TP Link is a well known and much respected global manufacturer of computer networking products such as routers, and WiFi devices.
They manufacture some of the finest internet equipment around. The routers are trustworthy, reliable and used by millions of people all over the world. From time to time, they do experience issues such as internet loss, like so many other routers. Most of the time the issue isn’t with the router itself but rather with some other outside factors like the ISP (internet service provider).
Internet modems and routers have many icons and blinking LED lights on the front of them. Each have their own unique meanings.
Knowing what the LED lights on the TP-Link router represent when issues arise is helpful because they provide more information about the state of our connection and activity.
In this article, we’ll discuss the TP-Link orange light problem, including what it signifies, potential causes, and, of course, solutions.
What Does The TP-Link Router Orange Light Mean?
If you can see the internet icon on your TP Link router as orange, this means that the internet port is connected but there is a problem establishing a connection to the Internet Service Provider. In simple terms, the internet is not available.
There are a variety of reasons why your ISP is having some problems. It could be that some works are taking place on the network or there’s a fault locally.
When the router’s settings become corrupted, you’ll need to take corrective action. Alternatively, there may be some firmware issues, which can also be readily resolved.
Let’s examine the causes of the TP-link orange light and the methods for fixing the issue.
How To Fix The TP-Link Router Orange Light Problem
First of all its best to check some non-ISP factors that could be causing the orange light. These are as follows:
1 – Check cable connections: Any of the three cables could have a loose connection. This could be a power cord, the internet service provider (ISP), or a cable line. Ensure that all cables are connected securely.
2 – Firewalls and virtual private networks (VPNs) have been turned on. Internet speeds typically decrease while using a VPN or a firewall.
3 – Internet speeds can be drastically slowed down by interference caused by crowded transmission lines.
4 – Failure to timely upgrade firmware
If the issue of the orange light still persists despite checking all of the potential factors above, then please continue reading.
Your TP-Link router’s orange light issue is a very easy fix. One of the methods below is bound to solve this problem for you.
Let’s start!
Rebooting the modem
An obvious solution to the orange light problem is to turn the modem on and off again. Start by unplugging the device from the wall socket. Leave it unplugged for about 1 minute. If your modem is run on a battery, simply take the battery out and then put it back in after 1 minute.
As soon as 60 seconds have passed, reconnect your modem to the socket and see if the orange light is still on.
If the orange light is gone, then you should be back online and the problem has been solved.
If the orange light is still there, move on to the next method.
Check your ISP Network
Contact your ISP and inquire about any problems with their services.
As I mentioned earlier, your ISP could be the cause of the problem. Check with them to see if they are having problems with their services. There just might be a scheduled maintenance on the network that you aren’t aware of.
These problems can cause the orange light on your TP-Link router to illuminate.
Internet service providers normally send out maintenance notices via email, text and ISP accounts. Log in and see if there is a message about upcoming maintenance.
Cloning Current Mac Address
A simple solution to the orange light problem, that anyone can do.
Check that your PC and router are both connected. You can do this with an Ethernet cable.
1 – Log into your TP-Link router account
2 – Once you’re logged into the dashboard, select Advanced from the top menu. The you will need to click on Network which you will find on the left menu.
3 – Select Internet on the sub-menu section.
4- Scroll down to the MAC Clone section and check the “Use Current Computer MAC Address” radio button.
5 – Click Save to action the changes.
The orange Internet light should be off. If it’s still orange on your TP-Link router, continue to the next method.
Upgrade Your Router Firmware
It could be that your router’s firmware is out of date and causing it not to connect properly to the internet.
Each router firmware upgrade includes security patches as well as performance enhancements. In most cases, a simple upgrade of the firmware is all you need to rid yourself of the dreaded orange light on your router. Obviously this is dependant on if there is an upgrade to be downloaded.
Here’s how you do it.
1. First, get the correct firmware from the TP-Link website. Make certain that you select the correct hardware version.
2. Download the firmware to your computer.
3. Navigate to your TP-Link router settings and select Advanced from the top menu.
4. Then, on the left, select System Tools and then Firmware Upgrade.
5. Click the Browse button next to the New Firmware File field in the Manual Upgrade section.
6. File Explorer will open, locate, and select the firmware file that you unpacked on your Desktop. Click on it, then select Open.
7. Finally, click Upgrade.
8. Allow the firmware upgrade to finish and the router to reboot.
Allow some time for the router to stabilise before checking the Internet light. It should be all right now. If not, carry on to the next method.
MAC Binding Problem
A common problem that causes the orange light to appear on your TP Link modem.
Here’s what you need to do to try and solve the orange flashing light.
- Disconnect the modem’s power and coax cables.
- Reconnect the power cable. For the time being, disconnect the coax cable.
- Connect the modem to the router’s WAN port using an Ethernet cable.
- Turn on the modem.
- After 5 minutes, reconnect the coax cable.
- Check the Internet light and try to visit some websites after the modem connects to the Internet.
Reset factory settings
Consider returning your router to its original settings if there are no issues with your ISPs or the new Mac address. All of the router’s settings return to default after a factory reset.
If you have to resort to a factory reset of your TP-Link router then you need to be aware that you will have to configure the router from scratch so to be able to continue using your internet connection.
The reason for this is that once the factory reset is completed, all custom settings will be reset to their default values.
Here’s how to factory reset your TP-Link router
1 – Locate the Reset button on the router’s back panel.
2 – Keep pressing the button with a paper clip or something similar, until you see the Power LED light blink. The button is very small and hard to activate with anything bigger than a pin or paperclip. This is so that the button doesn’t get press accidentally.
3 – The router will reboot after you release the button.
4 – When it boots up again, all of the settings will be reset to default.
When you finish configuring the router, make sure to check the Internet light.
If you are unsure about the default login details, please avoid resetting the router to factory settings.
Contact Your ISP Support
If your orange light is still glowing like the sun, despite trying all of the recommended methods above, then contact your ISP support.
Ask your ISP to remotely check or test your connection. You should provide them with as many specifics as you can when describing the issue.
They will be able to send out a technician to investigate the issue and make the necessary repairs.
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