What to Do if Your Xfinity Router is Blinking Orange

Is your Xfinity router, modem, or gateway blinking orange? A blinking orange light on your router usually means that you don't have an internet connection. Sometimes this can be fixed by a simple restart or power cycle, but you may need to contact Xfinity for personalized help. In this article, we'll go over 10 ways you can try to fix an Xfinity device that is blinking orange or amber. Keep reading to learn more.

Fast Fixes for an Xfinity Router or Modem Blinking Orange

Restart and/or power cycle your device, which usually fixes most connection problems.
Check your router's cables and power supply to make sure everything is connected properly.
Check for a service outage in your area that may be impacting your internet connection.

1

Restart your router.

Restarting the router can fix connectivity issues. According to Xfinity, restarting your router is the best way to fix connection problems.^{[1]
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Research source} A restart can take up to 12 minutes to complete. Here are three ways you can easily restart your router or gateway without needing to unplug anything:
- If you rent an xFi Gateway, you can easily restart it in the Xfinity app. Just sign in to the app with your Xfinity username and password, then go to Connection Trouble > Restart Gateway.
- To restart the router on your Xfinity account page, log in, then go to Manage Internet > Restart Modem > Start Troubleshooting.
- To use the router's admin website, go to https://10.0.0.1 in a web browser, and sign in using your modem or router's username and password (by default, the username is admin and the password is password). Go to Troubleshooting > Reset/Restore Gateway > Reset.

2

Power cycle the router.

Power cycle the router if a restart doesn't help. Power cycling involves physically unplugging your router, modem, or gateway, so the internal hardware can fully reset. To power cycle your router, modem, or wireless Gateway, unplug it from the power source for about 1 minute; after 60 seconds have passed, plug it back in.^{[2]
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- If restarting and power cycling your router, modem, or gateway didn't fix anything, you may want to contact Xfinity directly. The customer support representative may be able to help over the phone, but the issue may require a technician coming out to check your cables and ports. If you don't want to contact Xfinity just yet, check the other tips in this article for more help.

3

Check your router's cables.

The coax (coaxial) cable on your router is the thick black cable that connects to your router or gateway by screwing into the back. It's easy for the threads of the screw connector to not connect properly, which could lead to a connection issue and the blinking orange light. Unscrew the coax cable from the back of your router, then screw it back in carefully. Repeat for the other end of the coax cable that connects to your wall.

4

Check for outages.

If the router is still blinking orange, Xfinity may be experiencing issues in your area. Wait about 15 minutes after rebooting to make sure the problem hasn't gone away, then check the Xfinity outage map to see if there's a planned or unscheduled outage near you.
- To check the outage map, go to xfinity.com/support/statusmap and type in your address in the top bar. If there's an outage, it will be detailed on the map, including the repair status.
- If the outage map doesn't list an outage in your area, you may need to call Xfinity to confirm that your area has service.

5

Check the power supply.

This could be due to a malfunctioning outlet. Try plugging your router into a different wall outlet or surge protector to see if the orange light stops blinking.^{[3]
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6

Wait for an update to finish.

Your router may flash orange if it's updating. It might take around 15 minutes for the update to start and finish completely, but if there is an interruption or a poor connection, it can take longer.
- If you haven't updated your Xfinity router recently, check for updates. Although these are usually automatic, you can also log into your router's admin dashboard and go to Maintenance > Router Upgrade > Check to download and install any pending updates.^{[4]
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7

Make sure the router isn't overheating.

Even if you think the router is in an open space, check whether dust or dirt is clogging the vents. Placing your router on top of a cardboard box can also cause it to overheat and blink orange.^{[5]
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8

Check the router's capacity.

You might be using up bandwidth, causing slow or disrupted connections. If you log in to the router or the Xfinity mobile app, you should see how many devices can use your internet. If you're using more devices than what the website or mobile app lists, you can run into issues.
- Fix this easily by removing some devices from your network.

9

Reset your router to factory settings.

Do this as a last resort, since resetting will erase all your settings. Reset your router by pressing the Reset button on the back for about 30 seconds with a small tool, such as a toothpick or bent paperclip. All the LED lights will turn off.
- If you can't find a "Reset" button, press the "WPS" button instead.
- After resetting your device, you may need to reactivate it. To do this, go into your Xfinity app and go to Accounts > Devices > Activate xFi Gateway or Modem.^{[6]
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  Research source} Follow the on-screen instructions to reactivate your device.

10

Contact Xfinity.

Call Xfinity for support. If the router is still flashing orange and you can't access the internet, Xfinity will need to check your account, router settings, and wiring. A support rep may be able to fix the problem over the phone, but if they can't, they can send a technician to your location to replace your router or perform other repairs, such as replacing cables.
- To get help, you can use the Xfinity Assistant on the website or in your Xfinity app. You'll need to ask the assistant to direct you to a customer service representative for help.
- You can also try calling your local Xfinity store for more assistance.

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Tips

Rule out router/modem compatibility (if they are separate) by unplugging both of them, waiting a few minutes, then only plugging in the modem. Once the lights on your modem aren't blinking anymore, plug in your router and wait about 10 minutes to see if an orange light is blinking. If the light is blinking, you most likely have an incompatible pair of devices and should contact your ISP. If you have a gateway (combined router and modem), this won't apply.

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