How to Fix a Red Light on a Modem (2024)

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A red light on your modem doesn't always mean something is wrong. Red can be used by some manufacturers to indicate a device is on, but it isn’t a color you generally want to see on your modem.

What Does the Red Light on the Modem Mean?

When you see a red light on your modem, it typically means your modem doesn’t detect an internet signal and can’t connect. To fix a red light on your modem, you’ll need to run through a handful of troubleshooting steps.

Every manufacturer places a slightly different set of indicator lights on their modems, and the colors of those lights can mean other things from one model to another. Most modem lights tend to be green, and a red light usually indicates a problem or fault. Modems can show other colors, too.

When you see a red light on your modem, it typically indicates:

• No cable or DSL signal detected on the line: Your internet may be out, or there may be a connection problem.
• Failed authentication with your ISP: The modem can connect to the internet, but your account isn’t recognized. Try entering your credentials again if your modem has that option, or contact your internet service provider (ISP).
• Modem failure: If the power button blinks red and the modem isn’t working, it may have suffered an internal fault. Contact the manufacturer if you own the modem or your ISP if you rent the modem.

How to Fix a Red Light on a Modem

To fix the red light on your modem, you can go through the following troubleshooting steps and attempt each one. If the red light turns off or changes to green or amber after performing one of these steps, check if your internet works. If it does, you don’t need to perform any additional steps.

Here’s how to fix the red light on a modem:

1. Restart your router. Unplug your modem/router from power, wait at least 30 seconds, then plug it back in. Wait while the lights cycle, and see if the red light goes away.

2. Check your connections. If you have a cable modem, check the coaxial connections at the modem and the wall. Make sure they’re tight and not corroded. If you have DSL, check the phone line connections at the modem and the wall, and make sure the wires aren’t frayed. If you find a loose connection, tighten it. You may also need to restart your router after fixing it.

3. Try a different cable or phone outlet. If your house has multiple phone or cable outlets, connect to a different one. If none of them work, there may be a problem with the wiring in your walls or the connection where the cable or phone line enters your house.

4. Try a different cable or phone cord. If you have another coaxial cable or phone cord, try swapping it out with the existing one.

5. Check your internet credentials. If your modem admin portal has a place to enter ISP login credentials, make sure they’re entered correctly. If it doesn’t, you’ll have to contact your ISP to ensure the modem is correctly provisioned.

6. Contact the manufacturer of your modem. The red light may indicate an internal fault. If it does, the modem will require service or replacement. The manufacturer will be able to tell you if that’s the case.

7. Contact your ISP. If you’re still having trouble with the red light, contact your ISP. They’ll be able to tell you if there is an internet outage, noise on your line, or any other problems outside your control. If you rent your modem from the ISP, they can replace it.