Asger Risom
Knowing what the lights on your router indicate can help you diagnose connection problems quickly—and potentially make your internet faster. Here’s what those colors mean and how you should respond.
Knowing what the lights on your router indicate can help you diagnose connection problems quickly—and potentially make your internet faster. Here’s what those colors mean and how you should respond.
The Overlooked Role of Router Lights
Most people install their router and never look at it again. But this little box often tells you exactly what’s wrong—if you know how to read the signals. Each light color serves as a status update on your internet connection.
Green Light: Everything Is Functioning Normally
A solid green light generally means your router is connected and functioning properly. If it’s flashing, that indicates active data transfer, confirming that your internet is live and in use.
Blue Light: Stable, but in Transition
A blue light is often used to signal normal operation, but a flashing blue could mean the router is currently connecting or that the WPS feature is active. If it stays blinking for too long, the connection may be stuck.
Red Light: Something’s Wrong
A red light is almost always a warning. It could point to no internet, hardware issues, or a problem with your service provider. Flashing red can mean a temporary drop in connection or weak signal strength.
White Light: Modern Indicator of Health
On many newer routers, a white light means everything is working. If it’s flashing, it might be installing a firmware update or attempting to connect to the network for the first time.
Amber Light: Not Quite Full Speed
Amber can be confusing—it sometimes indicates slower speeds or that the device is in standby mode. On some models, it also means the router is starting up. If it stays amber, you may not be getting the best performance.
Reading the Lights Can Save You Time—and Speed
Understanding these light signals can prevent unnecessary calls to your internet provider. If your router’s lights are flashing oddly, a quick diagnosis could restore your connection—or help you improve it.
This article is made and published by Asger Risom, which may have used AI in the preparation
