(Solved)Why your router is blinking red – causes and fixes

Every router contains some lights that can help you figure out how it is performing. One of the lights shows the status of your internet connection. When this light is solid green, amber, or white, it indicates some internet activity.

When the router is blinking red, it shows that there is something wrong with your connection. This can happen when the settings are incorrect, the router has malfunctioned, or the cable is loose. Firmware issues can also lead to such connectivity issues. Once you find the specific cause of the problem, you can fix the issue without needing a professional’s help. Find out more!

What makes a router start blinking red?

A router can help you connect to the internet easily. Though this is expected to work properly, you may sometimes face some problems while using your router. Learning some of the common issues associated with routers can prevent you from panicking when they occur. If, for instance, you notice your wifirouter constantly blinking red, it shows that it is experiencing some connectivity problems. It shows that the signal is weak, and some data packets may have been dropped.

When the power supply is interrupted, your router may start blinking red. A solid red light shows that there is completely no network connection. Blinking red light shows up on your router when the settings are incorrect, there is a faulty Ethernet cable, or physical obstructions are preventing it from working correctly. Working on these issues can help you get the router operating well again.

How to fix

Before you get in touch with a technician, you should try to solve this issue on your own by doing a few things. Start with the following.

Check the connection

One of the causes of connectivity issues in a router is loose connections. You should therefore check whether the Ethernet cable plugged into the WAN and LAN ports is secure. If you are not sure, you can unplug the cable then plug it back in. The cable should be tight enough. Check if the blinking red light has stopped.

Ensure that you are using the standard Ethernet cable to connect devices such as your modem, router, and computer. If your cable is damaged, it can cause such connectivity issues. You should therefore replace it and choose a quality one from a well-known manufacturer. Also, confirm that you correctly connect power cords to the electrical outlet.

Reset your devices

Sometimes, doing a quick restart of your router can solve such issues. Electric devices such as routers sometimes get stuck, and a simple restart can help them start functioning correctly. Every router has a reset button, which is located on the back part of this device. Press on it for around ten seconds. You will notice that the light will flicker and then turn off and on again.

You can also try resetting the modem. Once you have found the reset button on your modem, hold on to it for a couple of seconds. Doing this can help it refresh the connection. You can now confirm if the red light has disappeared.

Change the location of your router

Sometimes, placing a router at the wrong location can prevent it from functioning correctly. If you don’t want to experience connectivity issues with your router, you should try changing its location. Remove any physical objects that may be interfering with the wireless signal.

Focus on the router settings and update the firmware

When the settings of your router are not correct, it may start blinking red. You should therefore ensure that you have picked the compatible frequency in your router settings.  Since firmware issues can also cause connectivity problems in your router, you should also consider updating the firmware. The router can protect your internet-enabled devices from hacking threats. If the router firmware is not up to date, you will not be fully protected from threats.

To update the router’s firmware, you should type in the IP address of your router into a web browser and enter your login details. Look for the section labeled update and then download the latest firmware on the manufacture’s website. Once you upload the update, you will need to reboot the router to apply the changes.

Consider a factory reset

If you have tried implementing the steps above and the red light is still blinking on your router, you should do a factory reset. This will wipe off the custom settings in the router and return it to its original state. It can help solve network problems and eliminate the blinking red light on the router. There is a small reset button on one of the sides of your router that can use. Get a paperclip to press on the button for 30 seconds.

The lights on your router and what they mean

Conclusion

The lights available on your router are not included for decoration purposes. Each one of them has a particular purpose that you should know. When the router blinks red, you may not be able to access the internet as usual due to connection problems. Check whether the cables are loose and tighten them properly. If you are dealing with a bad router, you should consider getting a new one. You can also try doing things such as updating the firmware or using the correct router settings. All the best!

FAQs

Why do routers sometimes stop functioning properly?

This sometimes occurs when too much traffic is coming through. A simple reboot can make the router start working properly again.

How often should I reset my router?

Do this at least once in a couple of months. Resetting the router not only solves network problems, but it can also help you enjoy fast connections.