Just like any other issue with our router and network, seeing the Orbi blue light can be pretty frustrating. If you simply want to understand what’s going on when you see the Orbi blue light or you want to troubleshoot this issue, this article is for you.
In the next few paragraphs we are going to cover the Orbi Blue Light meaning, what causes the blue light on Orbi routers, and how to fix it. By the end of this post, you should be ready to tackle the Orbi Blue Light issue head-on. So, let’s dive in!
Orbi Blue Light Meaning
The Orbi blue light indicates a strong connection between your Orbi satellite and the Orbi router.
The LED light is positioned at the top of the Orbi device and depending on the status of the connection it changes its color. Here’s what the different Orbi colors mean:
- Solid blue light on Orbi indicates a strong connection between the router and satellite, with a high-quality signal.
- Solid amber/orange light signifies a fair connection between the router and satellite, which might not be optimal for high-bandwidth activities such as streaming or gaming.
- Solid purple light means your Orbi satellite has lost its connection to the router.
- No light means the satellite is powered off or in power-saving mode.
Causes of Blue Light on Orbi Routers
Normally, the blue light on your Orbi device should stay on for up to 3 minutes. However, in some cases the blue light on your Orbi device will stay much longer and we must say that this is not normal.
If the blue light remains on even after the router and the satellite connect successfully, it could be caused by one of the following reasons:
- An outdated firmware on the Orbi devices can be one of the reasons why the blue light doesn’t go off.
- Wireless interference from other devices can negatively affect the connection between the router and satellite, and as a result, the blue light will stay on.
- Connectivity Issues with the network cables or connections can also make the blue light stay on.
How To Fix The Orbi Blue Light Issue
Update The Orbi Device Firmware
One of the most important steps to do when you notice the blue light on your Orbi device is to check whether you have the latest firmware version installed on it and update it if necessary. Here’s how to update the firmware:
1. Login to your Orbi device using the admin login credentials. If you haven’t changed these the default local web address will be orbilogin.com or orbilogin.net. Type either of these in the browser’s URL bar on your device and use the default login details. The default username is admin and the default password is password.
2. After you login successfully, navigate to the Advanced tab, then select Administration from the menu.
3. Depending on the device select either Firmware Update or Router Update.
4. Select the Check button and if there is an update available follow the instructions and update your Orbi firmware.
Reboot Your Orbi Router And Satellite
Whenever you are having trouble with your Orbi router and satellites, one of the quickest solutions is to reboot them. Here is how to do it properly.
1. Unplug the power cables from the Orbi router and satellite.
2. Leave them disconnected for at least 1-3minutes to make sure the devices are completely powered off.
3. Plug back the power cables into the Orbi router and satellite.
4. Let the devices power up and reconnect. Check whether the blue light stays on or disappears after a few minutes.
Sync The Orbi Router And Satellite Again
Sometimes you can solve the Orbi blue light issue by simply synchronizing the router and the satellite again. To sync your Orbi router and satellite again, follow these simple steps:
- The Orbi router must be turned on and connected to the modem.
- Turn on the Orbi satellite and place it next to the router. It is better for the router and the satellite to be close during the syncing process.
- Press the Sync button on the back of your Orbi router. You should see the Orbi router blinking white light now.
- Now you have two minutes to press the Sync button on the back of your Orbi satellite. The LED light on the satellite should also start blinking white.
- The Orbi satellite and router will now try to sync with each other. During this process, the satellite’s LED light will change colors:
| LED Light Color | Meaning During Sync Process |
|---|---|
| Blinking White | Syncing process is in progress between router & satellite. |
| Solid Blue | Satellite and router have successfully synced, and the connection is strong. |
| Solid Amber | Satellite and router have synced, but the connection is fair. Consider moving the satellite closer to the router for a better connection. |
| Solid Magenta | Syncing process failed. Move the satellite closer to the router and try the syncing process again. |
- As you can see from the table above, when the satellite’s LED light turns solid blue or amber, the syncing process is complete. Now you can easily move the satellite to the desired position in your house or apartment.
After you’ve successfully re-synced your Orbi router and satellite, pay attention to the blue light on your Orbi satellite. Hopefully, it should go off soon.
Change The Orbi Satellite Position
If you have problems with interference from other devices, moving the Orbi satellite closer to the primary router can help. Follow these tips:
- If possible, move the Orbi satellite away from other wireless devices (cordless phones, microwaves, or Bluetooth devices) that may be interfering with the connection.
- Don’t place the satellite near large metal objects, concrete walls, or other obstructions that can have a negative impact on the wireless signal.
- Move the satellite closer to the main Orbi router.
- If possible, keep the satellite at least 6 feet off the ground for optimal signal strength.
Factory Reset Your Orbi Devices
A factory reset is like giving your Orbi device a fresh start. But remember, doing this will remove any changes you made to it.
To reset your Orbi device, find the tiny button on the back. You can reset the main device (router) or the smaller one (satellite).
Next, grab a paperclip or something similar, and push the tiny button. Hold the reset button for about 5-10 seconds, or keep it pressed until the light on the back starts flashing orange.
Let go of the button and wait for the Orbi device to start again. The light will flash white for a bit and then turn solid blue or pink. That means the reset worked!
Now you can use the Orbi app to set up the device again.
By following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to resolve the Orbi blue light issue and get your network back to normal.
Disable The LED Light
NOTE: Not all Orbi models support this option
Although the Orbi LED lights can be really helpful, some users complain that they are too bright and distracting, especially if the satellite is in the bedroom.
The good thing is that you can disable the LED light indicator on your Orbi router and satellite using the Orbi app or web interface.
Using the Orbi App
- Launch the Orbi app on your smartphone or tablet.
- Make sure you are signed in with your Orbi account details.
- Tap the Device tab at the bottom of the screen.
- Select your Orbi router or satellite from the list of devices.
- Scroll down to the LED section and toggle the switch to turn off the LED light. If you want to turn it back on, just toggle the switch again.
Using the Orbi Web Interface
- Sign in to your Orbi device with the admin login information. If you haven’t changed this information, the default local web address should be either orbilogin.com or orbilogin.net. Enter one of these addresses into your device’s browser URL bar and use the default login details. The default username is admin and the default password is password
- After you login, click on the Advanced tab at the top of the page.
- Now, click on Advanced Setup and then click on LED Control Settings.
- Uncheck the box next to Enable LED Control to disable the LED lights on your Orbi devices. If you want to enable the LED lights again, simply check the box. Some models have a slider ON/OFF button for this.
- Don’t forget to click on Apply to save your changes.
Although this won’t fix the Orbi blue light issue entirely, at least it won’t bother you.
NOTE: If you need to check the connection status or troubleshoot any issues, you may need to re-enable LED lights temporarily.
Conclusion
Understanding the Orbi blue light meaning and the possible causes of the blue light on Orbi routers is essential to fix any issues you might encounter.
By following the troubleshooting steps mentioned above, you can resolve the Orbi satellite blue light issue. However, if the blue light won’t go off after you have tried the solutions given above, feel free to get in touch with Netgear support.
