If your Orbi satellite offline status appears out of a sudden, then this guide will help you out!
The Orbi satellite can only go “offline” when disconnected from the router or the device is turned off because of power insufficiency.
So, this guide will explore the possibilities and the solutions.
When the Orbi satellite is offline, begin with a power circulation on both the router and the satellite by unplugging from the power. Also, verify that the sync is successful and move the satellite closer to the router.
To learn how all of this is done, continue reading!
Why is My Orbi Satellite Offline – Top Causes!
An Orbi satellite appears “offline” whenever it loses connection with the Orbi router or the device is not receiving power.
However, to identify the exact cause, we must look into all possibilities:
There are many possibilities because it’s unclear why the satellite would lose connection to the router unexpectedly.
Also, there are many reasons for power-related faults, which typically make your Orbi satellite restart, disconnecting the device from the router.
So, let’s check the sync!
How to Sync Orbi Satellite Correctly?
Your Orbi satellite might have disconnected from the router, and that’s why it appears “offline.”
Well, your satellite is programmed to reconnect automatically, but in some rare cases, manual interaction may be required.
So here’s the correct steps to sync Orbi satellite with the router:
- Verify that your router and satellite are powered on.
- Then, locate the “Sync” button on both your devices.
- First, press the “Sync” button on your wireless router.
- In 2 minutes, press the “Sync” button on the satellite.
When you’re ready, you may see one out of three different indications:
- Solid Blue – the Orbi satellite is successfully connected.
- Solid Magenta – the satellite failed to sync with the router.
- Solid Amber – the satellite is too far away from the router.
If you see magenta or amber, continue with the troubleshooting steps!
How to Fix When My Orbi Satellite Offline in Easy Steps?
The steps below will help you troubleshoot your Orbi satellite until the light is solid blue!
1. Power Cycle the Satellite & Router
The first and easiest step would be to perform a power circulation on your Orbi system, which involves your network router and Orbi satellite.
This will refresh the broadband connection and force both network instances to re-link, which may be enough to resolve the connection throttle.
Note: The power circulation will not erase any of your networking settings!
How to Power Cycle Orbi Satellite?
Here’s how to power cycle your Orbi satellite in easy steps:
- First, disconnect the satellite’s power adapter.
- Also, unplug the power wire from the input port.
- Wait for 60 seconds with the satellite unplugged.
- Connect the adapter directly to a power outlet.
- Securely connect the A/C cord to the power port.
In the meantime…
How to Power Cycle Orbi Router?
Here’s how to power cycle your Orbi router in easy steps:
- First, press the Power button on your Orbi router.
- When the router powers off, unplug the adapter.
- Also, disconnect the A/C wire from the power port.
- Wait for 60 seconds with the router disconnected.
- Then, connect the adapter to a standalone outlet.
- Firmly reconnect the power cord to the input port.
When both your devices are power cycled, the Orbi satellite should automatically reconnect to the Wi-Fi router without you doing anything.
However, if you still see the “offline” status or the LED is amber/magenta, there is another problem, so continue reading.
2. Test Orbi Broadband Connection
If your Orbi satellite appears “offline,” it may be due to your broadband connection, so it’s crucial to check this before progressing further into the guide.
The broadband connection is essentially the internet coming from your supplier, and when it’s down, your Orbi satellite will go “offline.”
There are a few ways to check your broadband connection:
- Test your broadband connection via Ethernet cable.
- Try to connect to the Wi-Fi by using a mobile phone.
- Test the speed of the Wi-Fi by trying to browse online.
- Test your Wi-Fi speed/consistency with an online tool.
So, if you identify that your broadband network is inconsistent, then that’s why the Orbi satellite is disconnecting and going “offline.”
You can’t really resolve broadband issues at home since the internet comes from your supplier this way, so you may need to contact your ISP for assistance.
Note: There is a difference between Wi-Fi and broadband outages, so you must identify if it’s the router that’s causing the issue or your internet supply.
3. Switch Orbi Router to Another DNS
Recently, many users reported that their Orbi satellites appear “offline” because of a change to the router’s DNS (Domain Name Server).
The next step is to eliminate this possibility, so you must enter your Orbi router’s admin tool (GUI) and configure the DNS settings from the options.
Accessing Orbi Router’s Settings:
Requirement: Your router must be connected to a computer via Ethernet cable!
- First, insert “routerlogin.com” into an online browser.
- For name, use “admin,” for password, use “password.”
- When you’re in, find the DNS tab from the dashboard.
- Click on the “ADVANCED” tab to reveal more settings.
- Then, you’ll be able to update the DNS for your router.
- We recommend switching to the Google’s DNS (8.8.8.8).
When you update the DNS for your Orbi router, you must, once again, reboot both your devices and then check if your Orbi satellite is now online.
If you continue to see a magenta/amber color and your satellite is “offline,” double-check whether the power source of your devices is working.
Tip: If your Orbi satellite is working but not connecting, follow the “sync” instruction from earlier!
4. Move the Satellite Closer to the Router
Although insufficient distance from the router will be identified with an amber color on your Orbi satellite, sometimes you will only see the “offline” status.
However, there are many other factors in the space between the Orbi satellite and the router, such as obstructions and interference.
So, one of the most effective ways to justify if the Orbi satellite is offline due to distance-related issues would be to relocate the satellite entirely (for testing purposes).
We recommend installing the satellite in the same room as the router (temporarily) to check if the device will still be offline.
How to Deal With Wireless Interference?
If the Orbi satellite becomes online when closer to the Orbi router, there are quite a few factors to consider when installing the device.
So, let’s check the most important things to remember:
- The Orbi satellite must be in a centralized location.
- Your Orbi satellite must not be covered or blocked.
- The satellite must not be installed near appliances.
- The Orbi satellite must not be in a dead Wi-Fi spot.
- Your Orbi satellite must not be located on the floor.
If you’re following all of the requirements, but your Orbi satellite is still “offline,” perhaps there is a system failure that must be checked.
Important: Dislocate any RF (radio frequency) transmitters near your router and satellite!
5. Reset Your Orbi Satellite’s System
If nothing helps, and the Orbi satellite keeps going offline, whether it shows a magenta or amber color, the factory reset is the ultimate solution that must help.
However, this method will entirely unpair the satellite from your router, so you must re-sync the units initially after the reset is over.
Here’s how to factory reset your Orbi satellite in easy steps:
- Verify that your Orbi satellite is connected to power.
- Then, discover the small pinhole found on the back.
- Use a thin object, such as a paperclip, to reach inside.
- Press and hold the Reset button for 10–15 seconds.
- Wait until the Orbi satellite starts to pulsate in white.
- Shortly, your Orbi satellite will be reset to defaults.
When the reset is over, your Orbi satellite will not connect with the router automatically and will be “offline,” which is entirely normal.
However, to establish the connection, you must press the “Sync” button on your router, and within two minutes, press the “Sync” button on your satellite.
Your Orbi satellite must start showing solid blue light when connected successfully!
Quick Recap:
Hence, when Orbi satellite offline status appears, the device has disconnected from the router or is not receiving power.
To troubleshoot the issue, power cycle your router and satellite, switch the router’s DNS, relocate the Orbi satellite, and perform a factory reset.
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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.