If you own a Linksys router, you may have wondered what the various Linksys router lights mean.
Although some models may vary, most Linksys routers will have power, internet, ethernet, wireless and WPS LED lights located on the exterior of the device.
Generally, when these lights display blue, green, or white, it suggests normal functionality.
On the other hand, if these light displays are flashing, are red or yellow, or have no light, there may be an issue needing further investigation.
To help you navigate Linksys router lights and allow you to easily identify the router status, we’ve put together a guide on all the light types, their meanings, and possible fixes if there is an issue.
The most common fixes to solve Linksys router issues include a system restart, cable check, or factory reset.
Do note that there is some variation between Linksys models, so you should also refer to the user manual of your router for the most specific guidance on the meanings of the lights and potential fixes.
Understanding Lights On Linksys Router
1. Power Light
The Power LED indicates the router’s functionality and power supply status. It also shows the setup or boot-up state of the router.
A solid blue or green or white (varies with the model), indicates the device is plugged in and receiving power.
Power Light Stages & Their Meanings:
The Power LED’s different states on Linksys routers have distinct meanings. No light suggests no power connection or disconnection.
A flashing light (blue/green/white) occurs during boot-up or firmware updates, indicating the self-diagnostic mode.
It’s crucial not to interfere during this process, as once completed, the light turns steady, and no action is needed.
Solid red light indicates a malfunction, with the router lacking a power supply. In such cases, troubleshooting may involve checking the power source, and cables, or seeking technical support.
Understanding these LED states helps users identify normal conditions and potential issues for a smooth router experience.
Potential Fixes if your Linksys Router has No Light or a Red Light
To fix a no light or red light on a Linksys router, follow the steps below:
- Inspect for any damaged or loose cables and check the power cable is connected to the relevant port.
- Press the power button on and off once.
- Implement a power cycle by disconnecting your router from the power source, removing all cables, and leaving the device to rest for a few minutes.
- Plug the router into an alternative power supply.
- Upgrade the firmware manually.
- If none of the above works, implement a factory reset by holding down the reset button for 10 seconds, then wait for the device to boot up.
2. Ethernet Light
This LED symbol indicates the usage status of the corresponding Ethernet port. A solid green/blue/white (varies with router model) light is the ideal color.
For routers with multiple Ethernet ports, solid lights indicate active or in-use ports.
Ethernet Light Stages and Their Meanings:
When there is no light, it means that no device is connected to the Ethernet Port. If there is no light even after connecting, use a different Ethernet cable.
If it works, your computer’s NIC may have an issue and you should refer to the PC documentation for fixes.
A flashing blue/green/white light indicates data traffic moving through the corresponding port.
3. Internet Light
This light indicates the router’s internet connection status. The ideal color is solid green (or solid white/blue in some router models) which means there is an active and stable internet connection.
Internet Light Stages & Their Meanings:
A flashing blue/green/white light on the Linksys router suggests it is attempting to establish a stable network connection with the device and should stabilize over time.
Conversely, a solid or flashing amber/orange light on the internet port indicates the device is not able to connect due to hardware or software configuration issues.
If the light flashes orange or yellow, it implies an inactive connection due to software configuration problems, while a solid Amber/Orange light indicates hardware configuration issues.
Possible Fixes for Linksys Orange Light:
Troubleshooting Internet Light Issues on Linksys Routers:
- Verify with your ISP for local or service outages and wait for a resolution.
- Inspect for loose or damaged Ethernet cable connections.
- Restart/Reboot your router.
- Remove physical obstructions around the router and consider changing its location.
- Move the range extender closer to the router for better signal strength.
- Perform a soft reset or hard reset by pressing the reset button on your router for a few seconds. Let the process complete, then set up the network again.
- Some router models show a flashing yellow or orange internet light for weak or inactive connections. For example, a yellow light on a Linksys Velop suggests a weak signal. You can fix it by relocating the node closer to another node.
4. Wireless Light
The wireless light indicates the operating frequency of either 2.4GHz or 5GHz or both. Its ideal color is a solid green (blue/white in some models).
A solid light means wireless is enabled for both bands, allowing devices to connect to either.
Wireless Light Stages & Their Meanings:
A flashing blue/green/white light indicates an active signal transmission/reception for 2.4GHz or 5GHz frequency. This is a normal scenario, and no special attention is needed.
The absence of light indicates an inability to connect to that frequency. It could be due to an OFF setting on the router or a device issue.
This can be fixed by restarting the router or resetting the configuration settings. Troubleshooting ensures seamless connectivity and optimal router performance.
5. WPS Light
The WPS LED facilitates quick device connection to the router’s wireless network. The light shows the status of the WPS setup.
Its ideal color is solid white and upon successful WPS connection, the light turns solid and stays for about five minutes.
