How do I fix weak security on my Wi-Fi? 3 proven ways

Updated: May 19, 2023
6 min read
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How do I fix weak security on my Wi-Fi? 3 proven ways
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by Christine Tomas
Tech Expert & Writer
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Do you open your PC to see a note that says that your network is not secure? Don’t panic! That way it protects you from unauthorized access and advises you to fix weak security on Wi-Fi.

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Maybe you try to connect a new device to an existing network, it just doesn’t allow you to do this? It shows you have weak Wi-Fi security, although the old device worked without problems.

There may be several reasons for this. The most common one is that you keep default network security settings. You may buy a router, but you most likely did not pay much attention to how well the producer configured network security. And then you have to browse forums with questions like “Why does my Internet say that it has weak security?” or “How to fix weak security Wi-Fi?”

During the purchase, most people pay attention to the data transfer speed and the distance where the Wi-Fi network “reaches,” but not to security. Who will steal the data of the house?

But this can lead to messages about an insecure connection appearing on your device after a while. So what to do with it? Let’s figure it out in this article.

Why do you see a Wi-Fi Weak Security message?

Network security is one of the most crucial parameters you should pay attention to. If you set weak security Wi-Fi settings, you open the gate to data on your computer, phone, etc.

If attackers manage to infect your router with some malware, then they can get into every connected device. As a result, you may lose your important documents, and scammers may gain access to your data.

Also, they may browse illegal sites or trade prohibited items under your IP. And the first place where cops will go will be an apartment with this IP address. That’s why it is crucial to fix weak Wi-Fi security as soon as possible.

Wi-Fi Weak Security

But there is no reason to panic. If you see this “Wi-Fi weak security” on the iPhone, it shows that connection encryption standards do not meet the latest standards. It does not mean that your router has already been hacked and attackers somehow manage your data.

Further, you will learn how to strengthen the security of your Wi-Fi and protect yourself from unwanted consequences.

How to fix weak Wi-Fi security on iPhone?

Wi-Fi Weak Security

Owners of devices with iOS 14 and higher may see a warning that their connection is not secure. It happens when WPA2 (AES) or WPA3 is not set in the security settings.

To check this:

  1. Go to your phone’s Settings:
  2. Select Wi-Fi.
  3. Tap on the “i” button.
  4. Check your connection type.

You can’t modify Wi-Fi settings right on your phone, but you can use the browser and router’s manual to troubleshoot iPhone’s weak security Wi-Fi settings.

How to increase the security of a Wi-Fi connection

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If you want to know how to fix weak security on the router, follow the instructions below.

Install updates

Wi-Fi Weak Security

Try to install the latest updates on your router, phone, and other devices where you see this error.

To install updates on the router, you need to:

  1. Type the router’s IP in the address bar in the browser line or go to the website of the manufacturer of your router. You can find it in the router’s manual, or ISP contract, or use the universal login admin IP: 192.168.l.0. It will open the router’s settings.
  2. After that, the system will ask you to enter the administrator’s name and password. If you have not changed anything, the login will most likely be “admin,” and the password will be “password.” If you changed your password and login, enter the correct data. Also, the password and login are often indicated on a sticker on your router. Check it out too.
  3. Find the Firmware or Update section and load the latest drivers.
  4. After installation, find the security settings. Producers may label them Security or Encryption. Each manufacturer signs them differently.
  5. Set WPA3 in your security settings. If your router is old, it likely does not have this item. Find the "transitional" or WPA2/WPA3 mode.
Wi-Fi Weak Security

After these updates, some of your devices reduce connecting to Wi-Fi. They will try to do it but instantly disconnect. That’s because they remember the old settings. Disconnect and reconnect them to fix weak security on Wi-Fi.

To make everything work again, click on the Forget this network button in the connections menu of those devices. Re-select the network, enter the password, and connect to the Internet. It should fix the situation when the internet says “Weak security” on most of your devices.

Check your connection. It could be one of the most effective ways to fix the internet’s weak security. Repeat these steps every few months for better security.

If this method doesn’t work, contact your administrator (for offices) ISP or connect to another network. You can even create a hotspot from your other phone. Go to Settings → Personal Hotspot → Allow others to join.

Set a strong password

The next answer to your question: “Why does my Wi-Fi say weak security” is a weak password. If you set it too simply like, john1100, dartvader8999, or the most classic option as 12345678, the system marks it as too easy. It could be a reason why the iPhone says “weak security” or something similar.

Once you’ve installed the updates, the next important step is to set a stronger password. Make a combination of symbols that only you will know. Remember, a simple password is more likely to leak your data. Here are some cool password ideas:

a day when you meet your first love;

  • the name of your favorite singer + the title of the song from another artist;
  • a day when you broke up with the most annoying ex;
  • desired balance of your current bank account.

Buy a new router

Wi-Fi Weak Security

When downloading updates and changing your password doesn’t help, and the Internet says, “weak security,” replacing your router may be the best solution. Because routers also have an expiration date, but it counts in years, Usually it’s around 5-8 years after release.

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To check whether your router should be replaced, you need to go to the manufacturer’s website and search for the latest updates to your router. Or try this pattern:

  1. Enter your IP in the browser line, as we told you earlier. Or use 192.168.l.0.
  2. Type admin login and password.
  3. Try updating the system.

If there are no updates and they were not released more than a year ago, it means that your router is no longer supported. The easiest way to troubleshoot it is to buy a new device. It will save you a ton of time on forum researchers with questions like “What does it mean when Wi-Fi says weak security?”.

You can find great dual-band options for $39-50. They will be supported for at least 4-6 next years.

F.A.Q.

What are the risks of having weak security on my Wi-Fi?

It means that other people can quickly connect to your Wi-Fi. They can steal sensitive data such as bank passwords. Hacks also can use your Wi-Fi to do illegal actions under your IP address so that police officers may arrest you for a while.

What does it mean when Wi-Fi says weak security?

That it is easy to hack your Wi-Fi and guess your password. Change connection type, and password, and update drivers. It helps in 90%+ of cases.

How often should I update the security settings of my Wi-Fi?

As often as possible if you work in the office. Usually, this is a responsibility of a system administrator. Consider modifying Wi-Fi settings and passwords at home once in a few months or after visits from people which you don’t trust.

Conclusion

Internet security is something that you should pay special attention to. Now you understand how to increase your security and prevent hacking attempts: by installing updates, checking your connection type, or getting a new strong password.

If you have completed all the previous steps on how to fix Wi-Fi’s weak security, it is more likely that you will no longer see the security messages. However, if you need help setting up a secure Wi-Fi connection, contact Howly to get a tailored guide for you.

Howly expert is ready to help you with your Home network problem

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