If you have a Netgear router and it’s not working, you’re in the right place to uncover the solution. Routers can be tricky and frustrating if you don’t know what each part is used for. Paying for internet services implies you should receive an internet connection throughout the year, but many Netgear router problems can get in the way.
If your Netgear router lights aren’t on, blink, or won’t work, you should turn it off, disconnect the copper wire from the back, plug it into a phone line, and dial a number to reset it. Connect it to the router when you’re done, then test it again. Service provider issues can make the lights fail.
Throughout this article, you’ll also learn the following details about why your Netgear router is experiencing light-related issues:
- Why the lights aren’t on, blink, or flicker
- Tips to fix all of the problems associated with your Netgear router
- Causes and solutions for various light colors and patterns on the device
Netgear Router Light Not On: Causes / How To Fix
Is your Netgear router plugged in, but the light won’t come on? There are a few possible causes. The good news is most of them have simple solutions you can try to fix immediately.
Here’s what you can do:
Step 1: Unplug the copper wire from the back of the router. You should also disconnect the power cable so that the router isn’t tethered to anything.
Step 2: Plug the cable into a phone line with an RJ11 connector port. They look like a traditional phone line cable, so you should have one somewhere on any telephone.
Step 3: Dial a call to the phone, pick it up, then unplug the cable. Yes, it’s a strange process, but the method is tried and true.
Step 4: Plug the cable into the router, attach the power cord, and test it. It’ll take about five to ten minutes to power on; then, you should be able to connect to the internet as usual. If the light won’t come on or the internet won’t work, proceed to the next section.
Netgear Router Power Light Blinking: Causes / How To Fix
Netgear systems are built to last for many years, but they’re not invincible. A blinking power light has a handful of causes, all of which we’ll explore below. But make sure you have access to the breaker box before you start.
Follow this process:
Step 1: Turn off the circuit breaker powering the router. Unplug the power cord and RJ11 connector (the one from the previous section).
Step 2: Inspect both sides of the power cord to check for damage. Loose connections are often the source of the problem. It might be the outlet that’s malfunctioning, not the router.
Step 3: Check the power cord’s port on the router. If there’s dust or grime, remove it before trying to plug it in again. Clogs can limit the power flow, causing the light to flicker instead of functioning properly.
Step 4: Plug everything into the router, turn on the circuit breaker, then plug the power cord into the wall. Give it between five to ten minutes, then test the results. If it doesn’t work, you might need a new power cord. Try another outlet to see if it’s a problem.
Netgear Router Not Working Red Light: Causes / How To Fix
Red lights are far from uncommon on any router. Netgear routers with red lights typically indicate there’s a problem with the internet connection. For example, if you don’t pay your bill on time, the internet will cut out and display a red light. The solution is to pay the bill, and you’ll be good to go.
However, you might have to test loose connections. Loose cables can interrupt the internet’s signal, causing it to flicker or even turn red. It’ll appear as a red dot or bar, depending on the router’s make and model.
Your device will display a red internet light if there’s an unknown device trying to connect or a firmware update that won’t allow you to connect until it’s completed. If there’s a service outage in your area, you’ll see a red light, too.
Netgear Router Blinking Orange Internet Light: Causes / How To Fix
Is your router blinking different colors? You’ve read what red lights mean, but orange isn’t as common. Most Netgear routers have a solid orange internet light while they’re restarting. This process shows the router is booting up, but it needs a little more time until you can connect your devices.
If the Netgear router’s internet light is orange and blinking, there was an error while downloading a firmware update. Contact Netgear’s customer support line to follow the resetting steps to fix the firmware issue. Their phone number is 1 (888) 638-4327. A blinking orange light means the system is in recovery mode until you fix the problem.
You can also visit their community. Netgear has plenty of routers, so it’s essential to have your make and model before contacting anyone. Also, ensure you have the correct light color and location.
Netgear Router Internet Light Blinking White: Causes / How To Fix
A blinking white light on a Netgear router means it’s corrupted and that you won’t be able to update or access the system. Follow these steps as soon as possible to prevent damage:
Step 1: Turn off everything connected to the router, then unplug all of the cables from the devices and outlet.
Step 2: Factory reset the Netgear router by hitting the ‘reset’ button on the back of the router. Keep in mind you’ll likely cause it to lose all memory, which means you’ll have to enter the password on all of your devices when you connect to it.
Step 3: Connect an ethernet cable from the router to a computer. Access Netgear’s website and look for the latest firmware update.
Copyright protected content owner: ReadyToDIY.com and was initially posted on March 17, 2021.
Step 4: Try a ping test to check the connection between the computer and the router.
Netgear Router Internet Light Blinking Green: Causes / How To Fix
Unfortunately, a blinking green light is often known as ‘the blinking green light of death’ because it typically spells the end of your Netgear router. Try following the steps mentioned in the previous section, but don’t expect to recover lost data. Many routers won’t connect to the internet because there was a corrupted firmware update.
If you notice this, it’s crucial to take immediate action. Try turning it off; If that doesn’t work, unplug the router from the power and internet cable. Wait for thirty seconds, then plug it back in and test it again. If the green light is gone, you’re all set. If it’s not, connect it to your computer and download the most recent firmware update.
Netgear routers that retain the problem after downloading the newest update are likely shot. Contact the company with the aforementioned phone number regarding warranties and return policies.
Netgear Router 2.4 and 5 GHz Lights Not On: Causes / How To Fix
If the 2.4GHz and 5GHz lights on your Netgear router are not on, it might be because the wireless bands are disabled. Access the router’s web interface by entering “192.168.1.1” or “routerlogin.net” in a browser. Log in, navigate to the wireless settings, and ensure both bands are enabled. Save changes and reboot the router.
Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on March 17, 2021.
Another reason the 2.4GHz and 5GHz lights might not be on is due to a firmware issue. Outdated or corrupted firmware can lead to malfunctions. To address this, log into the router’s web interface, navigate to the firmware update section, and check for updates. If an update is available, download and install it, then restart your router.
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ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on March 17, 2021.