Why is AT&T Broadband Light Blinking Red? Quick Fix

If you notice your AT&T broadband light blinking red, don’t panic – it’s not usually a serious problem.

Don’t immediately jump to conclusions that the hardware is damaged or is already faulty.

In this tutorial, we will be imparting knowledge as to what this red light means.

Furthermore, we will also give you a complete walkthrough on how you can eradicate this seemingly alarming blinking broadband light!

If you see the broadband light of your AT&T gateway blinking red, perform a power cycle or a restart of the modem. Then, check the firmware version of the gateway and upgrade it if it’s not up-to-date. Perform a factory reset of the modem/gateway if necessary.

Why is My AT&T Broadband Light Flashing Red?

It can be such a nuisance seeing the broadband light on your gateway flashing red.

But, don’t fret, because it’s usually just a minor disruption with the device’s power supply.

Part of the most common reasons why this happens include:

• AC power cord failure
• The firmware is outdated
• Wall outlet problems
• Power outage

On the other hand, when you notice that your AT&T broadband 2 light is blinking red, it’s a different scenario.

This is often caused by the service being down or under maintenance.

Therefore, you’ll have no way of resolving this on your own because the engineers of AT&T would be the ones to fix it.

You wouldn’t be able to do anything but wait and ask for updates from AT&T’s team.

Now that we know the common culprits for the flashing red dilemma, how can we fix it?

Fixing AT&T Broadband Light Blinking Red

Unlike other guides you’ll see online, this tutorial will cover everything involved as to why your gateway is flashing or blinking red.

Whether you see a solid red light on your device or you notice the AT&T broadband light blinking red and green, our guide will be what you need!

Step #1: Power Cycle the Modem or Gateway

The first thing you want to do is to perform a restart or a power cycle of the modem/gateway.

What this does is restart the connectivity of your device, refreshing its connection to the network as well as the connection of other devices to it.

To power cycle your modem or gateway:

1. Unplug the power cord from power and wait for 15 to 30 seconds.
2. Plug the power cord back in again and wait for the light to return to normal.

Step #2: Double-Check the Firmware Version

The next step is to check if the firmware version of your gateway is the latest.

An out-of-date firmware can restrict your gateway’s ability to perform.

Regardless of the AT&T gateway model you’re using, here’s how you can find and update your device’s firmware:

1. Connect the gateway/modem to a laptop or a computer via an Ethernet cable.
2. Then, type in the IP address of your gateway into the browser’s address bar.
3. After that, enter the credentials required to log into your admin configuration.
4. Once in, on the left-hand side, select AT&T Software Update > Check For Updates.  
5. Wait for the hardware to detect if an update is required.
6. Click on Software Update if it’s available.

After doing this, your gateway should restart automatically.

If not, initiate the restart by unplugging the power cord for about 15 to 30 seconds before plugging it back in again.

Step #3: Check the Cables/Wires and Its Connection

After toggling the software, let us now try checking if the connections are properly inserted and attached to the ports.

Check the connectivity of all wires and cables by detaching them from the ports, and then plugging them back in again.

Since the red blinking/flashing light is caused by a power disruption, it could be a problem with the AC power cord, which could either be loose or not connected properly.

It’s also going to be worth checking the status of the cables. Are there missing teeth on the locks of the Ethernet cable? Are there cuts and slices on the power cord?

NOTE: Do this for all the wires and cables that are connected to the gateway/modem.

Step #4: Inspect the Ports on the Gateway/Modem or Router

If the connections are good, then the issue could be with the ports of the modem or the router.

Inspect the ports to see if there are missing contact points. If there are, then you’ll need a replacement of the device because it really wouldn’t work properly.

Step #5: Factory Reset the Gateway

And last, but most definitely not least is to perform a factory reset of the gateway/modem.

Factory resetting can clear up the bugs that could have been left running, hindering it to perform appropriately.

Here’s how you can factory reset your gateway/modem or router:

1. First, look for a paperclip or a SIM card pin.
2. Then, locate the reset button, which is usually on the back part of the hardware.
3. Using your paperclip or the pin, reach the reset button and press and hold it.
4. Press and hold it for about 15 seconds or until you see the lights go off.
5. Release it when the lights turn back on again.

Note: Take note that a factory reset would clear up saved settings and data on the gateway/router. 

You have to log into the admin configuration again to revert it to the settings or the arrangement you want.

After you do this 4-step process, you’ll finally be able to get rid of the flashing/blinking red light on the broadband indicator of your gateway!

My AT&T Router is Still Blinking Red, What Should I Do?

If the broadband light’s red-blinking spree continues even after you did the process, the next best thing to do is to contact AT&T’s tech support.

It could already be a problem with the hardware or the gateway itself, so it’ll be best to ask a professional about it already.

Should they deem that it’s a hardware issue, they’ll send a technician right away to perform several tests, and quite possibly, replace your gateway.

Read Next: What is Data Transfer on AT&T Bill?

If the AT&T broadband light is blinking red, restart the modem/gateway, and check the firmware version. Check the hardware, including all the cables connected, then factory reset the device.

Final Verdict

Is your AT&T broadband light blinking red and you aren’t so sure how you can have it fixed?

Are you getting internet connection errors when you try accessing online content because of this?

With this guide, you wouldn’t have to worry any longer because you’ll be able to get it fixed in no time!