What does Linksys router blinking orange mean, and should it be a cause for concern? If these are some burning questions you have in mind and you’re new to routers, you might want to read on for some valuable information and solutions contained in this article.
Your Linksys router is blinking orange because of a possible internet outage from your Internet Service Provider. It can also blink orange because you haven’t updated firmware, an unstable power outlet, or a bad modem-router connection.
The standard three colors in a Linksys router are Red, Green, and Orange. In most cases, when a Linksys router is functioning correctly, the green LED lights will turn on to ensure that the router is working correctly.
If your Linksys router is malfunctioning, it will shine the red LED lights as a warning for you to either make some repairs or replace the router altogether.
Reasons Why your Linksys Router is Blinking Orange
Overheating
Your Linksys router is hard at work sending and receiving data from all kinds of devices and the internet.
If there’s such continuous data activity within your router, it could cause it to overheat, and then it will impair the Internet connection.
It’s recommended that you put your router in a cool, dry place with plenty of ventilation.
Incorrect Router Settings
You might find that you need to change some of your settings, but don’t worry; it’s normal to make mistakes when you first set up your router.
Your Linksys router may be blinking orange because of incorrect settings. You can reset the router to its factory settings by pressing the reset button for 10 seconds.
How to Fix Linksys Router Blinking Orange
Solution #1. Check Internet Status
If you’ve been asking yourself why is my Linksys router blinking orange, it could be an ISP issue that is totally unrelated to your router and therefore out of your control.
Internet Service Providers have outages all the time, sometimes without warning.
But to know if it’s indeed an ISP issue, you should check your modem for internet status.
Here’s how to verify internet status:
- Unplug power cords from both modem and router.
- Unplug the Ethernet cable from the modem and router.
- Connect the router and the modem via the Ethernet cable.
- With the router off, plug in the modem’s power cable and switch it on.
- Check your computer if there is the internet.
Accessing the internet directly from the modem means there are no ISP-side issues. On the other hand, if there’s still no connection, there could be an outage which is a problem only your ISP can solve.
Solution #2. Update Firmware
Most internet users will they don’t know when they last updated their router firmware.
It’s just not something that crosses most minds, but failure to make those updates could be the reason why Linksys router blinking orange.
While it’s much more convenient to set your Linksys router to update automatically, you can also do it manually. Start by downloading those updates to your computer.
Follow these steps to make the updates:
- Go to your admin panel.
- Click the Administration tab.
- Select Firmware upgrade.
- Select the firmware file on your computer.
- Click on Start upgrade, and your firmware will be upgraded.
Linksys recommends regularly updating your router to keep your network secure, have optimal performance, and strongest signal.
Whenever you’re making firmware updates, take precautions to ensure a stable connection to the router and avoid interrupting the upgrade process.
Note: If there are any recent updates, you will find them on the official website of Linksys.
Solution #3. Bad Modem-Router Connection
If the router isn’t appropriately connected to the modem, it will blink orange because it won’t recognize the modem.
Modems are typically connected to the Internet port on the router, labeled as WAN.
- Unplug the power cord from both the router and the modem.
- Disconnect the cable connecting your modem to the router.
- Connect the power cord to the Linksys router.
- Connect the power cord to the modem, ensuring it fits tightly.
- Plug in the internet cable to the WAN port on the router, the other end to the modem.
Once the set-up is connected, you can then turn on the power for both modem and router.
Unplugging your modem for 10 seconds, then plugging it back in is a step anyone can try to resolve most issues. And if you’ve been using the same modem for over five years, you may need to replace it altogether.
Note: Always ensure the Ethernet wire is in good condition and make a replacement if necessary.
Solution #4. Unstable Power Outlet
If you’re using a Linksys router, beware of potential problems if your router is not receiving good power because there is not a stable source of AC power in its location.
Because of unreliable power supply, the router might resort to using its battery, hence the orange light.
Here is what to do when there is unstable power:
- Check whether there is power flowing through the power outlet.
- Avoid sharing the same power outlet with other electronics through a surge protector.
- Confirm that there is no imbalanced power distribution.
- Plug in the router to a different isolated power outlet.
Once the power supply has been steadily normalized, the orange light will disappear on its own. Even if you don’t directly suffer from power outages, there is still some risk that they will affect your router and, by extension, your network.
Note: You may want to consider placing your router on a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply), which can keep it running even when there is no power in your area.
Read Next: How to Turn Off WiFi Router Remotely?
If your Linksys router blinks orange non-stop, check with your ISP to ensure there are no internet interruptions in your area. If the internet is fine, consider updating router firmware, stabilizing the power supply to your router, and fixing any connection issues between your router and the modem.
Conclusion
The Linksys router blinking orange issue should not be an entirely huge cause for an alarm because it’s an easily fixable problem.
If the blinking orange issue persists, it’s best to contact Linksys, and a technician will be assigned to you at the earliest convenience.
This is only possible if your router warranty applies. However, if your router is out of warranty, you may have to get a new one for your network.
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.