My wi-if connection on my iPad says it is weak security and I should use WPA2 or WPA3 security. What should I do?

My wi-if connection says it is weak security and I should use WPA2 or WPA3. What should I do?

iPad Air 2, iPadOS 13

Posted on Jan 27, 2023 12:58 PM

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Posted on Jan 27, 2023 01:17 PM

The setting is on your router. If you don't have instructions for your router, do an internet search for your router brand/model or if your router is supplied by your internet service provider, check their website or support.

If your router doesn't have any WPA3 option it will need to be set to WPA2 AES for the weak security warning to not be displayed. Also see: Recommended settings for Wi-Fi routers and access points - Apple Support


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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jan 27, 2023 01:17 PM in response to oldsled

The setting is on your router. If you don't have instructions for your router, do an internet search for your router brand/model or if your router is supplied by your internet service provider, check their website or support.

If your router doesn't have any WPA3 option it will need to be set to WPA2 AES for the weak security warning to not be displayed. Also see: Recommended settings for Wi-Fi routers and access points - Apple Support


Jan 27, 2023 04:16 PM in response to oldsled

If you examine the precise wording of the any privacy warnings, you’ll be able to determine the likely cause…


If you are concerned about iPad warnings concerning weak security, or other elements of your WiFi setup, your WiFi network may benefit from update in either settings or improved hardware...


Your iPad is able to [warn] bring to your attention security deficiencies of your WiFi network, iPad settings or other elements that may impact privacy.


This support page will describe the more secure (recommended) settings for WiFi:

Recommended settings for Wi-Fi routers and access points – Apple Support


It is possible that your WiFi Router is too old to be (or not capable of being) configured for more secure settings. As such, you can either configure the most secure settings that your Router will support - or replace your Router with something more advanced that provides better security configuration options. 


Whilst WPA3 is the newest standard, you should aim to use WPA2 (AES-PSK) as a minimum. Some Routers seemingly continue to support the insecure/deprecated TKIP standards - even when apparently configured for WPA2 operation; TKIP will definitely cause a security warning to appear. Be aware that if you are using a WiFi network extender, these may continue to use weaker security standards - and continue to trigger a warning.


There is a also new privacy feature included within iOS/iPadOS14/15/16 that hides your physical MAC Address - and instead uses a randomly selected Private MAC Address. This feature can be enabled/disabled on your iPhone/iPad for each configured WiFi Network. This feature also has bearing upon the appearance of the Weak Security notifications.


More information about this new feature can be found here:

Use private Wi-Fi addresses in iOS 14, iPadOS 14 and watchOS 7 – Apple Support


If you are unable to employ more secure security settings on your WiFi network, you might consider replacement of your WiFi network equipment, such as your WiFi Router, with more advanced equipment. However, if the router is provided by your ISP, this may not be practical proposition. A potentially cheaper and more flexible approach might be to add an additional upstream WiFi Router, of WiFi Access Point (AP) that meets the required standards.



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My wi-if connection on my iPad says it is weak security and I should use WPA2 or WPA3 security. What should I do?

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