Sometimes it feels like our internet service provider offers little more than a headache when we have to deal with the many inexplicable errors that come with their devices.
This is only made worse by the fact that many ISPs have a monopoly on regions, making it close to impossible to find alternatives that are available to you. One of the biggest headaches is dealing with a faulty router or modem, especially considering that you already spent the money on the product.
Xfinity is no stranger to technical issues and one that has been making the rounds on the internet lately is the blinking orange light that signifies your inability to access the internet.
To lessen the monotonous pulse wearing in your temples, let’s go through every solution we can find to fix this issue permanently.
Quick Answer: Things to Check
In this guide, we navigate you through resolving the common Xfinity device issue denoted by a blinking orange light.
We delve into a multitude of solutions, such as:
- Checking for updates
- Scrutinizing wired connections
- Power cycling your device
- Shifting to a wired connection
- Monitoring for outages
- Ensuring your device isn’t overheating
- Employing a third-party router
- Utilizing a network extender
- Trying a different coax outlet
- And finally, seeking professional support.
Engage with our comprehensive advice to restore your internet connection swiftly.
Why is my Xfinity Product Blinking Orange (What Do The Lights Mean?)
When dealing with issues of a technological nature I have found that the best way to combat a problem is to know the cause of why it is happening. So to understand exactly why your Xfinity router or modem is blinking autumn colors at you – we need to know what the colors mean and whether or not they are flashing or solid.
To Xfinity’s credit, they have made these lights universal across all models so you don’t have to worry about what product you bought.
If the device has no light whatsoever, then the device is not currently powered on. I feel as stupid as that sentence sounds, but for the sake of offering all information – there you go!
If you have an unblinking white light or a white light with a light purple hue then you have an operational device that should be working smoothly throughout.
Similarly, if you have a blinking white light or a blinking white light with a purple hue, then your product still requires full activation. All products will come with a manual that has a “Getting Started” guide that you can follow to fully activate your Xfinity device.
If your device is giving you a solid red light then you do not have a working internet connection. The best way to combat this issue is to contact customer support first and see if there is either a power outage or an issue with your Xfinity device.
If you have a blue flashing light then your product is searching for a connection with another wireless product. This is typically a temporary state for your Xfinity product and will change to a more permanent color once a solid connection is formed.
The all too familiar orange/yellow light is a sign that your device is taking a prolonged amount of time to reach the internet. If it is blinking, this usually means that your connection is not ideal or it is struggling to create a smooth wifi connection.
Alternatively, it can also be a sign that your device is updating its firmware, which may take anywhere from 15 – 30 minutes. If you notice it staying in the orange, however, you may have a bigger issue on your hands which we will cover below in extensive detail.
The Green light is typically ideal and shows that the connection is solid and not experiencing connectivity issues. If the light begins to blink it can indicate that the connection is a bit rocky, though this typically fixes itself and should not be a cause for concern.
Xfinity Blinking Orange Light – Solutions
Check For Updates
The first thing you will want to do before jumping to the idea that your Xfinity gateway is irreparably damaged is to allow it half an hour to see if the light changes. This is because the most common cause for this blinking orange light is firmware updates, which can take a good chunk of time to complete.
The biggest issue about this solution is that there is no other indicator besides the orange light to know whether or not it is in fact a firmware update. This requires the consumer to do a bit of waiting around to see if the light changes.
If it doesn’t change after half an hour it is safe to assume there might be something else going on, in which case you will need to check further down for more hands-on solutions.
It’s very important that you don’t hastily disregard this solution, as firmware updates are very important to the integrity of not only your Xfinity product but the internet connection as well. Some firmware updates may be required as well and not having them on your Xfinity gateway can result in the inability to access the internet.
If after half an hour it is still blinking orange then you can move to the solutions below.
Check Wired Connections
I have done a few how-to articles that center around fixing technological issues and this is almost always a solution. The reason is simple – cables and wires are unreliable and often can cause issues that we can’t immediately diagnose.
The process requires little in the way of instructions, simply identify the wires that are extending from your Xfinity device (typically ethernet and coaxial cables) and check to make sure that they are securely fastened.
If you are using a splitter it is also advised that you check it for any internal or external damage. A splitter can very easily affect the internet connection negatively if it is not firmly connected.
With ethernet cables specifically, sometimes the connecting pin found on either end can get a bit loose and cause the connection to slip. Alternatively, coaxial cables can sometimes have bent pins which can be found inside the spherical ends, which also make a strong connection close to impossible.
After checking the ends of the wires, carefully check across the length of the cables to see if there are any exposed or frayed wires that could disrupt the connection.
After you have done a brief inventory of your cables, see if the blinking orange light changes. If not, continue to the next solution.
Power Cycle Your Xfinity Device
Never underestimate the restorative powers of turning your device off and on again. This simple process can fix a number of problems across routers, modems, gateways, computers, and much more. While this can normally be done via your phone, due to the inability to access the internet a manual power cycle is going to be your only option available.
You are going to want to remove the power cable from both your Xfinity device and the power outlet. You will also want to remove any connecting wires that may be inserted into other devices around your gateway. Give it about a minute to a minute and a half and reconnect the wires and allow the Xfinity device to boot up.
If this fixes the problem, you should see a different light emanating from your gateway (preferably white or green). If the orange light is still blinking and refusing to go away then let’s take a look at some other solutions below.
Switch to A Wired Connection
If you were left scratching your head earlier when we discussed ethernet cables then you likely have a wireless connection. While this can eliminate clutter around your desktop it is also a much less secure and reliable connection than the tried and true ethernet connection.
