Are you seeing the red and blue light blinking on your Spectrum Wi-Fi 6 router? If you are, you are in the right place.
In this article, we are going to explore the Spectrum router blinking red and blue issue, what it means and see whether we can do anything about that.
But first, let’s see what this Spectrum router LED light color combination means.
Why Is My Spectrum Router Blinking Red And Blue?
The Spectrum router blinking red and blue usually indicates that there is a firmware upgrade running at the moment. It is extremely important not to interrupt this process. You should wait for about 10-15 minutes until the update is complete.
On the other hand, a blinking red light indicates that your Spectrum modem or router is having problems connecting to the internet. This could be caused by hardware or network issues. A solid blue light, however, is a sign that the router is working normally.
Sometimes, after the firmware upgrade you can see that the red light continues to blink. This can happen for several different reasons like a service outage, loose or damaged cables, outdated firmware, or other issues. In such cases, you may need to check for an outage, inspect the cables, or restart your Spectrum router and modem.
What Can Happen If You Interrupt The Firmware Upgrade?
Interrupting the firmware upgrade is strictly prohibited because it can have serious consequences for your router. Here is what you can expect to happen if you interrupt it by accident.
Bricking The Router
The term “bricking” refers to making the router completely unusable, just like a brick. If you interrupt the firmware update, the firmware installation can become corrupted. And as you probably know, without a functioning firmware, the router can’t operate. It will turn into a “brick.”
Loss Of Functionality
Even if the router doesn’t become completely bricked, an interrupted firmware update can still cause loss of functionality. Certain features might stop working, or the router might become unstable and prone to crashes or other unpredictable behavior.
Security Vulnerabilities
Firmware updates almost always include patches for security vulnerabilities. If an update is interrupted and the router is left running an older version of the firmware, it could be left vulnerable to attacks.
Difficulty In Applying Future Updates
If the firmware becomes corrupted due to an interrupted update, it might be difficult or even impossible to apply future firmware updates. This could leave the router stuck with outdated firmware.
In general, it is extremely important to make sure that a firmware update can complete without interruption. This usually means keeping the router plugged in and connected to the internet until the update completes. You should also avoid using the router during this time.
However, if the firmware upgrade gets interrupted unintentionally, there are a few things you can do to fix things up.
What To Do If You Interrupt The Firmware Upgrade?
In case you interrupt the firmware upgrade by accident or on purpose, it can cause some serious issues with your Spectrum router or modem as mentioned earlier.
However, there are a few steps you can take to try and recover the router.
Try a Factory Reset
The Spectrum Wi-Fi 6 router has a reset button at the back. You can press it with your finger, unlike the reset on some other routers where you need to use a paperclip or similar object.
Resetting the router to its default settings can sometimes clear up issues caused by an interrupted firmware update.
WARNING: All your settings will be erased, and you will have to set up your network again.
To reset your Spectrum router to factory default settings, press the reset button and hold it for 15 seconds or more.
Reapply The Firmware Update
If the router is still functional, it might be possible to reapply the firmware update. This can be done by downloading the firmware from the manufacturer’s website and applying it according to their instructions. Or in case you are using the Spectrum Wi-Fi 6 router, you can contact support to address this issue.
Contact The Manufacturer Or Your ISP
If you can’t recover the router yourself, it may be best to contact the manufacturer or your Internet Service Provider (ISP). They may have additional recovery tools or methods that aren’t available to the general public.
Remember, it’s always best to avoid interrupting a firmware update to prevent these issues from occurring in the first place.
The Spectrum Blinking Red And Blue Light Continues: Troubleshooting Steps
Sometimes, the reason is not the firmware upgrade. In that case, here are some troubleshooting steps you can take if the red and blue blinking on your Spectrum router continues.
Check For An Outage
If there is a red light on your Spectrum router, it is possible that a service outage is causing the problem. You can confirm this from the My Spectrum app or by contacting Spectrum support.
Check The Cables And Splitters
Check the cables going into and out of the Spectrum modem, router, and wall jack. If you notice that a cable is loose, tighten it. If you notice a damaged cable, replace it.
Restart Your Spectrum Router And Modem
Disconnect all the cables from the router and the modem. Leave them unplugged for about a minute or two. Then, plug everything back in and wait for the devices to restart. This can often resolve temporary issues.
Contact Spectrum Customer Service
If none of the above steps resolve the issue, it’s time to contact Spectrum’s customer service. They can help diagnose and resolve more complex issues with your router.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a Spectrum router blinking red and blue typically indicates a firmware update in progress. It’s crucial not to interrupt this process, as it can lead to serious issues such as bricking the router or causing loss of functionality.
If the blinking continues post-update, troubleshooting steps like checking for an outage, inspecting cables, restarting the router, or contacting customer service can be helpful.
If a firmware update is interrupted, recovery may be possible through methods like a factory reset, reapplying the firmware, or contacting support. Always make sure to have a stable power and internet connection during firmware updates to avoid potential complications.
