ASUS Router WAN Light Red? (Reasons & How to Fix It)

If you’re experiencing the ASUS router WAN light red issue, don’t worry. It’s a common problem with these routers, and it’s usually due to a hitch in your internet connection.

Luckily, you can quickly troubleshoot the issue and apply quick fixes without special IT skills.

If your ASUS router’s WAN light turns red, you’ve lost your internet connection. To resolve the issue, try rebooting the modem, resetting your router, fixing any loose connections, or contacting your ISP for assistance.

In this guide, I’ll explain why your ASUS router WAN light goes red. I’ll also take you helpful troubleshooting tips so you can quickly fix the issue and save time.

Let’s jump right in.

Why is ASUS Router WAN Light Red?

The red WAN light on your router shouldn’t freak you out because it’s often a temporary problem.

It implies that your connection has been disrupted, and it will remain that way for as long as the router can’t detect signals from your ISP.

These are the common reasons for the ASUS router red WAN light:

• Loose or damaged ethernet cable
• Faulty modem
• The modem could be powered off
• Incorrect router settings
• ISP network outage
• Overcrowded network

How to Fix ASUS Router Red WAN Light

In my experience, disconnecting and then reconnecting your cables can solve the WAN red light issue.

But if things get a bit serious, you may have to change some settings, update your router firmware, or contact your ISP (Internet Service Provider).

These are the 7 practical ways to solve the ASUS Router red WAN light issue:

Solution #1: Connect the Router Properly Using RJ45 Cable

Disconnect the power cable and unplug your router’s network cables. It’s important to note where every line should go.

Next, connect one end of an RJ45 cable to the WAN port of your router. Connect the other end to your modem’s WAN port.

Be careful not to damage the connectors. Moreover, maintain a snug fit with the connection ports.

Check your internet connection once more. If the red WAN light persists, kindly move to the next steps.

Solution #2: Put Your WAN in Automatic IP Mode

Your router may be losing internet connection if it can’t obtain an automatic IP address. That easily translates to the red WAN light problem.

Therefore, I highly recommend changing the WAN settings to obtain an automatic IP address.

Here’s how to set up the router to get an automatic WAN IP address:

1. Login to your ASUS admin dashboard through https://router.asus.com
2. Open Advanced Settings, then navigate to WAN.
3. Choose Automatic IP under WAN Connection Type.
4. Apply the changes and exit the menu.

If this doesn’t fix the problem, we need to tweak a few details related to your ISP.

Solution #3: Disable PPPoE Internet Detection

PPPoE is just another network protocol your ISP uses to connect several hosts on the LAN network to a remote site. This occurs through your modem.

In my experience, disabling the PPPoE internet detection can save you the trouble of connection problems.

The default setting for PPPoE is usually PPP Echo. However, we need to disable it altogether.

Follow these steps:

1. Open your browser and go to the web GUI: https://router.asus.com
2. Log in to the admin dashboard with your username and password.
3. Navigate to Wireless > General > WAN
4. Click Account Settings under WAN.
5. Go to Internet Detection and select Disable from the dropdown menu.
6. Apply changes and exit.

Solution #4: Remove Some Devices from Your WiFi Network

If there’s a device on your network that’s messing with your bandwidth and creating connectivity problems, you’ll see the red WAN light.

It can also happen that your router has reached the limit for the number of devices it can connect.

If someone is using any of these devices for torrenting and is seeding to a torrent client, it terribly affects your bandwidth.

You should, therefore, ask your household members to stop seeding torrents.

If you left the WiFi network open and now there are lots of unfamiliar devices connected, remove them and change your WiFi password.

Follow these steps:

1. Open your browser and go to the web GUI: https://router.asus.com
2. Log in to the admin dashboard with your username and password.
3. Navigate to Network Map > Clients > Client status.

You’ll see all devices connected to your network under Client status: Online, Wired & Wireless

4. Click the device icon and mac address to show detailed information.
5. Under DHCP, turn on Block Internet Access for the device you want to remove.
6. Apply changes and exit the page.

Once you’ve removed devices, you can also change the WiFi name and password so the users can’t get back on.

Solution #5: Connect Through a Different WiFi Channel

Routers usually choose a frequency channel through which they broadcast your WiFi signals. As it turns out, this occurs automatically.

However, such channels can become overcrowded if there are lots of routers around, like in an apartment building.

Luckily, you can change your channel bandwidth in your router’s settings.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Open your browser and go to the web GUI: https://router.asus.com
2. Log in to the admin dashboard with your username and password.
3. Navigate to Wireless > General > Band
4. Select the band you want to use, either the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz band.
5. Under Channel Bandwidth, select your preferred frequency.
6. Apply changes and exit.

Now check to see if the red WAN light issue is resolved.

Solution #6: Update the ASUS Router Firmware

If the ASUS router red WAN light issue isn’t fixed, I highly recommend you update the router’s firmware.

This will not only fix the issue, but will also beef up your router’s security and performance.

Here’s how to update your ASUS router firmware:

1. Open your browser and type https://router.asus.com in the URL field.
2. Sign in with your username and password on the login page (WebGUI).
3. Check the upper right corner if a new firmware version is available.
4. Click “Update Now”, then go to Administration > System Page > Firmware Update.
5. Once the upgrade is finished, navigate back to the login page.
6. Next, reset your router by following these steps:

Administration > Restore/Save/Upload Setting > Factory Default. Click “Restore” and wait for the router to reset to default.

Tip: After you’ve upgraded your router firmware, it will be best if you reset it and set it up afresh. This usually solves the red WAN light issue better than other methods.

Solution #7: Restore the Router’s Factory Settings

Restoring the default settings on your router often proves to be a viable solution for fixing the stubborn red WAN light.

However, you could lose all your settings on the router. So, it would be best to backup everything before the reset.

Here’s how to reset your ASUS router:

1. Locate the “WPS” & “Reset” buttons at the back of the router.
2. Switch off the router.
3. Long-press the WPS button until the power light comes on.
4. Release the WPS button when the power LED starts blinking.

Once the power light has stopped blinking, your router settings have been restored to default.

You can then configure them afresh and try connecting afresh.

Quick Recap:

The ASUS router WAN light goes red if you’ve lost your internet connection. You can quickly resolve the issue by updating your router firmware and restarting both the router and modem. You must also ensure your LAN and power connections are firmly fixed. If the problem persists, contact your ISP.

Read Next: Asus RT-N56U Lan Ports Not Working?

Bottom Line

I hope you now understand why the ASUS router WAN light red issue occurs. I trust you can also quickly solve it with the methods we’ve discussed.

Contact your ISP for more technical advice if you’ve tried everything and don’t see a change. You can also contact ASUS Customer Support.