A blinking orange light means that your router is either waiting for a downstream signal or is in the process of upgrading its firmware, which can either be in the download or installation stage.
However, other causes such as a localized internet outage, internet connection issues or faulty ethernet or coaxial cables can also cause Xfinity routers to blink orange.
Thankfully, most causes of the Xfinity modem light blinking orange are easy to fix.
You can try simple solutions such as running a soft reset on the modem router, implementing a factory reset, inspecting the splitter or reviewing your wired connections.
In this article, we explain the key causes of blinking orange lights in Xfinity routers and outline the steps you can take to fix them.
What Does An Xfinity Modem Router Blinking Orange Mean?
Before trying to fix an orange blinking light on your Xfinity gateway, you need to explore the underlying cause of the blinking light.
An orange light shows that your router is taking a long time to connect to the internet. If the router keeps blinking, it means that it is having a challenge creating a smooth connection or the connection is not suitable.
Another reason for a blinking orange light is that your router is updating its firmware, which normally takes between 15 to 30 minutes.
However, if it is blinking for an extended period then your router has an issue that needs solving.
Common Reasons For The Xfinity Gateway Blinking Orange Light
- The router is having problems connecting to the internet.
- The router is having trouble talking to other devices and connecting to the network.
- The software or firmware has an issue.
- Scheduled outage or maintenance.
- Loose or faulty cables.
- Heating problems.
- Damage in the splitter.
- Lack of heating dissipation.
How To Fix Xfinity Router Blinking Orange Light
The following are the methods that you can try to fix an orange blinking light on an Xfinity modem or router:
1. Be patient and wait for the update to finish
Before jumping to a conclusion that your router is damaged and cannot be repaired when it is blinking orange, give it half an hour and see if the light changes.
This is because the Xfinity gateway might be updating its firmware as that is the main reason for a blinking orange light, and this could take a lot of time to finish.
It is crucial that you do not skip this solution as firmware updates are important to the integrity of both your Xfinity modem router and the internet connection.
If your router does not have the latest firmware updates it may not be able to access the internet.
If the orange light is still blinking after half an hour, then there is something wrong with your router.
In this case, you need to explore the solutions provided below to fix your Xfinity modem router.
2. Check for local outage
Sometimes, the problem with your router is out of your control, and this can be frustrating.
If the Xfinity modem router has been blinking for more than 30 minutes, there could be a system outage in your area, or your internet service provider is having a problem and performing maintenance.
There are different sites to check whether there is a local system or power outage including Xfinity’s website. If you have your login details you can easily access Xfinity’s outage map online which is straightforward.
However, if you are not able to check the outage map, you can contact Xfinity directly and ask them if there is an outage in your area. If there is no outage, then you should try resetting your router.
3. Soft reset the Xfinity modem router
Whether or not your internet is working, you can easily do a soft reset on your router. This will break the connection between the servers doing the upgrade and the Xfinity router. Below are the steps that you can follow:
- Unplug the modem and the router. Doing a soft reset on both devices is recommended even though the issue could be with only the router.
- Then plug the modem back after a few minutes.
- Wait for the lights on the modem to come on. Plug in the router once the connection is active.
- The router should now light up. Wait and see if the orange light is gone.
The orange light may come back when the upgrade starts again, even if it is gone when the router restarts. If the orange lights stop, then it is possible that the upgrade is finished.
However, you should keep an eye out to see whether the blinking happens again, and if it does, you can do a hard reset.
4. Hard reset the Xfinity gateway
If the orange light is still blinking and the router stopped working, then you need to do a hard reset. Luckily, you do not need the internet to do this. What you need is an unfolded paper clip and an item similar to it to push the button.
Some Xfinity routers have pinholes while others have buttons. Whichever one your router has, you need to press it and hold it down for a few seconds until it resets.
Once this is done, the router will reset to default factory settings and take few minutes to reboot.
You will need to reset any customization you had done before.
5. Check wired connections
Issues with wires and cables can go undetected for a long time.
Identify the wire that extends from your Infinity device; these wires are coaxial and ethernet cables. Check them to ensure that they are securely fastened.
The connecting pin on one end of the ethernet cable can get loose, causing the connection to slip. Sometimes, coaxial cables also have bent pins, which can be inside the spherical ends, making strong connections close to impossible.
After checking the wire ends, ensure that there are no frayed or exposed wires across the length of the cables that could disrupt your connection.
