Virgin Media Ethernet cable not working? This guide covers everything, so keep reading!
When you have a Virgin Media Hub, you can connect up to four Ethernet-enabled devices and provide them with a wired and stable internet connection.
Sometimes, the Ethernet link might not work when issues start to occur, and this guide will help you diagnose and solve the issue.
To fix a non-working Virgin Media Ethernet connection, power cycle the hub and check for ongoing Virgin broadband outages. In addition, reconnect the Ethernet cable, test if the connection works in different ports, and, ultimately, factory reset your Virgin Hub.
Let’s continue to unwrap!
Why is Virgin Router Ethernet Not Working?
When the Ethernet connection is not working, you must identify if the connected device is not receiving data or the network is down.
So, one of the easiest ways to identify this is to check if your WiFi connection is intact while the Ethernet-connected devices are not receiving data.
This will immediately let you know whether the broadband network is online and whether you must troubleshoot the Ethernet connection or your entire network.
So, to understand the issue better and come up with a working solution, let’s first take a quick look at the possible suspects:
There are many reasons why the Virgin Media Hub’s Ethernet is not working on your device, and luckily, the guide below addresses all possibilities.
So, without further ado, let’s jump in.
Virgin Media Ethernet Cable Not Working – Fixed Easily!
Tip: Apply the solution steps consecutively!
1. Test the Virgin Hub WiFi Network
The first step is to test whether your WiFi (wireless network) is working while the Ethernet link in your setup is offline.
So, take your smartphone, connect to the WiFi of the Virgin Media Hub, and test surfing online or streaming videos on the web.
This will immediately let you know whether the Ethernet-connected device is offline because the broadband connection is down or due to another problem.
If the WiFi is not working just like the Ethernet connection, perhaps your broadband is offline, so jump to the next step to learn why!
2. Check for Virgin Service Outage!
When both the Ethernet-connected unit and Virgin Media Hub’s WiFi are not working, the fault is more likely related to your broadband.
One of the top reasons why your Virgin Media broadband would be down is due to an ongoing service outage at Virgin’s end.
You can check for ongoing Virgin outages at the Virgin Status Centre!
When you’re at the status page, click on the “Check Service Status” button to receive accurate information on whether their services are online.
Note: In case of an ongoing outage, the Virgin Media Ethernet will not work until the services are restored from the supplier.
3. Reconnect the Ethernet Wire Link
The next step is simple and requires the user to reconnect the Ethernet wire from the back of the Virgin Hub and the connected device.
This is enough to reset the connection between the devices and hopefully restore the Virgin Internet access on your Ethernet-connected computer.
Here’s a step-by-step tutorial on how to reconnect Ethernet cable:
- First, unplug the Ethernet from the back of the Hub.
- The Ethernet is connected to one of the yellow ports.
- Then, disconnect the Ethernet from the wired device.
- Next, switch the connector sides of the Ethernet wire.
- Connect the Ethernet firmly to the Virgin Media Hub.
- Plug the other end into the Ethernet port on your unit.
Info: When the Ethernet cable is reconnected, your system might take up to 3 minutes until the internet connection is restored.
4. Power Cycle the Virgin Media Hub
The next step is as simple as restarting the Virgin Media Hub, but with the power cycle, we will take this method one step further.
This method is harmless to your Virgin Media Hub and will not erase your networking settings.
The power circulation only discharges the power from your hub, rebooting all of the operational services, which has a high potential of solving Ethernet-related problems.
To power cycle your Virgin Hub, disconnect the device from the electrical outlet for 60 seconds.
Info: When you turn the Virgin Media Hub back on, the Ethernet network on the connection should be restored in a few minutes.
5. Inspect & Clean the Ethernet Port
Sometimes, the Virgin Ethernet cable not working due to a connector obstruction from within the port.
This kind of obstruction can be caused by dust, dirt, or other particles that go into the Ethernet port either on your Virgin Hub or connected device.
To clean your Ethernet port, follow these steps and tips:
- Use a toothpick to cleave the dust accumulation.
- Use a dry ear stick to remove all the dirt particles.
- Avoid using water or any kind of liquid at all costs.
- Also, clean the Ethernet cable connector from dirt.
Broken Ethernet Connector?
The Ethernet cable connector is plastic and uses a little latch to attach itself to the port and stay tightly connected.
When the plastic latch is broken and missing, the Ethernet cable turns loose and can’t stay securely connected either to your Virgin Media Hub or to your connected device.
When working correctly, the Ethernet cable should be blinking through the transparent cover of the connector.
This is the primary sign to let you know that the internet is going through, thus, if your cable is faulty, use a conventional way to secure the connector or purchase a new one.
Note: You can discover a replacement Ethernet cable online!
6. Complete the Ethernet Unit Setup
On some devices, especially TVs, you must complete the Ethernet (wired) setup before your device becomes online.
So, if you’ve just plugged the Ethernet cable and the device is still offline, you shouldn’t immediately assume something is wrong with the Virgin Media Hub.
The settings on all devices are different, but we’re going to attempt to provide you with universal steps that might or might not apply exactly as shown:
- First, go to the “Settings” of your connected device.
- Find “Network,” “Internet,” or “Set Up Connection.”
- When asked “Wireless” or “Wired,” select “Wired.”
- Follow the screen instructions to complete the setup.
Tip: If the aforementioned settings do not apply on your device, consult with the user’s manual!
7. Test Using Different Ethernet Ports
In rare cases, the Ethernet-connected device does not receive internet from the Virgin Media Hub due to a defect with the Ethernet port.
Luckily, the Virgin Media Hubs have four different Ethernet ports at the user’s disposal, so feel free to test if the link would work on another port.
Also, if possible, connect your Ethernet cable to a different Ethernet port on your connected unit to further identify the port’s availability in your setup.
Reminder: Don’t forget that the Ethernet cable’s connector should be blinking through the plastic cover when the data transfer works as intended.
8. Factory Reset Your Virgin Router!
If nothing helps and the Ethernet connection from your Virgin Hub is not working, perhaps there is a severe system bug that requires a fresh start.
The best way to address such complications is to perform a factory reset, which erases everything from your Virgin Media Hub permanently.
Warning: Your Virgin Hub’s WiFi SSIDs and passwords will be deleted!
Here’s how to reset the system of your Virgin Media Hub in easy steps:
- Make sure that the Virgin Hub is powered on.
- Next, discover the reset pinhole at the back.
- Info: The pinhole is located at the upper side.
- Using a paperclip, reach inside the pinhole.
- Press the reset button inside for 15 seconds.
- Release the reset button after the LED’s flash.
When your Virgin Hub is reset, open a browser on your Ethernet-connected device and go to “https://192.168.1.1/”.
Then sign in using Username: admin and Password: changeme, since those are the default login credentials after the reset and configure your wireless settings.
Note: If your Virgin Media Ethernet cable is not working, contact Virgin Customer Support.
Quick Recap:
Hence, Virgin Media Ethernet cable not working either because of a system bug with the hub or due to a fault with the Ethernet connection.
The best solution is to power cycle the Hub, inspect the Ethernet link, test with different ports, and factory reset the Virgin Hub.
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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.