Why is my CenturyLink modem blinking blue? Well, continue reading to know in detail!
CenturyLink modems are renowned for their reliability but sometimes encounter connectivity problems, which are indicated by a blue blinking light.
To overcome this hurdle, we’ve prepared a step-by-step guide with simple solutions to help you easily resolve this issue.
CenturyLink modem will blink a blue light while it boots up and searches for the CenturyLink network. However, if the blue light continues to blink for over five minutes, this signals an issue with the modem.
Let’s dive deeper to unwrap more!
Why is My CenturyLink Modem Blinking Blue?
There are many factors causing the CenturyLink modem to blink blue light so let’s best check all of them at once.
Here’s a list of all possibilities:
- The modem is restarting or booting up.
- A loose or faulty DSL line connection.
- Faulty jack or no service on jack input.
- An internet service outage in your area.
- Interference from other electronic units.
- An Ethernet cable connection problem.
- A Modem firmware update is in progress.
- Modem overheating or bad power supply.
Without further delay, let’s jump into troubleshooting!
Blue Blinking Light on CenturyLink Modem? – Proven Solutions!
Note: Before you troubleshoot, make sure your CenturyLink internet subscription is active!
1. Power Cycle the CenturyLink Modem
Restarting your CenturyLink modem can be a great way to refresh your system and improve your spotty internet connection.
This step can be especially helpful for resolving outage issues and clearing out any temporary bugs that can usually develop on smart devices.
Here is how to power cycle the CenturyLink modem:
Method #1 Manually Power Cycle CenturyLink Modem
- Unplug the CenturyLink modem from the wall outlet.
- Remove the power cord from the back of the modem.
- Wait for about 1 to 2 minutes to fully discharge the unit.
- Securely insert the power cord back into your modem.
- Finally, plug the CenturyLink modem into the wall outlet.
Note: You have to wait for a few minutes until your modem internet light turns to solid green!
Method #2 Power Cycle CenturyLink Modem Using App
- First, launch the CenturyLink mobile app.
- Sign in to the app using the account details.
- Tap on the Services from the bottom menu.
- Go to the Internet tab to access the settings.
- Press on Restart Modem on top of the screen.
- Or press on Reboot Modem under Equipment.
Once your modem restarts and boots up completely, it automatically turns the blinking blue light to a solid blue light as soon as it connects to the CenturyLink network.
2. Check the DSL Cable Connection
One of the reasons for the blinking blue light on CenturyLink modem can be a faulty or loose DSL cable connection.
If the DSL cable is not properly connected either to the modem or to the wall jack, then that’s why your modem is stuck in a boot loop, flashing the blue light.
Here is how to check the modem DSL cable connection:
- Locate the DSL cable on your CenturyLink modem.
- Then, disconnect the DSL cord from your modem.
- Unplug the other end of the cable from the wall jack.
- Inspect the cable for damage such as cuts or bends.
- Then, firmly reconnect the DSL cable on both sides.
Important – Interference?
If there are any splitters or phone line filters connected to the same wall jack or DSL line, then try temporarily removing them.
This is important since they have proven to frequently interfere.
Note: If the DSL cable or its connectors are broken or bent, replace the cable!
3. Test With a Different Wall Jack!
There is a chance that the wall jack you are currently using for the CenturyLink modem is faulty or is not connected to the CenturyLink service.
In those cases, that’s why your modem is unable to access the internet and continuously blinks blue light as an indication.
Connect your CenturyLink modem to a different phone or DSL wall jack!
This workaround is a great way to determine and identify whether the problem lies within the wall jack or something else.
However, if the blinking blue light continues to persist even with the new wall jack, then it is clear that the issue lies elsewhere, so keep reading.
Reminder: Don’t forget to check whether the wall jack is obstructed or defective!
4. Check for CenturyLink Service Outages
CenturyLink services might currently be offline due to an outage or maintenance!
So, the next step is to check for the outages using the CenturyLink troubleshooter tool because maybe their service is down in your area.
Whether it’s a planned or unplanned outage, the information should be reported at their help center, so let’s learn how to check!
Simply use the CenturyLink Troubleshooter tool to check for outages.
You’ll need to sign into your account though, but then you’ll be notified of any outages.
If there is an outage in your CenturyLink service line then there is nothing you can do but wait patiently.
Note: Typically, service outages don't last more than 2-3 hours!
5. Inspect CenturyLink for Overheating!
If your CenturyLink modem is placed in an enclosed area or installed near too many electronic devices with an obstructed airflow, it’s likely for the machine to overheat.
When this happens, the modem might constantly reboot, to deal with the heat and the blue light will blink.
Moreover, keep in mind that the intensive use of the modem, such as continuous streaming, online gaming, or multiple devices connected to the WiFi might generate even more heat.
Solution?
- Disconnect some network devices to reduce network load.
- Install the modem in an open, ventilated, and central location.
- Clean the ventilation openings on the modem with a vacuum.
When you are sure that your modem is installed at a perfect location and also not overheating then power cycle your unit.
Then, feel free to test whether the modem will still blink in blue light.
6. Check for the Software Updates
Over time, modems may develop software issues if not updated regularly.
Many users make the mistake of neglecting updates which can lead to various problems.
However, there’s no need to worry because it’s not too late to update your CenturyLink modem firmware.
Info: Updating the modem firmware removes the bugs and improves overall performance!
How to Update the CenturyLink Modem Firmware?
- First, use a computer to open any web browser.
- Insert “192. 168.0.1” into the URL address bar.
- Enter your Admin Username and Password.
- Tip: Try “admin/admin” or “admin/password”.
- Then, locate and click the Utilities menu option.
- Then, find and enter the Upgrade Firmware tile.
- Check the upgrade status:
- If the status is N/A, there are currently no pending firmware updates.
- If the status is Upgrade Firmware, then tap on the “Download” button.
When the file installation ends, open the firmware upgrade file on your device, then wait a few minutes until the upgrade file installs to the CenturyLink modem.
When your CenturyLink modem is updated, the blinking blue light should be gone.
7. Reset the CenturyLink Modem!
When you have tried every step but your CenturyLink modem is still blinking blue, then proceed with performing a factory reset.
We strongly suggest performing this type of reset on a weekday, when you can contact your service provider in case of any setup configuration issues.
Here’s how to reset the CenturyLink modem in easy steps:
- First, verify that your CenturyLink modem is currently working.
- Then, locate the Reset button pinhole on the modem’s back.
- Use a paperclip, needle, or toothpick to reach within the hole.
- Press and hold the reset button within the hole for 10 seconds.
- Whenever the power light turns amber, release the reset button.
- Wait for approximately 3 minutes to finalize the reset process.
- Whenever the power light turns orange, your modem is reset.
The next step is to run your modem through the activation process using your smart device to set it up.
When your modem activates and connects to the CenturyLink service then its internet light will turn solid green, and then you can easily use the internet on all your devices.
Note: If the issue of the blue blinking light persists, then contact CenturyLink Support for help!
Quick Recap:
The reason why is my CenturyLink modem blinking blue probably because the modem is stuck in a boot loop, constantly restarting, and showing blue blinking light.
The solution involves everything from a simple restart to a thorough inspection and a factory reset.
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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.