After doing this brief cables and wires inventory, check if the blinking orange light changes. If not, try the next solution.
6. Try a Wired Ethernet connection
If you are still experiencing issues with your Xfinity router, you can use an ethernet cable to connect the router to the computer.
When you bypass the potential wireless issues, you can tell if there is any connectivity problem with your wireless network.
After using your ethernet cable to connect the router to the computer, review the router again to see if the blinking orange light continues. If the issues persist, then your router is the issue.
7. Inspect splitter
Check whether the coaxial splitter is at fault if you are using a TV or internet bundle.
The splitter is prone to wear and tear just like any other electronic device. It could affect your internet connection if it gets damaged.
If the splitter is damaged, you need to get a replacement. If there is no fault, just clean it and plug it in again.
8. Check the router for overheating
Routers and modems need to have adequate cooling for proper functioning. This always relies on vent fans to eliminate warm air from the router.
Therefore, check your Xfinity device temperatures. You don’t have to locate the thermometer, you only need to touch the case of your device. If the router feels warm then it could be overheating and that may be the problem.
When you find that your device is overheating, unplug it or power it off. Let it cool for about 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Then wipe the debris or dirt from the router using a dry rag or paper towel. You can also use a can of compressed air or a handheld vacuum to clean the vents.
When you clean the vents and your device is back to its normal room temperature, turn the router on and check if it has restored its functioning.
9. Check for firmware update
If your router is wrongly configured or is running on an outdated firmware version, it can create compatibility problems.
Therefore, visit the official website and check for the latest firmware version. Download and update the latest version from the admin portal.
10. Check if your PC meets the system requirements of the router
If there are no internet issues that occur after you set up your Xfinity router and it is blinking orange, check your computer if it’s meeting the system requirements of the router.
When your computer does not meet the system requirements, the Xfinity router may not be able to work efficiently and correctly. This means that you will experience slow speeds and weak signals.
Basic requirements include:
- CPU: Quad-Core Intel Core i5
- Operating system: Apple-supported OS or Mainstream Microsoft
- Ethernet: Cat6 or Cat5e Ethernet cable
- Browser: Firefox, Chrome, Safari, or Internet Explorer
Upgrade the PC components to solve the Xfinity router blinking orange. Remember that systems requirements vary depending on the Xfinity router model.
11. Contact Xfinity customer service
If all the solutions have failed, then you might need to get a technician to take a look at your device or get a replacement.
Sometimes, you can fix some issues on your own. However, after trying all the solutions and the Xfinity device is still blinking orange and cannot have an internet connection, get a professional or replace your product.
Some people think that a new Xfinity modem or router cannot be faulty but there are new devices you purchase from internet service providers that are refurbished.
It is possible that some of these refurbished routers maintain pre-existing faults that went uncorrected.
An expert will evaluate the problem and resolve it or give recommendations if they are unable to fix it.
FAQ
How Long Does Xfinity Firmware Update Take?
Typically, an Xfinity firmware update takes between 10 and 15 minutes to complete, but sometimes this can extend to an hour.
Firmware updates should run automatically but if you do notice a dip in performance, it is also worth checking the Xfinity app or portal to see if a firmware update is available.
Should I Restart Or Reset My Xfinity Modem Router?
If you are noticing performance issues with your Xfinity modem router, you should always first try to restart the device.
Restarting is easier and less hassle compared to a factory reset, as once rebooted, your previous settings will be restored.
If you’ve run a restart and the issue was not resolved, then you can run a factory reset. A factory reset restores the device to its default settings, removing any previous configurations and passwords.
What’s The Average Lifespan Of An Xfinity Gateway?
An Xfinity gateway typically lasts around 3 to 5 years with regular use and proper maintenance.
However, technological advancements and changes in network infrastructure might prompt upgrades before the device reaches the end of its functional lifespan.
Final Words
You do not have to struggle to access a working internet connection due to problems with your Xfinity router or modem.
Thankfully, you can now handle the problem of an Xfinity modem router blinking orange with the solutions provided in this article.
If your router is blinking orange, it is likely getting an upgrade and you should give it time before doing anything. However, if your internet is unavailable or slow, it can get stuck and the blinking will not stop.
Resetting the router and the modem normally resolves the problem and restores the connection.
However, if the issue persists, you can follow all the other solutions provided in the article, including contacting customer care for a final solution, which could involve getting a replacement device.
Next time you see the orange blinking light on your Xfinity router, don’t panic. An easy solution is around the corner.
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