Switching WPA to WEP for Better iPhone Wi-Fi Connection

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(Last Updated On: December 1, 2016)

One of the best features of the iPhone is its Wi-Fi, but sometimes the connection can be…just awful. For instance, one complaint is that the Wi-Fi doesn’t maintain a signal for long enough. To address this issue, here is a short guide on how to troubleshoot the problem. If you still have issues, let the technicians at iFixYouri take a look at your device. The problem might have been busted hardware this whole time.

The Wi-Fi capabilities of older iPhones are very different compared to those of newer model. The former is able to get a full Wi-Fi bar signal without difficulty, while the latter is already having problems in maintaining even a single bar for a few seconds. This is one of the most common problems presented in the Apple forums. Nevertheless, users find it effective in switching their router from WPA2 to WEP.

WPA vs. WEP

WPA and WPA2 are considered advanced encryption technologies compared to the WEP. However, they experience more problems in syncing with networks produced by older devices. If the phone experiences Wi-Fi problems, it will automatically switch back to WEP. This is where the the problem lies. Apple designed newer iPhones to use WPA by default, since it is more secure compared to the WEP. Nevertheless, you have the option to compromise their phone’s security in order to enjoy staying connected with the Internet. It’s easy to switch temporarily until Apple finds a way to solve the problem.

Switching Routers

Switching the router of the phone is actually very simple. All you need to do is to access the router gateway, which can be seen through the browser. For example, Western Digital routers are accessed by simply typing the “wp router” into the URL bar. On the other hand, most Linksys routers are “192.168.1.1” or a similar string of numbers.

The Final Step

Once done, you can now go to the Wireless and Security options to select the WEP encryption instead of the WPA. You will then be required to enter your password to finish your router switch. Hopefully, all of your router issues will be solved immediately.

If Wi-Fi problems are the least of your worries and you have experienced more significant issues such as water damage, a cracked screen or other instances that may require repair, you should consider going to a professional. iFixYouri is an expert in all smartphone, laptop, tablet and desktop repairs and can get your device working like-new in no time.