Symptoms
- A specific device can't connect while newer devices connect fine
- Error mentions authentication or security type failure
- Device worked on the network before a router replacement or reset
- Router settings show 'WPA3-Personal' as the only option selected
Likely causes
- CommonRouter set to WPA3-only security modeWPA3 is newer and more secure, but not all devices, especially those more than a few years old, support it.
- CommonDevice's Wi-Fi hardware or software predates WPA3 supportMany smart home gadgets, older phones, and printers only understand WPA2.
- PossibleMixed mode not enabled by default after a router reset or replacementSome routers default to the most secure option, which can exclude older devices.
What to do
- Log into the router's admin page or app and find the wireless security settings.
- Change the security mode from 'WPA3-Personal' to 'WPA2/WPA3-Personal' (mixed mode), which supports both old and new devices.
- Save the settings and allow the router's Wi-Fi to restart, which may briefly disconnect all devices.
- Reconnect the previously failing device using the same or updated password.
- If the device still can't connect, check whether it needs a software update to support WPA2/WPA3 mixed mode properly.
- For devices that never support WPA3 or mixed mode, keep them on a 2.4GHz network set to WPA2 specifically if your router allows per-band security settings.
- Avoid using WEP or no security at all, even for compatibility, since these are not safe for modern use.
Tools and parts
- Access to router's admin page or app
When to call a pro
Not usually needed for this issue.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.