google mesh blinking red

Wondering why Google Mesh blinking red light appeared out of a sudden?

There are quite a few reasons why a Google Mesh device would blink in red.

In this guide, we’re going to explore ALL possibilities and help you solve the problem in a blink of an eye!

When a Google Mesh device is flashing in red, users need to thoroughly inspect their WiFi connectivity and all cable connections involved in the setup. The next step is to reinstall the Google Home App and reset the WiFi device in the setup.

Let’s next learn more about why the red light problem appears in the first place!

Why Is Google WiFi Flashing Red?

As the color of the LED on your Google WiFi devices suggests, the red blinking light indicates a problem.

However, the problem could be related to inadequate signal strength and power issues with the device, all the way to software glitches with the firmware.

Here’s a little recap of what could be causing the red flashing light on your Mesh devices:

  • The Google Mesh device has a software problem
  • Power insufficiency has struck the device/has no adequate power
  • Incorrectly connected cables in your Mesh setup
  • No internet from the ISP (DNS Server)

The issue is most likely to be related to one of the above-listed bullets, therefore we need to address each of them individually to solve the problem.

Next, we’ll learn how it’s done!

Let’s proceed with these solutions to resolve the issue with your Google Mesh:

How to Fix When Google WiFi Mesh Blinking Red?

fix google mesh blinking red

The solution includes restarting your equipment, inspecting the wiring, and reinstallation the applications involved in the setup.

There is much more to be read before we can draw conclusions and determine the true cause of the red flashing light.

Let’s jump right in!

Solution #1 Hard Reset the WiFi Device

The first thing you should perform is a hard reset on the WiFi device that is blinking in red color.

This will discharge the device’s power and refresh ALL services, fixing any software bugs or glitches that have developed recently, causing the LED to flash in red.

To perform a hard reset on your WiFi device, follow these steps:

  1. Go over to the Google WiFI device that is blinking in red.
  2. Disconnect the power adapter from the Power Source.
  3. Unplug the type-C cable out of the device.
  4. Wait for 5 Minutes.
  5. Connect the power adapter back into the Mesh device.
  6. Check if the blinking red light is still there.
Note: The longer you keep the power disconnected, the better the Mesh device will reset.

Solution #2 Fix Cable Setup Issues

In your Mesh setup, the primary WiFi point device must be wired with the modem.

An incorrect cable setup could result in the blinking red light that you’re facing.

check cables

As we’ve clarified, the flashing red light could also indicate improper cable setup and the WiFi will also go down as a result of that.

The cable setup of your primary WiFi point and the Google modem should be like this:

  • Coaxial cable connects the modem and the Internet port in your house
  • An Ethernet cable connected to the back of the modem
  • The Ethernet cable in the modem then connects to the primary WiFi device

This is the correct cable management that should be in your setup. Additionally, verify that all cables are securely connected to the ports and the wall outlet.

It’s best to steer away from third-party cables, due to the fact that they are most likely not optimized to support the Google Mesh devices, routers, and points.

Note: The required cables are all delivered upon ordering a Mesh setup from Google.

Solution #3 Run a Mesh Test on Your Network

The best way to identify what type of issue has struck your Mesh setup is to run a test on the network.

A network test could be initiated from the Google Home app that is required during the setup of your device.

test mesh again

Follow these instructions to turn a test on your Mesh network in easy steps:

  1. Open the Google Home application on your smartphone.
  2. Press the WiFi icon, located on the top left of the Home screen.
  3. Next, select the “WiFi devices” option that is available.
  4. Go to the “Points” section.
  5. Click on the “Test Mesh” icon.
  6. Wait for the network results to appear.

There could be three outcomes of the network test you’ve just run. Your Mesh network could either be Great, OK, or Bad.

According to the result of the network situation, Google Home would also give you the advice to fix the internet speeds. Follow the recommendations to resolve your network issue.

Note: Proceed further only if the Test Mesh shows a Great or OK connection!

Solution #4 Reinstall the Google Home App

The Google Home app is the service that connects your secondary WiFi points to the primary one.

If there is a fault with the application or the version is outdated, there could be a red light on one of your devices.

reinstall google home app

To approach this problem correctly, reinstall the Google Home app the following way:

  1. Get the device that you’ve completed the setup through in the Google Home app.
  2. Go to the Settings of the device.
  3. Head to Storage.
  4. Enter the “Applications” section.
  5. Locate the Google Home App using the search field.
  6. Uninstall the app from your device.
  7. Next, go to the App Store of your mobile device.
  8. Download the Google Home app again and Sign In.
  9. Follow the instructions to complete your device setup again.
Notice: Uninstalling the Google Home app will result in your points disconnecting from one another. Run the setup again.

Solution #5 Power Cycle the Modem

If there is a problem with the modem in your setup, one of your Google Mesh points (most likely the primary one) will identify the problem and start blinking in red.

What you could do is give your modem a good power cycle and hope for the best in terms of fixing the issue.

modem power cycle

Here’s how to perform a power cycle on your setup’s modem:

  1. Make sure that the device is currently up and running (its LEDs are lit).
  2. Press the Power Button on the modem to shut it off.
  3. Wait for the modem to power down completely.
  4. Disconnect the Coaxial Cable from the modem.
  5. Wait for a total of 5 Minutes.
  6. Reconnect the coaxial cable back into the modem.
  7. Turn the device on and check if the red light on your WiFi device is still there.
Note: Make sure that the Coaxial Connection is securely and tightly connected.

Solution #6 Reset the Google WiFi Device

All of the Google Mesh devices have been equipped with a Factory Reset Button on their back panels.

This provides the devices with great accessibility, since almost all of the issues that they experience, could be resolved with a simple factory reset.

However, you should note that factory resetting your point will cause it to disconnect from the other devices.

google mesh reset

Here’s how to reset your Google Mesh point in easy-to-follow instructions:

  1. Ensure that the problematic Google Mesh device is plugged into the power source.
  2. Examine the back panel of the device and locate a Small-Round Reset Button.
  3. Press and hold the Factory Reset Button for about 10 Seconds.
  4. Wait for the light to flash in Orange and then it will turn into solid blue.
  5. Let go of the factory reset button.
  6. Wait for your Mesh point to complete the reset.

When the reset is over, your device will be reverted to its official state. You’ll need to establish your setup configuration from scratch, but when ready you can test for the blinking red light!

Alert: Do not unplug the Mesh device until it finishes resetting, otherwise the process fails.

Quick Recap:

Thus, the Google Mesh is blinking in red when there is no internet connectivity and when the application has lost its operational services. The solution includes addressing each of the possibilities one by one until the true cause of the problem is revealed.

Read Next: Why Is Google WiFi Point Flashing Orange?

Wrapping Up:

Now that we know why Google Mesh blinking red light, we can go through the solution guide and check how each of the solution methods works.

This should be enough for users to identify the cause and solve the problem as soon as possible! Good Luck!

For more relevant solution guides, make sure to check our tech blog!