What does the BT Smart Hub 2 orange light mean, and how to fix the problem in minutes?
This guide will uncover all the details behind the orange indicator light of the 2nd generation BT Smart hub and provide helpful troubleshooting solutions to resolve the problem.
Hence, remain invested as we go through all potential causes and methods to address the solid orange light!
If the BT smart hub’s indicator light stays solid orange, power cycle your device and reconnect the service cable. Next, check for an ongoing BT service outage, update the firmware of the network device, and perform a factory restoration!
Let’s keep unwrapping!
Orange Light On BT Smart Hub 2 – Explained!
The first step to fixing the issue is understanding the reason behind the occurrence of the orange light on the BT smart hub.
The indicator of the hub typically goes orange whenever the network device is attempting to establish a connection with the BT broadband service.
Here are all of the possible causes for the orange light on the BT Smart Hub 2:
Important: If the orange light is continuous, the hub has failed to connect to the broadband.
Solid Vs. Flashing Orange Light – BT Hub 2
Identifying the difference in the behaviour of the orange lamp can provide significant information on the type of functionality error the hub has encountered.
There is a difference in the orange light on the hub that keeps flashing or stays solid while the device is connected.
Flashing Orange Light – BT Smart Hub 2
The flashing orange light typically goes away within the first three minutes after the LED starts blinking.
This is when the BT hub is connected to broadband during the first setup of the device or after disconnecting the service cable from the outlet.
Note: The flashing orange light will typically go solid if the BT hub has an issue!
Solid Orange Light – BT Smart Hub 2
If the orange indicator stays solid, the BT hub 2 is pending on broadband connection.
The good thing is that the hub is working, but it’s unable to connect to the internet temporarily until further notice.
- The solid orange light typically occurs during the first-time setup of the BT hub.
Note: If the solid orange light is lasting, there could be a BT service outage!
BT Smart Hub 2 Orange Light – 5 Expert Methods!
Tip: Follow our steps in a consecutive order!
1. Power Cycle the BT Smart Hub!
To address temporal issues with the BT smart hub, initiating the troubleshooting with a power cycle is recommended.
This effective reset method discharges the electrical power supply of the network device and provides the BT hub 2 with a fresh startup after plugging the device back in.
Follow these steps to perform a power cycle on the BT smart hub:
- Unplug the power cable from the back of the electrical outlet.
- Disconnect the other end of the adapter from the BT smart hub.
- Wait for 60 seconds while the BT Smart Hub is disconnected.
- Re-attach the power cable of the network device into power first.
- Plug the other end of the cable into the power port on the hub.
- Wait until the BT smart hub turns on and check the orange light.
Remember that the power cycle is only efficient if you’ve kept the smart hub unplugged for at least 60 seconds.
Connecting the power cable without waiting will prevent the electricity from discharging entirely, so a simple restart is ineffective compared to the total power circulation.
Tip: Apply the power cycle whenever the hub is overheating!
2. Reconnect the Smart Hub Service!
Perhaps the BT hub has failed to recognise the connected service cable, or there’s an issue with the connection itself.
This step will guide you through a complete checkup of the BT smart hub’s equipment and uncover how to reset the service connection of the network device.
Here’s how to reset the service connection of the BT Smart Hub 2 in easy steps:
- Locate the coaxial service cable going into the back of the hub.
- Unplug the service cable from the back of the network device first.
- Next, disconnect the other end of the cable from the master outlet.
- Wait for 30 seconds while the cable is unplugged from both ends.
- Reconnect the service cable into the hub first and then into the outlet.
How to Inspect the Service Cable for Damages?
You can determine if the service cable is starting to wear out by the following signs:
- Ripped spots on the plastic cover of the internal wires.
- Damaged ports, connectors, and explodes cable wires.
- Heavily bent spots on the cable as a result of twisting.
Notice: The service cable must rest naturally to avoid damaging the hardware!
3. Check for Non-Lasting BT Outages
It’s likely that a temporary BT service outage is disrupting the broadband connection of the hub.
Luckily, you can identify ongoing outages with the service simply by navigating to the BT Status Center, accessible through the BT online website.
Here’s how to check for an ongoing outage with the BT service:
- Open a web browser on your PC, laptop, or mobile smartphone.
- Then, navigate to the bt.com/help/check-service-status page.
- Next, Input your landline number in the provided number field.
- Press on the “Check Status” button and wait for relative results.
After the checker has completed analysing the service status of the appointed area, relative results of ongoing outages or maintenance will be displayed and organised.
You will receive information on any outages that are happening right now or reported in the last 24 hours.
Note: BT service outages typically last up to 2 hours on busy days!
4. Connect the Hub in a Different Outlet
The BT Smart Hub 2 solid orange light can also be caused by a malfunctioning service outlet.
A service installation of a household typically includes two service outlets, so you must inspect if there is another, proven-to-work master socket available and relocate the BT smart hub there.
Here’s how to install the BT Smart Hub 2 into a different service outlet:
- Locate the available master socket in your home.
- Next, unplug the power cable of the BT Smart Hub.
- Relocate the hub’s equipment to a working socket.
- Then, connect the power cable of the network unit.
- Lead the service cable of the BT hub into the outlet.
- Check if the orange light on the hub is still blinking.
The hub typically takes about 60 seconds to restore all network services once the connection with a master socket is fulfilled.
In case the indicator light turns blue, the master socket is either deactivated or the cable is not working.
Tip: Analyse the BT Smart Hub 2 service cable for visual hardware damages!
5. Restore the BT Hub 2 to Defaults!
We recommend conducting a factory reset to address ongoing system and hardware issues with the BT Smart Hub 2.
This process will erase all content and settings from the hub, including the created Wi-Fi networks and all settings, SSIDs, and network settings, so create a backup.
Warning: All information lost due to the factory reset cannot be restored!
Here’s how to restore the BT Smart Hub 2 to factory defaults:
- Verify that the BT Smart Hub 2 is connected to a power supply.
- Locate the small “Factory Reset” button above the power button.
- Press and hold the reset button for 5 seconds and then release.
- Wait for up to 5 minutes until the hub completes the factory reset.
After the factory reset, the setup of the BT network will be erased, and you must configure all settings from scratch again.
Hence, type “192.168.1.254” within the browser of a connected device and follow the on-screen instructions to set up the network device.
Alert: The BT network will be offline temporarily while the hub completes the factory reset!
Quick Recap:
Hence, to fix the BT smart hub 2 orange light, it is necessary to power cycle the hub and verify that the service cable and outlet are functional.
If the issue is still there, check for ongoing BT service outages/maintenance and restore the BT Hub 2 to factory defaults.
Follow our blog for more BT Hub troubleshooting!
Kevin has over five years of experience working in various Tech startups and providing Technical solutions. He has contributed to many Tech publications and websites. Check out more about him here.