WiFi Privacy Warning On iPhone: Encrypted DNS Traffic (Fix!)

WiFi Privacy Warning issue

WiFi Privacy Warning issue


Is your iPhone displaying a WiFi Privacy warning in iOS 15? Are you informed that the network is blocking encrypted DNS traffic? This means that other devices on the same network might track your browsing activity. This issue can be caused by a poor router configuration.

WiFi Privacy Warning In iOS 15

wifi privacy warning on iphone

  • To check if your iPhone or iPad is affected by this issue you have to open Settings and tap on Wi-Fi.
  • Check the network that you’re currently connected to. If Privacy Warning is displayed below the name, tap the blue ‘i’ icon available next to the Wi-Fi symbol.
  • The Privacy Warning is detailed at the top of the screen:

    “This network is blocking encrypted DNS traffic. The names of websites and other servers your device access on this network may be monitored and recorded by other devices on this nework.”

WiFi Privacy Warning Workaround

iphone privacy warning fix
A quick way to get rid of the warning is to disable the Private Address option, in the Wi-Fi network settings. As soon as you do it the warning disappears.

Fact: However, this is not an ideal fix, because you’re practically bypassing the trigger and exposing your iPhone to being profiled across different Wi-Fi networks.

Update: This troubleshooting method triggers another Privacy Warning that informs you that the Private Address feature is turned Off. So, forget it and move on for the other fixes.

How To Fix WiFi Privacy Warning

Apple provides a support document with recommended settings for Wi-Fi routers and access points.

Before you go on and apply some of the suggested changes make sure that you backup your router’s settings, in case that you might need to restore them.

Also, be aware that you might rejoin the Wi-Fi network so make sure that you know the password.

1. Download Router App

asus router app download
If you haven’t managed your router from your iPhone via remote access, you should check to see if your model has an available iOS / iPadOS app. Mine does, it’s called Asus Router. (direct link)

Download the app and open it. Use our admin credentials to log-in and allow the app to change some basic router settings and enable remote router access!

Fact: This alone can fix the WiFi Privacy Warning issue!

2. Update Firmware On Router

Considering that you have updated iPhone or iPad to the latest software update available, make sure that the router also runs the latest firmware:

On iPhone

how to update asus router software from iPhone

  • Open you router’s app, the Asus Router app, in this example.
  • Tap on Settings, available in the bottom menu.
  • Go for Check firmware version.
  • Tap the orange Refresh button if an update is available. Be patient.

Tip: Internet connectivity will be intrerupted while the router updates its firmware version.

On Mac (Computer)

how to update asus router software on mac
Open Safari and tap you routers log-in address. (For example http://192.168.1.1/ is the address of an Asus router) -> Log-in as admin -> Click on the current Firmware Version -> Click Check to search for a firmware update!

Fact: In my case, the firmware update fixed the WiFi Privacy warning on iPhone and iPad!

3. Other Recommendations

If the Privacy Warning persists you should also check the following security settings:

  • Avoid Deprecated Security Protocols such as WPA/WPA2 mixed modes, WPA Personal, WEP and TKIP. Go for WPA2 Personal or higher such as WPA2/WPA3 Transitional or WPA3 Personal (the newest protocol, only works with devices that support Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax))
  • Use An Unique Network Name (SSID) – don’t use common names such as linksys, netgear, dlink, wireless, or 2wire. Also, don’t use different names for 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands.
  • Hidden network set to Disabled
  • MAC address filtering, authentication, access control set to Disabled
  • Automatic firmware updates set to Enabled.
  • Radio mode set to All (preferred), or Wi-Fi 2 through Wi-Fi 6 (802.11a/g/n/ac/ax)
  • Enable all supported Bands
  • Channel set to Auto
  • Channel width set to 20MHz for the 2.4GHz band & set to Auto or all widths (20MHz, 40MHz, 80MHz) for the 5GHz band

Have you managed to fix WiFi Privacy Warning on iPhone? Did the tips provided in this article help you out? Do you have any questions or suggestions? Use the comments section.

Related: Are you aware of the new privacy features included in iOS 15? Check them out:
iCloud Private Relay
Hide My Email
Mail Privacy Protection