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To find out whether your Wi-Fi uses WEP, WPA, WPA2, WPA3 or a mixed mode, check the wireless security setting in your router’s app or administration page. Device menus differ, and some do not show the protocol clearly, so the router setting is the most dependable check.
Check the security mode on your router
- Open your router maker’s app or sign in to its administration page. Use the instructions supplied with your router if you do not know how to access it.
- Find the wireless settings. Look for a section named Wi-Fi, Wireless, Security or a similar label.
- Read the security mode. It may say WEP, WPA, WPA2, WPA3, or show a mixed or transitional setting. Google Nest’s setup guidance likewise directs users who do not know their security type to the router’s admin page or manual: Google Nest Wi-Fi security guidance.
Exact labels and steps vary by router model and firmware. If the setting is unclear, consult the router manual or manufacturer’s support.
Can you check the type on your phone or computer?
Windows
Windows 10 and Windows 11 may show a “Wi-Fi network not secure” warning when a connection uses an outdated standard such as WEP or TKIP. The warning does not necessarily tell you which one is configured, so check the router’s wireless security setting. Microsoft’s guidance explains the warning: Connect to a Wi-Fi network in Windows.
Android
On Android, saved network settings are generally under Settings > Network & internet > Internet. Select your network to open its settings. Menus vary by Android version and device maker, and the screen may not display a readable WEP/WPA protocol label. If it does not, use the router method above. See Google’s Android instructions for connecting to Wi-Fi.
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Apple’s router recommendations explain which security settings to use, but do not establish a universal connected-network screen for identifying whether a network uses WEP or WPA. Check the router administration page or manual for confirmation: Apple’s recommended settings for Wi-Fi routers and access points.
What WEP, WPA, WPA2 and WPA3 mean
WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) is an obsolete Wi-Fi security protocol. Google Fiber describes its well-known security flaws and warns that it can be easily infiltrated: Google Fiber: Wi-Fi security.
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WPA was introduced as an improvement over WEP; WPA2 followed, using the 802.11i standard and AES as a major improvement over WPA. WPA3 is a later generation. “WPA” by itself does not confirm that the network uses WPA2 or WPA3, so read the full mode shown in the router settings. Router interfaces may also offer mixed or transitional modes to support older devices.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which setting should you use?
Choose the strongest mode your router and devices support, balancing security with compatibility. Microsoft recommends WPA3 when both the router and PC support it; Apple recommends WPA3 Personal or WPA2/WPA3 Transitional, and identifies WPA2 Personal with AES as an appropriate fallback when stronger modes are unavailable. Apple also lists WPA Personal and WPA/WPA2 mixed modes among settings to avoid.
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| Router setting | Guidance | When it may fit |
|---|---|---|
| WPA3 Personal | Preferred where supported. | The router and connected devices support WPA3. |
| WPA2/WPA3 Transitional | Apple recommends it for compatibility with older devices. | Some devices need an older mode while others support WPA3. |
| WPA2 Personal (AES) | Apple’s fallback when stronger modes are unavailable. | The router cannot offer WPA3 modes. |
| WEP, WPA Personal, WPA/WPA2 mixed, or TKIP | Outdated or weak settings; move to a supported modern mode. | Do not leave these configured when a recommended option is available. |
Recommendations: Microsoft’s wireless network guidance and Apple’s router security settings.
Quick Recap
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- Dual band router upgrades to 1200 Mbps high speed internet (300mbps for 2.4GHz plus 900Mbps for 5GHz), reducing buffering and ideal for 4K stream
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What to do if you find WEP or see a security warning
- Open the router’s wireless security settings and select a supported modern mode, preferably WPA3 Personal, or a compatibility option if older devices require it.
- Reconnect your devices and check whether they can join the network. A device that cannot connect may not support the new mode; consult its manufacturer or router documentation before choosing a less secure setting.
- If the router cannot provide a recommended mode, consider replacing it. Microsoft suggests upgrading an old router when its security settings need improvement; checking the setting itself does not require buying new hardware.
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