If you’re wondering why the xFi gateway blinking orange, we have the answer in this guide!
It is essential to prioritize deciphering the cause of the orange light on the xFi gateway before attempting any solutions to troubleshoot the problem.
In most cases, the blinking orange light is a temporary occurrence that should disappear once the xFi completes the software actions.
Whenever the xFi gateway blinks in orange continuously, wait for at least 15-20 minutes until the latest firmware is uploaded. Next, perform a power cycle on the xFi gateway, unplug the service cable for 60 seconds, and perform a factory restoration!
There is much more to review, so let’s start!
Why is the Xfinity xFi Gateway Blinking Orange?
The primary reason for the lasting orange light on the xFi gateway is an undergoing firmware update process.
As long as the LED indicator of the network device remains colored in orange, the firmware download and upload will last, so the gateway must not be unplugged from power.
If the firmware upload gets canceled or postponed by any means, the blinking orange light on the xFi gateway should automatically deactivate.
The recommended action is to wait until the newest firmware package has fully uploaded to the gateway system before interacting with it.
How Long Does the Orange Light Last?
The standard continuity of an xFi gateway firmware update could last for up to 20 minutes, based on the update’s size and the network device’s performance.
If the orange light is related to an underlying functionality issue with the gateway, it might even last longer than that.
How to Know When xFi is Updated?
Typically, the orange light of the xFi gateway should turn off as soon as the latest version of the firmware is uploaded.
If the orange light is still there, there could be an underlying functionality problem with the network device, failing the update task and causing the orange light to persist.
xFi Gateway Blinking Orange Light – 7 Effective Methods!
Tip: Follow the troubleshooting steps in consecutive order!
1. Wait Until the Update is Completed!
The primary reason for the orange blinking light on the xFi gateway is an ongoing firmware upload process.
The first step is to wait long enough until the network device finalizes the download and installation of the newest firmware package and loads it up after rebooting.
- The xFi gateway receives updates automatically once every 1-2 weeks!
The orange indicator will blink throughout the 15-20 minutes that the firmware update lasts, and it should stop once the network unit reboots.
Thus, based on the update’s size and whether the data can be loaded immediately, the xFi gateway might have to reboot.
Note: If the xFi gateway powers on/off while the orange light blinks, the firmware update has been successfully applied to the system.
2. Identify a Lasting Comcast Outage!
The lasting orange light may be related to an ongoing Xfinity service outage in your area.
All service providers schedule maintenance occasionally to upgrade their network or wire new installations that require deactivating the service in your area.
You can identify lasting service outages in Xfinity’s official Status Center!
Here’s how to check if Xfinity is currently going through an outage or maintenance:
- Open an online browser on an internet-connected device.
- Go to the Xfinity website by typing “Xfinity.com” in the tab.
- Then, click the menu icon on the screen’s upper left corner.
- Select the “Support” button from the options, then “Status.”
- Once in the “Status Center” menu, scroll to the very bottom.
- Then click the blue “Check for Outages” button located there.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to check for Xfinity outage.
The Xfinity Status Center will display relative results about the current service status in your area.
If there’s a reported outage or maintenance, it would typically last about 2-3 hours before being addressed by the technicians.
Note: The status dashboard should display when the service will be restored!
3. Power Cycle Your xFi Gateway
The most efficient solution to temporal issues with the xFi gateway is to conduct a complete power circulation procedure.
The xFi gateway achieves a complete system reboot by discharging the power supply, and all underlying functionality problems should be addressed.
Follow these steps to perform a power cycle on the xFi gateway efficiently:
- Press and hold the power button on the top of the device.
- Once the network device shuts down, unplug it from power.
- Hold the power for 10 seconds while the wire is unplugged.
- Reconnect the power supply of the xFi gateway into power.
- Press the power button once to turn on your xFi gateway.
- Finally, check if the orange indicator light is still blinking.
The xFi gateway will typically restart the firmware update if it isn’t complete before unplugging the device.
If the orange light comes on again after turning on the network device, wait 5-10 minutes until the gateway completes the firmware upload.
Tip: Inspect the physical connections of the gateway while it is unplugged.
4. Reconnect the xFi Service Cable!
Another effective method to restart the gateway’s firmware update is to disconnect the service cable for 30-40 seconds and plug it back in.
Restoring the service of the xFi gateway after the reset, the firmware update will be rescheduled automatically and should start uploading again.
Here’s how to reset the service of the xFi gateway in easy steps:
- Locate the Coaxial cable going into the back of the gateway.
- Disconnect the other end of the cable from the service outlet.
- Wait for about 60 seconds while the coaxial line is unplugged.
- Reconnect the service cable to the back of your xFi gateway.
- Plug the other end of the coaxial cable into the service outlet.
If possible, test the service cable of the xFi gateway into an alternative service socket in your household.
Most service providers typically install a master socket and a single or multiple secondary coaxial outlets for other third-party devices.
How to Identify xFi Gateway Service Cable?
The xFi gateway has two mandatory cables connected, the power and the service cable, and optional Ethernet cables connecting third-party devices.
Hence, the coaxial outlet is the jack that connects the xFi gateway with the service outlet and not the power source.
Note: The coaxial outlet does not transfer the electricity supply to the gateway!
5. Disconnect Third-Party Routers!
If the firmware update of the xFi gateway lasts indefinitely, and the orange light won’t go off, it could be due to an unidentified third-party device plugged into the gateway.
The all-in-one xFi gateway combines the functions of a router and a modem into one unit, so you don’t need any add-ons.
- Verify that only the power and service cable is plugged into the xFi gateway!
Hence, ensure that only the power and the coaxial cable are plugged into the xFi gateway.
Any third-party network devices can negatively influence the functionality of the gateway, so you may need to unplug everything, carry out the software update, and then reconnect anything you use.
Note: Test updating your xFi getaway with nothing connected to the Ethernet ports!
6. Inspect Your xFi Signal Splitter!
If a separate Xfinity service is connected to the same service outlet as the modem, you may notice a signal splitter connector.
The splitter separates the line from the outlet into two independent connectors for installing TV and internet service simultaneously.
A potential fault with the splitter could reduce the performance and functionality speeds of the xFi gateway and cause issues with the installation of the latest firmware.
This, on its own, is enough to produce the blinking orange light on your xFi gateway.
How to Inspect Signal Splitter for Damages?
The signal splitter can have visual hardware damage on the connectors or the plastic cover.
Attempt to spot damages, such as rips, cuts, or torn connectors from the splitter, that could prevent the secure and consistent connection of the plugged gateway and TV box.
Note: If one of the connectors is damaged, connect the xFi gateway to the functional port!
7. Perform a Factory Reset on xFi!
To conduct a factory reset on the xFi gateway, you must locate the physical location of the reset button on either of the network device’s panels.
The reset button on most xFi gateway models is located on the back panel, right above the connector for the service coaxial cable.
Warning: The factory reset will erase all configured network and Wi-Fi gateway settings!
Here’s how to perform a factory reset on the xFi gateway efficiently:
- Locate the “Reset” button on the back panel of the network device.
- After that, press and hold the reset button for up to 15-20 seconds.
- Stop holding the reset button after all gateway LED lights power off.
- Wait until the network device completes the factory reset and reboots.
Note: After the reset is finalized, you must complete the initial software setup of xFi again!
Quick Recap:
To fix whenever the xFi gateway blinks orange, wait until the network device uploads the latest firmware version.
If the orange light is still blinking, hard reset the unit, inspect the service connection with the outlet, and perform a factory reset on your xFi gateway.
If you’re still experiencing xFi functionality issues, contact customer support!
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.