My iPhone had a Wi-Fi privacy warning on the screen. Many regular iPhone users would panic over this issue. After all, we make payments, communicate and talk with customers or colleagues on our smartphones. I explained the privacy warning on an iOS device and explained how to solve the problem.
Why do I have a privacy warning on my WiFi?
Apple has sold its products to users who care about privacy. You may have watched commercials in which the company bragged about privacy-focused iOS/macOS software and features. The company has added advanced features to protect user privacy.
A privacy warning appears in the Wi-Fi settings when the wireless router shows the device’s Mac address. The iOS software encrypts DNS traffic. The wireless router does not mask the iPhone’s physical Mac address, and website trackers can track it down. The iOS software has taken the initiative to let users know.
Of course, this is a concern for business owners and representatives connected to public Wi-Fi hotspots.
What does WiFi privacy warning mean?
A. We do not recommend sharing sensitive information over insecure connections.
b. Avoid making payments from an insecure network.
V. Don’t share location or upload content to social media profiles.
Web trackers and Wi-Fi network administrators monitor your Internet footprint. You don’t have to take risks when it comes to public wireless hotspots.
How to Fix iPhone WiFi Privacy Warning 2022
We ask readers to take immediate action regarding public Wi-Fi. You can ask management to resolve the issue and keep users safe. In the meantime, I turned on the “Private Network”option as my iPhone connected to my home network. I’m not worried about DNS hijacking or leaks since no one has access to the physical router.
1. Open the Settings app from the home screen.
2. Select “Wi-Fi”options.
3. Allow iPhone to connect to your home Wi-Fi router.
Click on the button (i) next to the connected network.
4. Swipe down.
Click on the “Private WiFi Address”option.
5. A pop-up notification will appear on the screen.
Click on the “Continue”button.
6. Double-check “Private Wi-Fi Address”activation.
7. Restart your iPhone.
Remember, you should enable the option only when the iPhone is connected to your home
WiFi router. I don’t recommend users to allow iPhone to ignore cafe or restaurant connection.
Restart iPhone or iPad – iPhone WiFi Privacy Warning
I don’t remember to restart iPhone for a long time. Apple has optimized the iOS software and used premium parts for maximum performance. However, electronic goods have a limit, and we should not push them to the limit. Reboot your precious phone. Let the iOS operating system reset temporary files and start the drivers again. Follow the instructions if the Sleep/Wake button or the side button does not work.
1. Tap on the Settings app.
2. Select “General”in the application.
3. Swipe down.
4. Click on the “Turn off”button.
5. Move the power slider to the right.
Let the iPhone sleep for a few minutes, and I would let it rest for at least five minutes.
6. Raise the lighting cable.
7. Charge your iPhone with a USB-C or Lightning cable.
Your iPhone will wake up and be taken to the lock screen without the sleep/wake button or side button. Use an Apple certified or original Apple cable to charge your device.
Restart your Wi-Fi router
We must feel bad about the router in our homes. Unfortunately, home Wi-Fi networks don’t get enough sleep and keep serving connected devices for months at a time. Turn off the physical hardware for five minutes. There might be a software clutter in the router and you can get rid of it by rebooting the system.
A. Turn off the router.
b. Unplug the power cord from the outlet.
V. Let the router sleep for at least five minutes.
Let the hardware release heat from the case. You can reset the router using the system software.
1. Find your login credentials on the back of your router.
2. Enter the IP address to log into the browser. Enter your login credentials in the empty field and click on the “Login”button.
3. The user interface and option names may differ depending on your model.
4. Click Setup Wizard on the sidebar.
5. Click the Save and Reload button.
The wireless router will reboot in a few seconds. Do not close the window or force cancel the sequence. The Internet is disconnected on all connected devices. The wireless router reconnects to the Internet after a few minutes.
Update the firmware of your Wi-Fi router
Many modern wireless routers have advanced features to encrypt DNS traffic. However, the firmware may have flaws in the form of bugs and glitches. Manufacturers have a dedicated software development team working behind the scenes. They collect information and feedback from the forums and submit complaints. I will show you how to update the firmware of your Wi-Fi router.
1. Open a desktop class browser.
2. Enter the model and brand of the Wi-Fi router into the search engine.
Example: Zyxel NWA50AX Firmware Download
3. Select the official web page from the results.
4. Confirm the model number and click the Download icon.
The firmware file size is about 25-50 MB.
5. Find your login credentials on the back of your router.
6. Enter the IP address to log into the browser. Enter your login credentials in the empty field and click on the “Login”button.
7. Click on the “Management”option in the menu on the left.
8. Select “Update Firmware”from the drop-down menu.
9. Click the Browse button.
10. Select the downloaded firmware.
11. Click on the “Update”button.
Let the wireless router update the system firmware. The machine has less processing power, so please wait a few minutes to complete the task. Manufacturers don’t release firmware updates for older models, so don’t feel bad about it.
Reconfigure Wi-Fi network
Remove interfering connected wireless networks from iPhone or iPad. Remove the network from the device and then add them after a few minutes. The iOS software deletes the information associated with the Wi-Fi network and resets the saved data. You can reconnect the same home network and create a new file. Let me show you how to delete Wi-Fi network in iOS software.
1. Open the Settings app from the home screen.
2. Select “Wi-Fi”options.
3. Press the button (i) next to the connected network.
4. Click on the “Forget this network”option.
5. Click on the “Forget”option in the confirmation panel.
6. Select your home network again.
7. Enter your current password, then click the “Join”button.
Restart your iOS phone after connecting the device to the internet. Restarting your iPhone or iPad restarts Apple drivers and services.
Use Apple’s recommended Wi-Fi settings
You don’t need to contact Apple Support for help. The company has tech writers who have described recommended settings for Wi-Fi routers. You can look through the manual and take your time to solve the problem.
Outcome | WiFi Privacy Warning
You don’t have to worry about the WiFi privacy alert on your iPhone unless it’s connected to your home network. You should disconnect your iPhone from a Wi-Fi network if your life depends on it. Professionals such as activists and journalists should be concerned about Wi-Fi networks with a privacy warning. Let us know what you think about the Wi-Fi privacy warning on your iOS device in the comment section below.