Netgear Router Lights Flashing Problem – Complete Fix Guide

Netgear router lights flashing problem indicates your wireless router has either a massive or minor issue. Modern routers usually have LED lights that display the status of the device.

If you notice the lights of your Netgear router are flashing persistently, prepare to troubleshoot a hardware problem.

Sometimes, the lights may blink continuously because of a software bug or corrupt firmware. Whatever the case, we have the solutions to resolve the issue.

The most practical way to fix Netgear router blinking lights is to power-cycle the device. Simply unplug the router from the power outlet and wait for 30 seconds before plugging it back into the socket.

Read on to learn other ways you can troubleshoot and fix your device.

But First… What Causes the Netgear Router Lights to Flash?

The lights of your Netgear router usually blink when the device is booting, upgrading its firmware, or during a reset.

On the other hand, they might start flashing continuously to alert you of a looming problem.

Here are the top reasons for a light flashing problem in Netgear routers:

1. Corrupt Firmware

Your router’s operating system might become outdated or misconfigured because of minor glitches, leading to connectivity issues.

2. Incomplete Upgrade

Netgear has configured its routers to receive software updates and security patches regularly. An interrupted or incomplete upgrade will often result in persistent blinking or flashing

3. Disconnected Ethernet Cable

The router might start blinking continuously if the Ethernet cable is loose or not in the appropriate port.

4. Unsuccessful WPS Connection

Connecting your router to a compatible device via WPS might start blinking because of a failed connection.

Ideally, you should connect your router to the other device within 2 minutes of pressing the WPS button.

How to Fix Netgear Router Lights Flashing Problem?

Your Netgear router should always have solid lights to indicate it is functioning appropriately. Blinking lights only spell trouble for your networking equipment.

Fortunately, it is easier to troubleshoot Netgear router blinking lights if you know what each LED light means.

Here are a few ways to fix your problematic Netgear router based on what each blinking light means:

Solution #1 – Power-Cycle Netgear Router

If your Netgear router continuously flashes orange, your connection is experiencing slowdowns and internet drops.

A blinking orange light might also mean an incomplete firmware update.

One of the most effective ways to fix slow connections and initiate a firmware update is to power-cycle your Netgear router.

Here are the steps: 

1. Unplug the Netgear router and modem from the power outlet
2. Wait for at least 30 seconds
3. Plug the Netgear router back into the wall outlet
4. Allow the router to boot and verify if this resolves the issue

Alternatively, you can power-cycle your entire home network. Simply:

1. Power off and unplug all networking devices, including your router and modem
2. Disconnect all cables connecting your router and modem
3. Wait for at least 30 seconds
4. Connect all cables and plug your router and modem into the wall outlet
5. Turn on the router and modem
6. Check if these steps resolve the issue

Tip – Wait for at least 30 seconds to refresh the router’s system board before reconnecting all devices.

Solution #2 – Reboot Netgear Router

Your Netgear might develop bugs and glitches because of running for extended periods and overheating.

A simple reboot can help resolve several connectivity issues, including router light flashing problems.

Method 1 – Reboot Netgear Router via Power Button

1. Press the router’s Power button to turn it OFF
2. Wait for at least 30 seconds
3. Press the router’s Power button to turn it ON
4. Allow the router to reboot

Note: Most Netgear routers have a Power button on the back panel for easy access

Method 2 – Reboot Netgear Router via Nighthawk App

1. Download and install the Nighthawk App on your smartphone
2. Launch the Nighthawk App on your device
3. Tap Connect Remotely
4. Select the Home icon
5. Tap Reboot
6. Tap Reboot again to confirm your selection
7. Wait for up to 2 minutes for the router to reboot

Method 3 – Reboot Netgear Router via Web Interface

1. Connect your phone or PC to your router
2. Launch a web browser
3. Type 192.168.0.1 or www.routerlogin.net on the URL address
4. Enter your login credentials to access the admin web interface
5. Click Advanced
6. Click Reboot
7. Wait for the router to reboot

Solution #3 –Check The Power Adapter

Insufficient power levels might cause your Netgear router lights to flash red continuously. The router requires anywhere from 5 to 20 watts to function optimally.

Fortunately, fixing this problem is relatively easy since you only need to ensure the power adapter is securely in place.

You should only use the power adapter provided by Netgear to avoid any compatibility issues. In addition, connect the adapter to a known, working power outlet.

Solution #4 – Check Cable Connections

A faulty or disconnected Ethernet cable will cause the router to flash any color other than white, green, or amber.

Check all your cable connections, including the Ethernet cable connecting your router to your modem and hard-wired devices.

Ensure they are firmly in place to prevent a router light flashing problem.

You may also disconnect all Ethernet cables before connecting them one by one afresh to determine which particular cable is causing issues.

Note: Most routers support wired and wireless connections.

As such, if you want to avoid unsightly wires running around your house, you may choose a wireless connection.

Solution #5 – Check Service Outages

An inactive internet connection might cause your router to blink.

Confirm with your Internet Service Provider if there are any outages and establish when they will resolve the problem.

Solution #6 – Reset Netgear Router

You can quickly resolve a light flashing problem by resetting your Netgear router to factory defaults.

A factory reset will erase all custom settings, allowing you to configure your router afresh.

Most Netgear routers have a recessed reset button on the back panel, so resetting the device shouldn’t be an issue.

Here are the steps:

1. Power on your Netgear router
2. Locate the reset button on the back or side panel
3. Using a pin, press and hold the reset button for 7 seconds
4. Release the reset button when the LED lights blink
5. Allow the router to boot and check if these steps resolve the issue

Solution #7 – Upgrade Your Netgear Router

Netgear has configured its routers to receive software updates and security patches regularly.

An interrupted or incomplete upgrade will often result in persistent blinking or flashing.

Upgrading your Netgear router to the latest firmware version can help solve the issue.

Here are the steps:

1. Download and install a TFTP client like TFTPD64 on your computer
2. Go to Netgear’s download page
3. Download your router’s firmware
4. Extract the files to your desktop
5. Connect your PC to your router via an Ethernet cable
6. Launch the TFTP client to connect to your router
7. Turn your router off for 10 seconds and back on
8. Click Put in your TFTP client to initiate a firmware upload
9. Wait for the firmware to upload to your router

Solution #8 – Replace Your Netgear Router

If the Netgear router blinking lights persist after trying these fixes, consider replacing the device.

Like most networking equipment, a wireless router has a lifespan that lasts about five years.

Replacing and upgrading your router to the latest model can help solve these problems and restore your internet connection.

Bottom Line

The LED lights of your wireless router have different meanings that might confuse inexperienced users.

Fortunately, fixing Netgear router lights flashing problem can be a breeze if you follow our guide.

The above tips can help you resolve emerging issues and restore your internet connection seamlessly.

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