Orbi Satellite Offline: 6 Quick Fixes

Experiencing the Orbi satellite offline issue is pretty frustrating, especially if you need a fully functional internet connection.

In this article, we are going to discuss the possible reasons why your Orbi satellite is going offline. After that we will suggest a few solutions on how to fix this issue. Hopefully, by the end of this article, your Orbi satellite will be back online.

Understanding The Causes Of The Orbi Satellite Offline Issue

Before we start explaining how to fix the Orbi satellite offline problem, we have to mention the possible causes. Here are the most common reasons why your Orbi may be going offline:

  1. Connection Issues. If your Orbi satellite has problems maintaining a connection to the router it can be caused by interference from other devices, poor signal strength, or distance.
  2. Network Overload. If there are too many devices connected to the network this can cause the Orbi satellite to stop responding or go offline.
  3. Hardware Issues. A malfunctioning Orbi satellite or router can also lead to connection issues.

6 Ways To Fix The Orbi Satellite Offline Issue

Now that you know the causes, it becomes a bit clearer what to do in order to fix this issue and get your Orbi satellite back online.

Check The Connection

The first thing to do is to check whether the Orbi satellite and the router are properly connected. Make sure that the power cable and the Ethernet cables are properly connected and that there are no loose connections.  

Restart The Orbi Satellite

Restart The Orbi Satellite

The next step would be to restart the Orbi satellite. This is a simple quick-fix solution that can help resolve various connectivity issues and other minor network problems. You can restart the Orbi satellite either manually or using the Orbi app, so choose the method that suits you best.

Method 1: Power Cycling The Orbi Satellite

  1. Locate the power adapter connected to the Orbi satellite and disconnect it from the power source (wall outlet or power strip).
  2. Wait for at least 1 minute to allow the satellite to completely shut down.
  3. Connect the power adapter into the power source.
  4. Let the Orbi satellite power on and reconnect to the Orbi router. This may take a few minutes. When the LED ring on the satellite turns purple or blue, you will know that it’s reconnected.

Method 2: Restarting The Orbi Satellite From The Orbi App

  1. Open the Orbi app on your smartphone or tablet.
  2. Sign in with your Netgear account.
  3. On the app’s dashboard, tap the “Network Map” or “Device Manager” option.
  4. Locate your Orbi satellite from the list of connected devices and tap on it.
  5. Tap the “Restart Device” button. The app will send a command to the Orbi satellite to restart.
  6. Wait for the satellite to restart and reconnect to the Orbi router. This may take a few minutes.

These two methods will help you restart your Orbi satellite without any problems and in most cases, they will help you resolve the current issue. In case this doesn’t help, don’t forget to give the satellite enough time to boot and reconnect before trying the next solution.

Reconnect The Orbi Satellite

If the Orbi satellite is still offline after the restart, try to reconnect it and see whether this helps.

Reduce Network Load

If network overload is causing your Orbi satellite to go offline, it is important to manage your network usage more effectively. The following tips can help you reduce the network overload significantly and eventually, this should stop your Orbi satellite from going offline.

Disconnect Unused Devices. Make sure to disconnect any devices from the network if you are not using them at the moment. This will free up bandwidth and reduce the strain on your Orbi satellite.

Prioritize Essential Devices. For devices that need a consistent and strong connection, such as work computers or streaming devices, prioritize their network access by adjusting the Quality of Service (QoS) settings on your router. This ensures that these devices receive the necessary bandwidth and reduces the chances of your Orbi satellite going offline.

Stagger Usage. Instead of having multiple devices streaming, gaming, or downloading large files simultaneously, try staggering their usage. For example, schedule large downloads during off-peak hours or limit simultaneous streaming to one or two devices at a time.

Use Ethernet Connections for High-Bandwidth Devices. If your device requires lots of bandwidth connect it using an Ethernet cable. This will not only provide a more stable connection but also reduce the load on your Orbi satellite.

Upgrade Your Internet Plan. This will ensure that your Orbi satellite can handle the increased network load without going offline.

Add Additional Orbi Satellites. If your home is large or has multiple floors, adding more Orbi satellites can help distribute the network load more evenly. This can prevent any single satellite from becoming overloaded and going offline.

Check Firmware Versions

The Orbi router and the satellites should have the same firmware version installed. If this isn’t the case, it is possible for the satellite with a different firmware version to go offline. Here is a short video explanation on how to check the firmware version using the Orbi app.

If you notice that your Orbi satellite has a different firmware installed, upgrade it and check whether that fixes the issue.

Contact Netgear Support

In case your Orbi satellite is still going offline, it’s time to contact Netgear support for help. They can diagnose specific hardware issues or provide additional troubleshooting guidance.

Conclusion

Dealing with an Orbi satellite offline issue is stressful, but with the right approach, you can resolve the problem and restore your internet connectivity. We hope that our guide has helped you recognize the possible causes and helped you fix the issue. Don’t be afraid to try the solutions mentioned above or get in touch with Netgear support if necessary.