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Forum Discussion

bullm00n's avatar
bullm00n
Virtuoso
Jun 11, 2025

Disconnects for iOS Devices Multiple Times Per Day with Orbi 970

I have EXACTLY this problem.  Was fine until sometime around mid-April and now it's a nightmare.  Only new Apple devices (iPhone 16/16 Pro and new iPad Air).  I can sit with my older iPad next to my ...
orbi 970 series
bullm00n's avatar
bullm00n
Virtuoso
Jun 11, 2025

And that may be why I have a solid connection from the phone to the IoT connection at 2.4/WPA2-PSK all afternoon.  So, iPhone 16, etc. doesn't like the "WPA2-PSK + WPA3-Personal" and cannot always negotiate between them? 

 

I'll have to see which causes more issues for me:

  • switching on 5Ghz on IoT or...
  • WPA3 only on the main SSID. 

 

I suspect some piece of gear is not going to like either of those options, but if either works, it is worth reconfiguring those devices rather than having spotty connections on the phone.  I'll give those a go and report back.

  • FURRYe38's avatar
    FURRYe38
    Guru - Experienced User
    Jun 11, 2025

    Possible that newer Apple devices/iOS maybe mis handling how they connect IF, Mixed mode is set on the Orbi system. Or possible how the mixed mode and FW and wifi drivers on the Orbi system maybe handling internactions and connections with newer Apple devices/iOS. I presume this maybe why NG is taking longer than expected. Maybe working with Apple, Android and the chipset mfr to find out where fault is and everyone needs to work together to come up with a fix. My 2 cents. 

    • bullm00n's avatar
      bullm00n
      Virtuoso
      Jun 12, 2025

      I was able to keep my phone on the IoT (WPA2) network all day yesterday.  Today, I've switched the main SSID to WPA3 only and so far it's still a nightmare of poor connectivity.  So much so that I put a fan on top of the 971.  I have zero faith in that, but easy to do.  If anything, it seems worse.

      I need to take a step back and establish a reliable baseline.  I still have my older Orbi 96X I have not sold yet, so I think I have to unbox it and set it back up to see if it has the same issues.