When you try to connect to a network, receiving a WiFi privacy warning is highly annoying and frustrating. It’s a lot more frustrating when you don’t know the cause or possible ways to troubleshoot the problem.
If you’re experiencing a WiFi privacy warning, you’re not alone, as many other Apple users share the same problem every day. WiFi privacy warning usually occurs for several reasons, but it’s often an indication that your iPhone attempts to connect to an unsecured or potentially dangerous network.
In this article, we’ll work you through the steps to fix WiFi privacy warnings on your iPhone and all you need to know about WiFi privacy warnings on your iPhone.
By adhering to the steps we will uncover in this writing, you can tackle WiFi privacy warning messages and get your iPhone working in its best state.
What is WiFi Privacy Warning on iPhone?
Before we discuss possible fixes for WiFi privacy warnings on iPhones, we should understand what it means and the reason for the error message.
A WiFi privacy warning on an iPhone is simply a security signal on your iPhone when trying to connect to an unsecured WiFi network.
Apple introduced the WiFi privacy feature in its iOS 14, but it’s now available on other latest versions of iPhones.
Whenever you connect your iPhone device to a WiFi network, your iPhone starts creating a connection through a MAC ( media access control).
Also, when our devices constantly use the same MAC address to connect to other networks, it becomes susceptible to hacks and other activities from third parties. For example, advertisers and telecom operators use this same method to get information and data from your iPhone.
Apple introduced the Private Address for WiFi feature to protect your device’s privacy and security. It helps the device generate a random and temporary MAC address instead of an actual MAC address when connecting to WiFi networks, Thereby making it hard for network operators and third parties to track our device.
Whenever a WiFi privacy warning pops up on your screen, it’s simply an indication that your device detected a network that isn’t using the Private Address feature. As a result, you could compromise your device by connecting to that network.
How to Fix WiFi Privacy Warning on iPhone
1. Enable Private Address
One of the easiest ways to fix WiFi privacy warnings on iPhones is to enable private addresses. To do this, follow the steps below.
- Open the Settings app and select WiFi.
- Check the network connected to your device and tap on the ”i” button next to it.
- Please scroll to the Private WiFi Address option and toggle it to turn it on.
Note: some networks may not allow you to connect to them with your private network option turned on. If you’re having issues with a network because you turned on your Private WiFi address, you can go back to your settings app to turn it off.
It’s always advisable to keep your settings as a private network to help you limit the WiFi tracking of your iPhone.
2. Forget the WiFi Network
If the problem persists after enabling the private network address, you can try forgetting the WiFi network and reconnecting again. To do this, simply:
- Open Settings app
- Tap on WiFi
- Select the ”i” button next to the WiFi network.
- On the following menu, tap on ”Forget This Network” and select ”Forget.”
After that, you’ll successfully disconnect from the network. To reconnect your WiFi, follow the steps below:
- First, locate the WiFi network you desire to connect to and tap on it.
- Input your password and tap Join.
Remember to toggle on Private WiFi Address after reconnecting to the network.
3. Connecting Using a VPN
One of the best ways to tackle WiFi privacy warnings on iPhones is to consider using a VPN (Virtual Private Network). VPN helps your device stay safe when connecting to a network without a secure connection.
Connecting to a network with VPN would help encrypt your data which would help you tackle the WiFi privacy warning on your iPhone.
To connect your iPhone to a VPN, use the steps below:
- Open Settings App
- Tap on General
- Scroll to VPN & Device Management
- Tap on VPN
- Select Add VPN Configuration, input a few details, and then select Done.
4. Check Your Router For a Secure Connection
The network connected to your device plays a significant role in deciding if your connection will go smoothly or face issues. If you still experience a WiFi privacy warning after trying all the above methods, you can check your router to know if something is wrong with your network.
5. Restart Your Device
Restarting your iPhone device is an ancient fix that never goes old for iPhone problems. Instead, try turning on airplane mode to check if it tackles the issue.
If the problem persists, you should consider restarting your iPhone device. Restarting your iPhone varies depending on the model.
Press and hold power/top button for iPhones with a Home button until you see a slider to turn off. Swipe on the slider, and your device will go off.
Then press the power button to turn on the device and wait till the Apple logo pops up.
For iPhones without a Home button, Press and hold the side and volume buttons simultaneously until you see a slider with the turn-off option.
Swipe on the slider to successfully turn off the device. After that, press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears on your screen.
Bonus: Things To Guide You When Using a Public WiFi Network.
It would be best to secure your connections using a public WiFi network to prevent hacks and exposure to other network users.
Here are a few things to note when using a public WiFi network
Observe What You Access
When you connect your iPhone to a public WiFi network, you must observe the websites you access and the information you give out.
Public Networks are usually a breeding ground for hackers, so you must ensure you connect to websites secured with HTTPS.
Connect Using a VPN
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) helps users encrypt data and keep it safe from third parties. Connecting to a public network via VPN would help you keep your information safe and secure.
Use Two-Factor Authentication
Using two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your device. It does this by prompting you to enter a code anytime you log into any website or service.
Conclusion
Receiving a WiFi privacy warning is good because it’s simply a caution message notifying you of the risks involved with exposing your information when you connect to a network.
The message may appear alarming, but it simply is a way to protect your privacy when using the internet. We detailedly explained WiFi privacy and possible ways to fix the problem.