If you don’t know why is Orbi satellite not connecting to router then this is the place where you’ll learn everything about it.
According to the majority of users, the problem is most likely to be with your router and not the satellite. There are, however, a few things that you should know so let’s get started!
To solve a non-connecting Netgear Orbi satellite, you’ll need to hard your router and then try to perform a sync with the satellite from scratch. Then you should make sure that both devices are not more than 5 meters apart and inspect ALL cables involved.
This is an oversimplified version of the solution, so we highly recommend reading about the possible causes first and then carefully executing the solutions one-by-one.
Why Orbi Satellite Will Not Connect with My Router?
If your router doesn’t seem to be connecting with the Netgear Orbi satellite, a few things could have happened.
We will summarize all of the possibilities that might be preventing your router from connecting to a satellite in the bullets down below.
1. Unsynced
If the satellite is unsynced with your router, your device will immediately lose reception and stop the connection.
2. Power Problem
A power issue with your router might prevent it from connecting with the satellite.
3. Outdated Firmware
In case the firmware of your router is outdated, this might also cause signal loss from the Orbi satellite.
4. LED Issue
Any other color than white on your router means that there is a network issue inflicting your connection.
5. ISP Problem
Potential ISP issues might also cause interferences with your network and cause outages.
Now that we’ve given you a proper introduction to the issue, let’s get the problem resolved with the easiest troubleshooting methods available.
How To Fix Orbi Satellite Not Connecting To Router?
Before we proceed any further, have you checked if there are any ISP maintenance or power outages currently in your local area?
It is possible that your support is currently off, thus you won’t get any satellite reception to your router.
You can check through the official Netgear Orbi site by inserting your living area. If there is an outage or maintenance, they will most likely be documented and the estimated hour of the service recovery will be included as well.
If that’s not the case then, try the solutions we have prepared:
Solution #1 Power Cycle The Router Device
Now that you’re certain there is no outage in your area, then you can’t apply any of the upcoming solutions if you haven’t power cycled your router.
This will discharge the device and hopefully renew the satellite reception.
Here is how to apply a power cycle to your router device:
- Press the hardware button once.
- Wait for the device to shut down.
- Unplug the power adapter from the source.
- Wait for 5 minutes while the router is unplugged.
- Plug the power adapter back to the power source.
Once you’re done with these steps, in addition, you can plug the router into a direct power source (wall outlet) to avoid possible malfunctions with strips or dividers.
Solution #2 Re-Sync With Satellite
If you didn’t try that already, there is a Sync button on the back of your satellite router.
This sync button will renew the connection with the satellite and will hopefully bring back the health of your network.
Keep in mind that the Orbi router will have a Sync button but it might not be included in all router models in total.
Follow these steps to re-sync your router:
- Locate the Sync button on the back of the router.
- Press it and hold it down for 5 seconds.
- If the LED of the router blinks twice.
- Release the button.
Now, wait for a couple of minutes or until your router reconnects with the satellite.
Solution #3 Relocate Orbi Satellite And Router
It is possible that there is an insufficient range between your router and the Orbi satellite.
This can cause all kinds of malfunctions and cause constant network drops and connection disconnects in addition.
Ensure your router and Netgear Orbi satellite device are at least 5 meters away from one another.
This is the default range many Orbi satellite users recommend placing your device so make sure to fit in the requirements.
Solution #4 Update The Router
If the Orbi satellite is not connecting to router you might have missed several router firmware updates. Outdated firmware data can often cause disconnects and incompatible versions won’t pair with the Orbi satellite at all.
Since we can’t know the brand of your router, there should be a committed app that will help you manually adjust the router’s settings. From there on, you should navigate yourself and find the update.
Here are some universal steps to help you update your router:
- Go to the corresponding router settings app.
- Head to the menu and browse the firmware version.
- Click on “Check For Update” or “Find New Firmware”.
- Install any firmware that was found.
Routers may take longer than usual for bigger firmware updates so be patient.
Solution #5 Inspect The Cables
If your router keeps disconnecting from the satellite, it is possible that faulty cable connections can make it often disconnect from the satellite.
We recommend tightening all of the cables in your configuration (Including the Orbi satellite ones), to ensure the full reliability of the wiring connections.
In addition, you can test with different cables to determine whether the issue is coming from the cables or not.
Solution #6 Restore Factory Defaults Of The Router
If nothing worked so far, then you should return your router to factory defaults to reset any corrupted data.
If your router doesn’t have a factory reset button on the back, then you should use the committed app you’ve used in the previous methods.
Here is how to perform a factory reset:
- Locate the factory reset button on the back of the router.
- Hold it down for 15 seconds or Insert a paperclip if it is with a hole.
- Once your router starts rapidly blinking or shuts down, release the button.
These steps should restore the factory defaults of your router and the wait time is based on the performance of your router.
To resolve the Orbi satellite not connecting to the router issue, first power cycle your router. Then you should check if the cables are properly connected, try to update your router’s firmware. You can also try to re-sync both devices and if nothing helps, you’ll need to factory reset the router.
Read Next: Why Does Orbi Router Keeps Disconnecting?
Bottom Line:
If you are still wondering why Orbi satellite is not connecting to router then you should contact Netgear Orbi customer service to make sure your issue is not with the satellite emitter.
On the other hand, if you have another router to test with, you can answer this question right now. If it works with another router, then the issue is with the satellite.
We hope that post was helpful to you and if you’re experiencing other issues that you need help with, you will definitely find a solution in our blog.
Finn Wheatley holds a Master’s Degree in Computer Science from UCL, London. He helped small data science consultancy firms, helping large corporations to grow their data capabilities, deploy advanced machine learning-based analytics and troubleshoot tech-related issues. Check out more about him here.