Virgin router flashing red? Nobody wants to see a red light since this is an indication of an error in most cases.
So, in this guide, we’ll unwrap the meaning of the red light on different Virgin Hubs and provide you with a top-tier solution against the light and the underlying issue.
To stop the blinking red light on the Virgin router, power cycle the device first and verify that the Hub is not overheating. Next, reconnect all the wires on the back of your router, and check for ongoing Virgin service outages.
Let’s continue to unwrap!
Virgin Router Red Light – Explained
Whenever the Virgin media router flashing red, then something is not working the correct way!
The red light is typically recognised in different ways with the variety of Virgin Hub models, so first, it’s crucial to determine the true meaning.
This is why we will check the red light on different Virgin Hub models to understand what’s causing the issue in your Virgin setup.
Red Light on Virgin Hub 4, 5x 5
The red light could be solid and pulsating on Virgin Hub 4, 5 or 5x. The solid red light indicates that there is an issue with the wiring connections of your Virgin router.
In contrast, if the red light blinks, there is a problem with the telephone system, and the issue requires a human touch.
Red Light on Virgin Media Hub 3
The red light could be solid and flashing on Virgin Hub 3. When the power light is solid red, the router is overheating, and you must undertake immediate measures to cool the unit down.
If the red light is solid, there is a system bug with the router, requiring a restart to be resolved quickly.
How to Fix Virgin Router Flashing Red?
Tip: Follow the solutions in order!
1. Power Cycle the Virgin Router
The first and easiest step to apply is the power circulation, which will not affect any of the Virgin router settings but will refresh the operating system.
The power cycle is not as simple as turning the router off and on, so we’ve prepared a step-by-step guide to walk you through the process!
Here’s how to power cycle the Virgin router in easy steps:
- First, press the power button to turn off the router.
- Unplug the router’s power supply from the outlet.
- Wait for 60 seconds with the disconnected router.
- Connect the router directly to the electrical outlet.
- Wait for 3 minutes until your network comes back.
When the power circulation is over, you should observe whether the red light comes back on, and if yes, something else is causing it.
To continue the troubleshooting, keep reading further!
2. Reconnect the Router’s Wiring
The flashing red phone on Virgin router is typically associated with a telephone system, so you must reconnect all wires connected to your Virgin Hub.
There are a couple of essential cables in your setup, and if you’re unfamiliar with the system installation, we recommend learning them!
Here are the connections on the back of your Virgin router:
- Power cable – delivers electricity to your Virgin router.
- Coaxial cable – delivers the service internet from Virgin.
- Ethernet cable – connects your router and a computer.
- Ethernet (2) – connect the landline phone to your router.
You must unplug each cable on the back of your router and thoroughly inspect all the ports and connectors.
Also, ensure all cables fit tightly into their input ports without blockages and that the Ethernet cables click and blink after being connected since this is the main working indication.
You may need to clean if you discover a dust accumulation or any other obstruction within the Virgin router ports or the input connectors on any of the involved wires.
Reminder: When you reconnect all of the cables on your Virgin router, restart the unit again to refresh everything and observe for the red blinking light.
3. Prevent Router’s Overheating
If you’re facing a red power light on a Virgin Hub 3, then this is an indication of overheating that must not be overlooked.
Overheating could be extremely dangerous and damaging for the Virgin router, and immediate measures must be taken.
Overheating typically appears when the router is suffocated, away from good ventilation and is heavily utilised by wireless devices.
However, there are many ways to address overheating, and by following the steps below, you can’t go wrong…
How to Stop Virgin Router Overheating?
- Move the Virgin router to a more open location.
- Open a window for environmental ventilation.
- Do not position your router in enclosed spaces.
- Position a cardboard box underneath the router.
- Turn on a fan blowing against the Virgin router.
Another thing to do is to turn off the Virgin router for about 5 minutes, especially if you’re concerned that the machine is overheating.
It’s essential to take actions contributing to lowering the internal temperatures as soon as possible to stop the red light and prevent HW damage.
Tip: Contact your router with your hand to determine whether it’s hot on the touch!
4. Check the Virgin Service Status!
If you’re using Virgin Hub 4, 5 or 5x and the internet light is blinking red, then the problem might not be on your side.
The internet light indicates the incoming internet data delivered from the provider, and when the light is red, no internet connection reaches your Virgin Media Hub.
To check for Broadband and Telephone outages, go to Virgin Media Service Status!
When you land on the page, press the “Check service status” button and input your Postcode and the account holder’s name.
When you press “Next”, you’ll be provided with accurate information regarding any ongoing Virgin Media outages concerning your current service location.
Note: In case of any reported outages, you can’t solve the red light at home, so remain patient until your broadband services are fully restored.
5. Switch to a Different Power Source
Sometimes, the flashing red light on Virgin router comes up due to a power-related issue that can ultimately prevent the device from working correctly.
Undervoltage can prevent the router from accessing the network, and overvoltage or fluctuations can cause the router to overheat.
So, connect your Virgin router to a different power source!
If your router was connected to a power strip, divider or smart plug by now, we recommend to hook up the router directly to the wall outlet.
In addition, it’s good to check whether the power adapter is damaged, defective or somehow faulty, which can also be the reason for a red light.
Tip: Verify that the power cable connector on the router’s side is not wiggly!
6. Factory Reset Your Virgin Router
If the Virgin media router flashing red, and nothing manages to solve the issue by far, then it’s time for a factory reset.
This method will permanently erase everything from your Virgin router, including the WiFi SSIDs, passwords, and all other networking settings.
Warning: Your network will go temporarily offline during the steps!
Factory Reset via the Reset Button:
- First, locate the “RESET” pinhole on the back.
- Use any sharp object to reach within the hole.
- Press and hold the reset button for 30 seconds.
- Wait for the Virgin router to restart automatically.
Factory Reset via the Admin Portal:
- First, connect your computer to the Virgin router.
- Info: You can use WiFi or a wired Ethernet link.
- Open any web browser and go to “192.168.0.1.”
- Log in to the web portal using the default details.
- Info: Username: admin, Password: changeme.
- When you’re in, go to the “System Tool” menu.
- From there, click on “Admin” to be redirected.
- Finally, select “Restore to Factory Defaults.”
This will reset your Virgin router to default settings, and when the reset is over, you will have to set up your WiFi SSID and passwords through the admin portal.
So follow the steps below to log in again by using the default sign-in credentials and set up your router without the red light error!
Need More Help?
If your Virgin router keeps blinking red, the next step would be to contact Virgin Support for qualified assistance. Best of luck!
Quick Recap:
Hence, the Virgin router flashes red because of a loose telephone adapter connector or router overheating, based on the Virgin Hub model.
The solution involves a power cycle, thorough wiring inspection, and a router factory reset to fix the red light effectively.
Follow us for more Virgin router solution guides and light troubleshooting!
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.