Wondering why is the Vodafone router flashing red internet light? It’s simple!
This is one of the most frequently reported issues related to “no connection” in regard to Vodafone broadband routers.
Luckily there are plenty of solutions and in this guide, you’ll find only the ones that actually work.
Let’s next take a look at what the general solution includes!
The blinking red light on your Vodafone router means that the connection could not be established. The solution revolves around identifying network-related issues on our side and checking for Vodafone outages in our local area.
Let’s next learn more about the possibilities and Vodafone router’s LED patterns!
Why My Vodafone Router is Flashing Red?
The reason why your Vodafone router’s “Internet” light is flashing in red is due to failed connection to the DNS server.
In other words, your router can’t connect to the internet.
Here’s what’s causing the Vodafone router blinking red light:
- Temporal Connection Issue
- Bad or Loose Cable
- Regional Vodafone Outage
- IP Address Conflict
Vodafone Router Internet LED Patterns?
There are a few LED light indications on your Vodafone router that all users must learn to be able to diagnose the issue.
Here we’ll discuss the LED “Internet” light in your router, which has a few primary status indications.
- Flashing While Light – The router is updating or attempting to connect.
- Flashing Red Light – The connection has failed.
- Solid White Light – The internet connection is intact.
In case your router has been flashing in red, perhaps the activation of your internet has not been yet activated.
In case you’re signed in to Vodafone today, and you’re just installing your router, give it a couple of hours. When the solid-white light appears, we know it’s ready!
In case the flashing red light appeared out of a sudden, let’s next learn how to fix this!
How To Fix When Vodafone Router Flashing Red?
The solution to the problem is related to inspecting everything to determine where the issue is coming from.
Combining this approach with a bit of troubleshooting, the solution is simple!
Let’s jump right in!
Solution #1 Power Cycle Vodafone Router
The very first method that we’re going to use is the so-called “power cycle” which is meant to discharge the router and allow it to cool down.
This method is extremely helpful, especially if we’re certain that the problem is on our side.
Here’s how to power circulate your Vodafone router:
- Turn OFF the Vodafone router.
- Unplug the power cable from the port.
- Also, disconnect the power cable from the wall.
- Wait for at least 5 minutes.
- Reconnect your router to the power.
You might need to wait for a few more minutes after the restart until the white light is flashing.
This is an indication that the router is attempting to connect and possibly apply a firmware update. Be patient, unless the red flashing light appears again!
Solution #2 Reconnect Ethernet Cable
Your Vodafone router connects via an Ethernet cable which goes into the wall on one side and in the red internet port on the router.
This is the fundamental and most important connection.
- Unplug the Ethernet cable from both sides for 60 seconds!
When you’re ready, make sure that the Ethernet cable clicks upon connecting it both to the wall and to the router.
In case your cable looks worn out or it does not plug correctly, you can find the best Ethernet replacement cable at the bottom of the guide!
Tip: Test with another Ethernet cable, if you’ve got one to use!
Solution #3 Use Windows Troubleshooter!
To get deeper into the Vodafone router flashing red light, we need to use a desktop computer with Windows OS.
This will provide us with a variety of tools that we can use to solve any possible network complications on our side.
- Connect your desktop PC to the Vodafone router via Ethernet cable or WiFi.
When your Windows machine is connected, follow the steps:
- Right-click on the Internet Icon, on the bottom right.
- Select Troubleshoot Problems.
- Wait for at least 60 seconds.
- The tool will now inspect your Network Adapter.
The troubleshooter will identify the problem for you and provide you with information on what to do next.
It will suggest what’s wrong and how users should respond accurately.
In case you see “No connection to the DNS server”, this basically means that the problem is not on your side.
It’s Vodafone that’s currently experiencing issues in your area.
To be sure, also read the next solution!
Solution #4 Check For Outage!
Based on the outcome of the previous solution, before we can proceed further, we need to check for an outage at Vodafone.
Outages and Broadband issues are directly displayed on the map and reported immediately for users to notice.
Check for Vodafone outages at here on Vodafone Site.
Simply enter your location on the right, and the tool will let you know whether everything with the Vodafone broadband is OK.
In case there is an outage you should be patient and wait it out.
Note: Outages can last up to 24 hours at times!
Solution #5 Resolve IP Conflicts
In case you’ve reached that far in the guide but Vodafone broadband router red light flashing, it’s time to get technical.
Since there are numerous network issues that could appear on our side, we need to learn a few nifty techniques to resolve IP conflicts. Let’s learn more!
Note: You’re going to need your Windows computer for this method!
Enable/Disable the Adapter:
A simple yet effective solution to a network problem on your side is to enable and disable your network adapter.
Here’s how:
- From the Start Menu, open the Control Panel.
- Click on Network and Sharing Centre.
- On the right, click on Change Adapter Settings.
- Right-click, your Network Adapter > Disable.
- After a few moments, right-click again > Enable.
Alert: Leaving the Network Adapter disabled will make your Vodafone router flash in red.
Flush The DNS:
The best way to restore the network connection on your side and prevent your Vodafone router from flashing in red is to flush your DNS.
Here’s how:
- From the Start Menu open the Command Prompt (CMD).
- Right-click “Open As Administrator”.
- Type “ipconfig /flushdns” and hit Enter.
Release/Renew IP Address:
In case flashing the DNS didn’t help also, better release and renew the IP address:
- While in the Command Prompt, type ipconfig /release.
- Wait for a few moments and type ipconfig /renew.
Now that we’ve performed ALL 3 methods of network restoration, check the LED on your Vodafone router.
In case it’s blinking in white, just wait. If it’s still blinking in red, proceed.
Solution #6 Reset Vodafone Router
When we’ve attempted everything in this guide, but nothing worked, we know that something is seriously wrong.
The most powerful solution is to Factory Reset the Vodafone router, which will restore ALL settings to default.
- The reset button is located in a pinhole on the back of the router!
Tip: Looking at the Vodafone router from behind, the reset button pinhole is on the most-right.
To reach in and press the reset button, you’ll need something thin or sharp such as a needle or a toothpick. Press and hold the reset button for 10 seconds to start the factory reset.
All the Vodafone LED lights should turn OFF and then start blinking in unrecognisable order.
Wait for the internet light to start blinking in white and eventually connect. Once you see a solid white light you’ll know that the connection was successful.
Note: The Vodafone router reset might take a few minutes!
Quick Recap:
Thus, the Vodafone router’s flashing red light means that the connection has failed. To solve the problem, we need to power cycle the device, reconnect the Ethernet cable and resolve IP conflicts in our network. If nothing helps, we need to Factory Reset the router.
Read Next: How to Fix Vodafone Smart App Not Working?
Wrapping Up:
Now that we’ve learned why the Vodafone router flashing red, we can easily identify the problem and solve the issue.
However, sometimes the issue is deeper and we might need some replacement components to get things going.
In case you’ve identified that the Ethernet cable is not working you’ll need to replace the unit as soon as possible.
We strongly recommend getting Ethernet Patch Internet Cable, based on your length preferences.
Good Luck!
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.