At the time of this article all Xfinity gateways, routers, and modems typically come with an included ethernet cable. If it does not, thankfully the wire is fairly inexpensive and comes in a vast range of sizes depending on how much you need.
The process of creating a wired connection is very simple. Take out all the connected wires from your Xfinity device and create a connection from your router to the modem via the ethernet cable. Once this is completed, you can reconnect the wires you previously removed. Make sure both devices are powered successfully and the blinking orange light should be a distant memory. If it persists, you more than likely have a damaged or broken Xfinity product and should seek a replacement.
Check For Outages
The most frustrating reality is that the issue is completely out of your control. If you have tried the listed solutions above and are still gently bashing your head against your keyboard, it might be due to a problem with your ISP or a local outage.
If you are concerned that there may be a local outage in your immediate area it may be time to break out your phone and use up some of that precious mobile data. There are a number of different sites that give you information about power outages, including your internet service provider.
Thankfully, Xfinity has an outage map that is fairly straightforward and easy to access granted you have your login information available. If that doesn’t work you can also contact them directly to learn when the internet will be back to working order. They may not even be aware of the outage in your area and by contacting them you can get the ball rolling.
Check for Overheating
Adequate cooling is necessary for routers and modems to function properly. Almost always, this relies on vent fans to remove warm air from the device.
If you have made it this far in the article, it’s time to check the temperature of your Xfinity device. No, you don’t have to locate a thermometer — simply touch your hand to the case of your device. If it feels warm to the touch, assume that overheating is a possible culprit.
The first step now is to power off and/or unplug the device. Let the device cool for 30 minutes or an hour. During this time, taking a paper towel or dry rag and wipe the dirt and debris from the device’s vents. A handheld vacuum or can of compressed air can also be helpful.
Once the vents are clean and the device has returned to room temperature, turn the Xfinity back on and check if function has been restored.
Use a Third-Party Router
If none of the previous solutions have worked and you’re tired of dealing with your Xfinity gateway, it might be time to consider using a third-party router. You can use your Xfinity device in bridge mode, essentially turning it into a cable modem, and then use your own router to handle the Wi-Fi.
Using your own router allows you to have better control over your network. You can pick a router that meets your specific needs regarding speed, range, and features. Some people find that this solution provides them with more stable and faster internet connection.
However, it’s important to note that if you choose this solution, Xfinity support might not be able to help you with issues that arise. This is because they don’t support routers that aren’t supplied by them. But most third-party routers come with their own customer support, and there are many online forums where you can get help as well.
Use a Network Extender
If your problem is caused by a weak Wi-Fi signal, a network extender could be your solution. Network extenders, or Wi-Fi boosters, can help extend the range of your wireless signal. This might be particularly useful in larger homes or offices where the signal might not reach all areas.
These devices work by capturing the Wi-Fi signal from your router and rebroadcasting it. However, it’s important to remember that these devices can only extend the signal, they can’t make a weak signal stronger.
Contact Support
While I wouldn’t list this as a solution if your device is still not operational then you owe it to yourself to get a replacement or get a technician sent out to take a look at it.
As frustrating as it may be, sometimes there are issues we simply can’t fix on our own. If you have exhausted all the solutions above and still see the blinking orange light and can’t maintain an internet connection, it’s time to get a professional or a replacement product.
Some people rule out the possibility of a faulty device because their router and/or modem is relatively new. However, some of the “new” equipment you get from your ISP is actually refurbished equipment. So, it is entirely possible that your “new” router was giving the same headaches to another Xfinity customer just months ago.
A system wide or neighborhood wide ISP failure could also be the problem. Before wasting a day troubleshooting your device, consider this possibility.
Xfinity offers 24/7 virtual chat support, which is selectively helpful depending on who you get on the other end and what your problem actually is. I would recommend seeking out a local Xfinity and scheduling a time to discuss your issue or looking for their customer service hours and seeking answers there.
There is no reason in 2023 that you shouldn’t be able to get working internet. If you can’t find a fix with Xfinity do not be afraid to start looking at their competitors for solutions.
If New Installation, Try Another Coax Outlet
If your modem and router have previously been working, but then started blinking orange seemingly at random, you can skip this section.
But for a new installation, it is entirely possible that the coax outlet you are using is either defective or else not live. In this case, you may be able to plug into a different outlet and get back online.
Final Thoughts
No one should have to fight with their modem, router, or ISP to get working internet.
With the solutions we have gone over in this article, you should be prepared to deal with this issue should it arise in the future.
If you find that you still can’t get your product working even after contacting customer support, it may be time to look for a replacement. Thankfully, if you followed the solutions carefully this is not likely to happen and you should have a working gateway in no time.
FAQs
How often should I update my Xfinity device firmware?
Xfinity pushes firmware updates automatically, so you don’t have to worry about manually updating. If your device is blinking orange, it might be updating its firmware. Give it about 30 minutes to complete the process.
My Xfinity device is new, can it still have problems?
Yes, even new devices can have issues. Sometimes, the equipment provided by your ISP may be refurbished. If you’ve gone through all the troubleshooting steps and the problem persists, it might be a faulty device.
Is it necessary to contact support if none of the solutions worked?
Yes, it’s advisable to contact support if you’re unable to resolve the issue on your own. They may provide solutions that are specific to your device or network setup. If there’s an issue with the device itself, they can arrange for a replacement.
In fact, many modem/router issues simply require a fix on your internet provider’s end. Therefore, no amount of troubleshooting is going to fix the problem.
