow our guide if you would like to understand it.

Could you please tell me why this is happening?

There is an error message displayed on the iPhone when it connects to Wi-Fi.

Messages like this are caused by weak Wi-Fi encryption settings. You are receiving this message if your network security settings do not include WPA2 (AES) or WPA3.

What are the problems with Weak Security WiFi?

The Weak Security message on your iPhone or iPad indicates that iOS cannot use WPA2 (AES) or WPA3 encryption to connect to the Wi-Fi network, which makes it more vulnerable to attacks. 

Due to Apple’s design, wireless networks with weak security are more vulnerable than standard Wi-Fi routers.

If you are using Virgin Media WiFi then the process is very similar to other providers. Follow these steps:

Step 1

Browse to 192.168.0.1 from your phone or computer when connected to your WiFi

Step 2

Log in with your administrator name and password. You can find this on the underside of your router, provided that you haven’t changed anything.

Step 3

After you have logged in, navigate to Advanced settings > Wireless 

> Security

Step 4

Click on the drop down and then select WPA2-PSK **

Step 5

Click on Apply to save your changes

What does Weak Security WiFi mean for me?

When Apple released iOS 13 they also upgraded their devices with Group FaceTime; however, Apple disabled group calls on some networks making them not compatible with iOS 13 and above.

The lack of compatibility between iOS 14 and weak security Wi-Fi can make device less functional because you will

Could you please tell me how to get rid of this weak WiFi security message?

If WPA2 (AES) or WPA3 is available on your router, changing the settings will be the fastest and easiest solution.

Apple considers these to be the minimum standards for WiFi security as these are more secure options.

Check your device settings to see if your devices have the latest software updates before attempting to resolve your error message.

It’s also important to make sure that your router has the latest firmware. You can find this information by searching for your router’s model on the website of your router manufacturer.

Here is a basic guide to follow to remove this annoying error message

  1. Make sure your WiFi router and other network devices have the latest software and firmware updates.
  2. By typing the IP address of your router into your browser’s address bar and search bar, you can access your router. Manufacturers of routers (such as TP-Link) may offer apps or dedicated websites for logging into them.
  3. Then change the WPA3 setting in the Security/Encryption section of your router. If you have more than one SSID (also on the 5GHz band), you may need to do this change on each of them.

After changing your router’s settings, you may need to forget the network on your device to ensure the new settings are used when you re-join the network.

Virgin Media Specific Solutions

After updating your iPhone to iOS 14, you may have noticed a message warning of ‘weak security’ on your WiFi connection if you have a Virgin Media Hub 3 or our WiFi Boosters. Your WiFi is still perfectly safe, so don’t worry about it. With every new product and software release, WiFi security standards are constantly being updated, and over time, stronger standards emerge.

In general, your WiFi security, or WiFi Booster, defaults to ‘WPA-PSK’ or ‘WPA2-PSK’. This message is generated by the older ‘WPA-PSK’ standard. Follow these steps to update your hub or booster’s security settings to WPA2-PSK if you would like to remove the message from your device:

Hub 3

  • Connect to your hub using 192.168.0.1
  • If you haven’t changed your password yet, you can enter your admin name and password on the hub.
  • Upon logging in, select Advanced settings  > Wireless > Security
  • If your 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks are separate, click on the dropdown next to Security and change it to WPA2-PSK.
  • When you hit save, the hub will refresh, and once it reconnects to WiFi, the message should disappear.

Wireless signal boosters

  • The Booster can be connected to your laptop using an Ethernet cable.
  • Visit http://virginmedia-vmp to login to the Booster. It is important to keep in mind that you cannot access this page until you have connected the Booster
  • Located on the back of the booster is the Settings Password.
  • When you are logged in, select Wireless settings > Security
  • Under 2.4GHz, check the wireless security settings
  • The ‘Security’ option must be set to ‘WPA2-PSK’ if it isn’t already (note: you must set this for both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks if they are separated).
  • When you’re finished, click Accept Changes

Make sure you have the right settings

Please take a moment to review the following security settings in your router while you’re logged in to make sure your network is safe. The following steps should be helpful both for iOS and Android users.

  • Make sure your password is strong before joining the network.
  • You should choose WPA2 (AES). In addition to providing the greatest compatibility, this guarantees a secure connection between your router and your devices.
  • Additionally, WPA3 (or WPA2/WPA3 mixed) is a viable option, however access points certified under the WPA3 standard were not required to support the WPA3 standard until July 2020. A WPA2/WPA3 mixed network or a WPA3/WPA2 mobile WiFi network will not work if your devices are older.
  • For security settings, avoid using “None”, “Open” and “Unsecured”. It could make your network vulnerable, even if it’s a guest network.

If you’re having trouble logging into your router, then take a look at our router articles here and see if you can resolve the issue that way. Once you’ve logged in, take a look at your router manufacturer’s FAQ or support site.

Final thoughts

Due to Apple’s design, weak security wireless networks are more vulnerable than standard home Wi-Fi routers.

A weak security Wi-Fi network actually means that iOS cannot use WPA2 (AES) or WPA3 encryption to connect to the Wi-Fi network, which makes it more vulnerable to attacks.

A device with weak security vulnerabilities makes your sensitive data vulnerable because it is easily hacked by cybercriminals due to weak passwords and weak encryption.

In addition to interfering with secure payment methods, location services, and Bluetooth, weak security Wi-Fi makes your device less functional.

You need to change your router’s settings to resolve the issue of weak WiFi security for Apple iOS users as time goes on.