Regarding wireless router models, TP-Link is one of the leading names in the industry, offering reliable internet connections and a robust wireless signal.
However, even the best wireless routers can sometimes have internet connection issues or hardware problems indicated by different LED lights on your router.
In this guide, we will focus on the meaning behind an orange light on your TP-Link router and the different techniques you can try to solve this issue quickly and permanently.
Why does your TP-Link have an orange light?
First of all, it is essential to clarify that not every light indicator that appears on your wireless router indicates some issue.
For instance, if the power light is on, the device is turned on and should be functioning without any issues.
On the other hand, a flashing power light sends a message that the router software is currently being updated or is booting up.
A steady internet green light is always a good sign, meaning the wireless connection has been established and secured.
On the other hand, a steady or flashing orange light on your TP-Link device warns you that the internet port is connected but has no internet service.
What causes the internet service to go out or get interrupted? Here are some of the most common problems behind an orange light on your primary router.
Outdated firmware
Often, there is a pending firmware update for your TP-Link software that you may have accidentally delayed or ignored, thinking that it wasn’t necessary.
Keep in mind that all software, including your TP-Link gateway, requires regular update installation. These updates eliminate system bugs and solve many problems affecting your wireless connection and internet signal.
That being said, an orange light, in this case, could indicate that you’re running on outdated software.
The ISP network is down.
Your ISP network could currently be down for multiple reasons. For instance, the system may be undergoing regularly scheduled maintenance, which naturally calls for downtime.
It is also possible that local power surges or extreme weather conditions in your area affect the ISP network, which is why your internet connection is currently unstable.
Cable connection issue
Are all the cables on your TP-Link router adequately connected? In many cases, the wires haven’t been plugged into their respective ports, or the connection is too loose.
It is also possible that your internet cable, ISP cable, Ethernet cable, or power connection is damaged somehow, disrupting the connection. This goes for all the other vital components of the system, including the wires and the router itself.
VPNs and firewalls
While VPNs and firewalls have a critical role in your overall internet experience, often, they can clash with your internet connection and slow down the connection.
What’s more, if you have both of these features turned on and your connection is relatively weak and slow, this could be the reason.
How to fix TP-Link orange light
Now that we know exactly what we’re dealing with when there is an orange light on the primary router, we can find the best solution for your particular case and finally establish a stable, secure internet connection.
1. Update the firmware
Usually, firmware updates will occur automatically, and you won’t have to start them manually. However, it is possible that you accidentally reject or delay an update and never remember to start it up.
If you’ve accidentally ignored an update or it hasn’t shown up on your device, you may have to perform this process manually.
Remember that it is necessary to download the latest software from the official TP-Link website and never from unknown, unreliable sources.
Select the latest software upgrade for your particular TP-Link model (the serial number can be found in the user manual or on the bottom of your device).
Save the latest firmware on your computer. Log into your TP-Link account using your user credentials, navigate to Settings and select Advanced.
Once a menu appears, select System Tools and click on Firmware Upgrade. There should be a Manual Upgrade section, where you should click on Browse and find the software you’ve downloaded in the file explorer.
Select the downloaded file, and hit Update. The updates will now install, and the system will reboot automatically.
2. Contact customer service
If you suspect that your ISP network is down or you’d like to get more information about the service and the status of your connection, you can contact customer service.
They will probably test your connection to ensure the internet speed is up to standard if there are no problems on their end.
Remember that many essential pieces of information should already be displayed on their official website.
Customer service can also direct you to a technician who can help you troubleshoot your device or even come to your house and repair or replace the router if needed.
3. Check the cables
While troubleshooting your device, ensure all the cables are plugged into their respective ports according to the user manual. The ports should also be free of debris and dirt that could get accumulated over time.
You can use a handheld vacuum cleaner, toothpicks, and rubbing alcohol to ensure that all the ports are clog-free, which may sound redundant but is of extreme importance when it comes to the internet connection.
The cables should also be free of any signs of physical damage. If your cables are old and worn out, it is time to replace them, especially if you’re dealing with connectivity issues.
Ensure all loose connections are tightened, and all components are damage-free and plugged in/connected correctly.
4. Test the connection
You can test your connection by disconnecting the coaxial and power cables from your TP-Link modem.
Plug the power cable back into the modem, but don’t connect the coaxial cable. Now, click the modem to the WAN port on your modem using an Ethernet cable.
Turn the modem on, wait a couple of minutes, and then plug the coaxial cable back into the modem. Allow the modem to reboot, and then check if the internet connection is stable again and the orange light is gone.
5. Reset your TP-Link router
Finally, if none of the methods turned out to be successful in your case, you can perform a reset of your device. A soft reset will eliminate minor software bugs but won’t delete any of your data and settings.
For a soft reset, unplug the modem from the power source. You may also unplug all the other cables and connections and wait a few minutes to get rid of any residual power before you plug everything back in and turn on the modem.
A factory reset, also known as the hard reset, should be the final step if your internet connection is still unstable. Keep in mind that a hard reset eliminates the previous configuration.
For a factory reset, find the reset button on your device, which should be located at the back of the router. Press the button and hold it until you notice the power light blinking.
Release the button, and allow the modem to reboot automatically.
