A blinking orange light on your Linksys WiFi extender will mostly indicate a problem with your internet connection in general or an issue with the firmware itself.
Regardless of the issue, it is necessary to troubleshoot your Linksys extender and find out if it is affecting the internet connection, or if the issue is perhaps in the Linksys router and other components of the system.
In this guide, we will show you how to troubleshoot your WiFi extender and also get rid of the annoying orange light.
Why is your Linksys WiFi extender blinking orange?
A WiFi extender is a rather convenient device that can help you expand the overall reach of your wireless connection.
However, if there is a problem with your range extender, the WiFi signal will definitely be affected. Keep in mind that flashing orange light on your extender can also indicate other types of issues.
An orange light on your Linksys range extender could also point to an issue with your WiFi router, WiFi firmware, or the overall internet connection.
It is also important to understand different light indicators on your WiFi extender device. The main light on the top front of the extender means that the extender is turned on, while a solid green light indicates that the signal strength is satisfactory.
However, if the green light is flashing, this usually means that the Linksys firmware is either booting up or undergoing updates. As for a solid orange light on the extender, it usually notifies you of a rather weak WiFi signal from your main router.
Let’s take a look at the most common reasons behind a flashing orange light on your Linksys wireless range extender.
Positioning of your Linksys device
While the main role of a WiFi extender is to expand the wireless signal, it should still not be positioned too far from the wireless router.
In case you’ve placed your Linksys WiFi range extender far from the wireless router, or there are too many blockages (such as walls) between the two devices, this could be causing the orange light issue.
Pending updates for Linksys firmware
Just like with any other system, it is recommended to update the firmware often and avoid delaying these important updates.
If there are any pending updates for your Linksys RE6500 extender or any other Linksys extender model you may have, it is necessary to keep the firmware up to date.
In case you’ve missed or delayed a firmware update, or you didn’t download the latest firmware from the official website, this could cause your extender to act up and jeopardize the internet connection.
3. Pending updates for router firmware
Just like it is necessary for your Linksys firmware to get the latest updates, you should also ensure that the router firmware is regularly updated.
If you’re running on outdated software, it’s no wonder you’re experiencing hiccups in your internet connection.
4. Linksys WiFi extender wasn’t properly installed
Oftentimes, the problem lies in the installation and wired connections. Any loose or defective cables will surely take a toll on your WiFi signal.
Not only is it necessary for all the components to be in a good condition, but they should also be installed according to the user manual.
How to fix a Linksys WiFi extender blinking orange
Most of the issues you’ll come across when dealing with a blinking orange light on your Linksys WiFi extender can be solved in a matter of minutes, so let’s jump right into these easy solutions!
1. Move the extender closer to the main router
One of the most common issues with your WiFi extender is that you’ve placed it too far from the main router. If the extender doesn’t receive the proper signal, it will not be able to expand it.
Therefore, make sure to position the range extender closer to the main router. It is also recommended to remove any blockages between the extender and the router, or simply reposition the devices if they’re separated by multiple walls.
You should also make sure to keep the WiFi extender away from any appliances and objects that would interfere with the signal, including cordless phones, microwave ovens, aluminum studs, Bluetooth speakers, baby monitors, or a TV.
2. Update the Linksys firmware and the router
Not only is it necessary to download your firmware from the official Linksys website, but you should also be on the lookout for any pending updates if your Linksys WiFi extender is blinking orange.
In case you need to update your Linksys extender manually, make sure it is connected to your PC or laptop via an Ethernet cable, but disconnect it from the router while you’re performing the updates.
Download the latest firmware from the Linksys official website and save it on your desktop as a .bin file.
Open your web browser and paste the sequence 192.168.1.1 into the URL bar, or simply enter http://extender.linksys.com into the URL bar if you’ve already configured your extender, and hit Enter.
Enter your username and password if you already have these credentials, or use the default login info, which is admin both for the username and password.
Once the Linksys extender menu shows up, navigate to Administration, and choose Firmware Upgrade. If you don’t already have the latest firmware, the update will begin.
In case the automatic upgrade doesn’t start, you will need to perform it manually by uploading the .bin file you downloaded. Find the Manual Update tab, then click on Select a file.
Open the .bin file you saved, and hit Start Upgrade to start the updating process manually.
Depending on the router you’re using, you should also check their official website or app for any pending updates. Make sure that both the extender and the main router are up to date.
3. Check all the connections
If you want to ensure that you’ve installed your extender properly, remove all of the connections, and then plug them back into their respective ports according to the user manual.
Keep an eye out for any loose connections that need to be tightened, or damaged components that should be replaced, whether it be the WiFi extender or the main router elements.
4. Reset the extender
In case none of the mentioned methods seem to work, you may have to perform a factory reset on your Linksys WiFi extender, which will also delete all of your settings and adjustments.
The good news is that you can back up your current configuration and save the extender data before you decide to go through with the factory reset.
To back up the current configuration, log into the Linksys web-based interface (as explained in method 2), choose Administration and navigate to Management.
Click on Backup Configurations, which will offer a backup file with all your existing data. This option will also allow you to restore the configurations after the factory reset by choosing Restore Configurations.
To do a factory reset of your Linksys WiFi range extender, locate the Reset button on the extender and hold it for about eight seconds.
Unplug the extender from the power source, and then plug it back in after a few seconds. The extender should now turn off, and the factory reset should remove any bugs in the system.
5. Power cycle the WiFi range extender
This method has also been found to eliminate minor bugs in the system and help establish a secure, stable WiFi signal without having to perform a factory reset.
To power cycle, the extender, turn the extender off and unplug it from the power source. Wait for a couple of minutes, and then plug the extender back into the outlet and turn it on.
