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Modem and Router Lights (Meanings & States)

Modem Router Lights

All modems/routers come with various light symbols located on the front of the device indicating a range of functions such as Power, Ethernet, Internet, WPS, USB, and WiFi.

Knowing the meaning of these modem/router lights will help you understand the state of your internet connection and how you can troubleshoot any issue as soon as possible.

These LED symbols glow in different colors such as green, red, blue, orange, or white.

Additionally, their appearance can differ between solid, blinking, or off depending on the state of your device.

For example, a solid green light means that your modem/router is working perfectly and connected to the internet while a flashing orange light means that your device is undergoing a firmware update.

However, if you see a red light on your modem/router, it implies that it is having issues connecting to the internet.

If the status of the modem/router light symbols indicates a device issue, you can fix it through various means, including a device restart, factory reset, checking cable connections, or changing the modem/router location.

Meaning of Modem And Router Lights

Below are the most common symbols found on WiFi modems/routers and what they mean as well as their ideal color/state, common problems, and how to fix the lights not in their ideal state.

Although there may be some nuances across different brands, we’ve pulled together insights that cover the majority of modem/router brands.

1. Power Light

This light indicates the power status of the modem/router, whether it is off or on. The ideal color of the Power light is solid green and if you see this color, it means that your device is ready for use and active.

If the Power light is blinking, it means that the device is booting up and it will become solid green when it is ready for use.

Also, a flashing light can indicate that your device’s firmware is updating. Therefore, give it time to finish the process and it will automatically start.

If the Power light is off, it means that it is not receiving any power. Ensure that the power cable is plugged in properly.

Disconnect the power cable, let it rest for a minute then plug it back.

2. Internet Light

The Internet light indicates whether there is an active Internet connection in your modem/router or not. If the light is solid green, it means that the WiFi device is ready for use and has an active internet connection.

A flashing Internet light means that your device is trying to connect to the internet. So, give it a few minutes and a solid green light should appear automatically.

If the internet light is solid amber or orange, it indicates that the internet port is in use but not connected to the internet. This happens if there is an issue with your ISP or local internet outage in your area.

Contact your ISP to check whether there is a problem from their side. Also, inspect the internet port and reconnect the cable.

If there is no Internet light, it means that there is no Internet connection because the Internet port is not in use.

Inspect the port for any dirt deposits or moisture and clean if necessary. Also, ensure that the cable is not damaged.

3. 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz WiFi Light

This light indicates the status of your WiFi connection through the 5GHz and 2.4GHz frequency bands. The ideal WiFi light color is either solid white or green.

If the 5GHz or 2.4GHz lights on your router are on, it means that there is an active connection on the specific frequency band. You can now connect your device at that frequency to the modem/router.

If there is no WiFi light, it means that the 2.4 GHz band or 5 GHz band is not active because the frequency band is switched off in the settings.

To turn the light on, go to settings and enable the frequency band. You may be required to restart the modem/router afterward.

4. Ethernet Light

This light indicates the status of the devices connected to the modem or router via the ethernet port.

A solid white or green is the ideal ethernet light color. If the ethernet light is on, it means that there is a device connected using the ethernet port.

If the ethernet light is off it implies that the modem/router cannot detect any connection or there is no device via the ethernet port to the modem/router.

Therefore, use another port or clean the ethernet port. Also, you can try another cable if possible or check if your ether cable has any damage.

5. USB Light

The USB light on your modem/router shows its USB connection status. If the light is on, it means that a device is connected via the USB port to the modem/router.

If the light is flashing, it means that the device is trying to connect to the device, so give it some time and it will be ready soon.

If there is no light on the USB symbol, it means that the modem/router cannot identify the device or there is no device connected to the USB port.

Check for any damages on the USB port or connect another device to the port.

6. WPS Light

This light indicates whether the WPS mode is off or on. When the WPS light is on, it implies that the WPS mode is activated.

It will automatically turn off after five minutes and you can turn it on again if you want.

If the WPS light is flashing, it implies that the modem/router is in the process of trying to establish an internet connection.

If there is no WPS light, it means that there is no active connection because the WPS mode is turned off.

Modem/Router LED Lights Colors

Modem/Router Light Colors

The LED lights on your modem/router come in different colors as explained below:

1. Green Light

If your modem/router is showing a green light, it shows that it is working properly. It means that it is on and ready to be used.

It can also indicate there is an active internet connection, an active phone line, a confirmed pairing with another device, or a strong internet signal.

2. Orange or Amber Light

There are a few reasons why your modem/router is showing an amber or orange light including a firmware update in progress and lack of internet connection due to service outages or system maintenance by the ISP.

Additionally, an orange/amber light represents the early stages of a connection process, disconnected phone service, and the beginning of the pairing process.

3. Red Light

If you see a red light on your modem/router, you should follow up because it indicates an issue.

The types of issues that a red light indicates include a service error, an overheated device, no internet connection, setup failure, PPP authentication failure, and disconnected phone service.