WPS Light Stages & Their Meanings:
The flashing white light indicates that the router is in the process of establishing a WPS (WiFi Protected Setup) connection with a wireless device.
During this procedure, the light keeps flashing, and once the successful connection is established, it turns steady.
If the WPS LED is off, it means there is no current WPS activity. Users can choose to enable or disable the WPS feature through the router’s settings.
Many individuals prefer to keep WPS disabled to enhance network security. In such cases, the WPS light will remain off to indicate its inactivity.
A flashing amber WPS light signifies a failure in the WPS process. To address this, first, ensure that the client device supports the WPS feature.
If it does and the pairing process still fails, try disabling the WPS feature and then enabling it again to reattempt the connection.
It is possible that multiple devices trying to connect to the router through WPS simultaneously may lead to failures, as some routers support only one WPS connection at a time.
WPS is a convenient feature for quick device connectivity, but due to its security vulnerabilities, some users choose to disable it.
To ensure a secure network, it’s advisable to use strong encryption protocols like WPA2 or WPA3 and implement a strong WiFi password.
Regularly updating the router’s firmware also helps in addressing security issues and improving overall performance.
6. USB or eSATA Lights
The USB or eSATA lights shows the connection status of the respective ports. The ideal color is solid white which indicates an active and successful USB or eSATA connection to the router.
eSATA/USB Light Stages & Their Meanings:
If there is no light, it indicates that there is no USB or eSATA connection to the router. A flashing white light shows there is an activity through the eSATA or USB port, hence no special attention is needed.
7. Phone Light
The Phone LED indicates an active connection and phone line activity on a router. The ideal color is solid blue or green. A steady light means an active and registered phone connection.
The phone light is available only in certain modem/router models with a phone jack, like the VoIP series, thus its significance may be limited.Top of FormBottom of Form
Phone Light Stages & Their Meanings:
No light indicates no registered phone connection. A flashing light indicates an active and registered phone line connection. It flashes during incoming calls or when the line is in use.
General Troubleshooting Tips For Linksys Router
If you encounter any connection or router issues, you can try the following troubleshooting steps:
- Check the connections: Ensure the router is properly connected, and the modem is turned on. Verify that the cables and connectors are not damaged or loose.
- Verify ISP status: Sometimes, the problem lies with your Internet Service Provider (ISP). They might be undergoing scheduled maintenance, performing a network upgrade, or experiencing technical difficulties.
- Restart the router: A quick-fix solution is to restart the router. Unplug the power cable, wait a few minutes, and then reconnect it. This can resolve configuration glitches and errors.
- Check router configuration: Make sure the router is configured correctly. You can use the Linksys app to complete the setup process, ensuring everything works properly.
- Test wired connection: Connect your device to the router using a wired connection. This helps determine whether the issue is specific to the WiFi connection.
- Factory resetting the router: As a last resort, consider factory resetting the router. Use the reset button at the back of the router. Keep in mind that this will erase all custom settings, and you’ll need to reconfigure the router afterward.
- Contact ISP or Linksys support: If the problem persists, reach out to your ISP or seek assistance from Linksys support. They can provide further troubleshooting and help resolve the issue.
By following these steps, you can identify and resolve common router and connection problems.
Always remember to consult your router’s manual or refer to online resources for specific instructions based on your router model.
With proper troubleshooting, you can restore your router’s functionality and enjoy uninterrupted internet connectivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do the lights on my Linksys router mean?
Linksys routers feature multiple LED lights on their front panel, each representing different states for various symbols like Power, Ethernet, Internet, and WPS. In a normal state, these symbols appear as solid lights.
However, a flashing or unlit state indicates different states for that specific symbol, which can be either normal or problematic, depending on the light color and behavior.
Understanding these LED states helps users identify the router’s status, troubleshoot potential issues, and ensure a smooth network experience.
How do I fix my Linksys internet connection?
A blinking yellow or red light on the Linksys router signifies a weak or no internet connection.
To fix it, check for local outages, utilize an Ethernet cable, adjust the router’s position, remove unwanted devices, or perform a restart/reset of the router.
These troubleshooting steps can help improve the internet connection and ensure a stable network experience.
What is the meaning of a purple light on a Linksys router?
When displayed on a Linksys mesh router, a purple light indicates configuration issues, which can be fixed by resetting the device.
On the other hand, in the Linksys Velop router, a solid purple light means the device is ready for setup, while a flashing purple light indicates that the setup process is in progress.
Final Words
Hopefully, you’re now clear on the meaning of lights on Linksys routers and potential fixes in case one of the lights suggests an issue with the device or the network.
If you want any further knowledge about the lights on your device, consult the user manual or contact Linksys customer support for further assistance.