4. White Light

In some routers and modems, the white light acts as the green light, meaning that your device is working properly and ready to provide your devices with an internet connection.

However, in other cases, a white light indicates the router is not able to establish a connection with the modem. For some routers, this light means that there is an issue with the firmware.

5. Blue Light

A blue light implies various meanings depending on modem/router model.

These include a firmware update in progress, the connection process has begun, the modem/router connecting to another device for pairing via WPS, a phone call is in progress, or the connection process has been completed.

States of Modem/Router LED Lights

Below are the three states of lights for modems/routers and their meanings.

1. Stable LEDs

A stable LED light is what you want to see on your modem/router as it means that your device is working properly.

However, if the stable LED is amber or red, there might be some connection error that you need to check and resolve.

2. Blinking LEDs

There are two scenarios if the LED on your modem/router is blinking:

  • Slow blinking – if the light on your modem/router is blinking slowly, it indicates that the device is trying to connect to the internet or booting up. It should become stable after a few minutes but if it continues to blink for a long time, then there is an issue in the network.
  • Fast blinking – a fast blinking light on your modem/router implies that there is an ongoing data transfer.

3. Inactive LEDs

If the LED does not have a light, it means that your device is not receiving power or is turned off.

Other than power, no light indicates a port is not detecting any connection or is inactive.

Troubleshooting Tips for Modem/Router Lights Issues

If your router or modem is having problems creating an internet connection for your devices, you should try the following troubleshooting tips:

1. Reboot the Modem/Router

Rebooting your modem or router can help resolve many network connectivity issues such as websites refusing to load, slow connections, or your devices not being able to connect to the network.

Most modems/routers require an occasional reboot to keep it working properly.

Rebooting is a simple process that involves unplugging your modem/router from the power source, giving it a few seconds, and then plugging it back into the power outlet.

2. Check for Overheating

Routers or modems can overheat, just like any other electronic device. If the overheating happens for a longer period, your modem/router will be damaged or become unstable.

Check the temperature on your device to ensure it is not hot, but if it is, make sure it is getting enough airflow through the vents.

Overheating happens if the modem/router is placed in a location with minimal airflow or a heat trap. Consider changing the device location if you notice regular overheating.

3. Check the Cables

Your modem/router may be having connectivity issues because it is not plugged in properly. Therefore, check the cables and ensure they are not loose or damaged.

Check the power cables to the modem and router, the cables between your modem and router, and the ethernet cable connected to the back of the router.

Ensure that these cables are securely plugged in and not loose, by disconnecting and reconnecting them.

If any of the cables is damaged, you should replace them immediately.

4. Reposition the Modem/Router

If you are having issues with the signal, you should reposition your modem/router.

Make sure that nothing is blocking the signals, especially large metal objects or devices that can cause interference such as cordless phones or microwaves.

Additionally, the antennas on your WiFi device should be positioned vertically and not horizontally as a vertical antenna provides a larger coverage area.

5. Change the Wireless Channel

If you live in a place with lots of nearby wireless modems/routers, such as an apartment, there is a higher chance that your router is facing interference from other wireless devices that are sending signals using the same frequency.

Therefore, to improve your wireless signal and reduce this interference, you can find the optimal wireless frequency for your area and change your modem/router to operate on that frequency instead of using the congested channel.

6. Factory Reset your Modem/Router

If your modem/router has an issue with its configuration, you should reset it to its factory default settings.

Note that this process deletes all the saved information such as your WiFi username, password, and any other saved settings.

To reset your modem/router, press the reset button which is located at the back of the modem/router for about 30 seconds using a paperclip or pin.

The modem/router will turn off and reset during this process which may take a few minutes. After the reset process is completed, your device will turn on.

7. Contact your Internet Service Provider

If you are still having issues with your modem/router even after trying all the solutions mentioned above, you should contact your ISP for professional guidance.

A technician will be assigned to you, and they will guide you on what to do depending on your problem.

They will advise you to repair the modem/router or provide a replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What to do if my modem/router has all solid green lights but there is no internet?

If your modem/router does not have an active internet connection even if all the lights are solid green, it means that it is fine and there is an issue with the connected device or the network.

Restart your modem/router or contact your Internet Service Provider.

How do I know if my modem/router is faulty?

Your modem/router is faulty and needs to be replaced if over a sustained period, it is not functioning properly, the ports are not working, stops suddenly, or repeatedly shows the wrong light colors after multiple restarts or reboots.

What is the meaning of WPS?

WiFi Protected Setup (WPS) is a feature that is designed to make connecting to a WiFi network much easier.

When the WPS button is pressed on your router, any WPS-compatible devices can then automatically connect to the network.

Final Words

Hopefully, this guide has provided you with a clear understanding of the different light colors, states, and symbols of a modem/router as well as how you can solve internet connectivity problems on your WiFi device.

Although there may be a few differences across modem/router brands, generally, solid green and white lights on a modem/router indicate good performance, while red lights or slow blinking lights indicate the device is not able to connect to the internet.

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