Internet modems have various symbols and LED lights whose meaning changes based on their color and activity. For example, a modem light that flashes rapidly can mean something completely different than a steady light or one that doesn't come on at all.
This article will detail what modem light colors mean, how to read the symbols on your modem, and provide links to other resources for modem manuals and support documentation from popular Internet providers.
The information in this article applies to modems and hybrid modem/router devices.
The LED lights on the modem communicate functionality and activity on the Internet device. Specific colors can show which aspects of a device or internet service are working properly, if there are errors, if something is broken or is offline.
The meaning of the modem light colors varies greatly depending on the specific modem model and the Internet service provider you are using. The list below is only a guide for basic understanding.
Here are some of the more common modem light colors and what they mean.
- Green : A green modem light usually indicates modem power, an active Internet connection, confirmed pairing with another device, an active phone line, or a strong Internet signal.
- Blue : A blue modem light can show that a firmware update is in progress, the modem is connecting to another device for pairing, a provider has been detected, and the connection process has started, the connection process has completed, and the call is progressing.
- Orange : An orange modem light sometimes indicates a good (but not great) Internet connection. This is early in the connection process after the modem is turned on, when phone service is disconnected, but emergency calls can still be made, and the pairing process has begun.
- Red : A red modem light meaning can mean that the modem is overheating, there is a service error, a weak internet connection, no internet connection, PPP authentication failed, setup failed, and a complete disconnection of phone service. Red lights are usually easy to fix.
- White : A white LED light is typically used on modems to indicate power, that the pairing process has begun, that the modem is trying to detect a service provider and connect to the Internet, and that a firmware upgrade is in progress.
Like LED colors, a modem light that flashes quickly or glows steadily can have different meanings.
- Solid Modem Light : Typically, a solid modem light that is not flashing means that its associated function is working properly or has been completed. However, as mentioned above, a solid red or orange modem light may indicate a problem or need for repair.
- Blinking modem light : A flashing or flashing modem light (depending on its color) may indicate ongoing Internet activity, connection or pairing activity in progress, or the phone handset has been picked up or off-hook. Sometimes, a moderate modem light flash may mean the beginning of a process, while a faster flash may indicate the end phase of a process.
- Off/No Light : If your modem's LED light is completely off, this usually means there is a lack of power, a complete disconnect from the provider or one of its services, or a feature has been disabled. Although it sounds counterintuitive, sometimes there is no light to indicate that the modem is working properly.
Having the modem light off isn't always a bad thing, though. For example, it makes sense for the Ethernet light to be off if you don't need to use an Ethernet cable and there is no Ethernet cable connected. Likewise, if you don't have landline service through an internet provider, you don't need to worry about phone line lights.
Some modems and modem-router hybrids have text labels above the lights and icons to make it easier to understand what they mean. However, many people don't do this, which can make them vague and confusing.
Modem and router symbols vary between devices, but usually resemble the one shown in the image above. Here's what each modem symbol means from left to right.
- strength . This symbol is very universal and can be found on most modems and various other products.
- Wi-Fi and Internet : The meaning of the second and third symbols may vary depending on your modem model. If you only have one of these symbols, it usually means your internet signal or connection. Two slightly different versions can refer to your Internet signal and its Wi-Fi connections to other devices or to separate 2.5 and 5 GHz Wi-Fi signals.
- Internet : The fourth symbol looks like a planet with rings around it and usually refers to an Internet connection. Sometimes this symbol is also used to represent a WAN connection. The @ symbol is also commonly used for this purpose.
- Ethernet : The fifth symbol represents a wired connection to a modem or router. Typically, an empty square represents a WAN connection, while a square with a line at the bottom (shown above) represents a LAN connection. The symbol of three squares connected by a line can also represent a LAN connection.
- USB : The sixth symbol is a trident-shaped icon with a middle line ending in a dot, representing a USB connection. There are many versions of USB icons, but they usually resemble this format.
- WPS : Typically, two arrows forming a circle represent WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup). WAP is a quick way to connect your device to Wi-Fi by pressing a button on the back of your router. The LED light will light up briefly during this process.
Modem models vary widely, and most manufacturers use their own custom icons and symbols. If you've been having trouble understanding your Spectrum modem light or don't understand what your Arris modem light means, this may be why.
Here are links to official modem light guides from several of the most popular internet providers to help you learn more about modem lights.
- 21Vianet
- spectrum
- edge
- unlimited
- AT&T
- Verizon
- cox internet
The first step is to turn off and unplug your modem. Then, wait 15 minutes before connecting everything back up. If all lights turn green again, troubleshoot the device's settings.
Modem lights vary by manufacturer, but typically routers with good Internet and Wi-Fi connections will display solid green or blue lights near the power, Internet, and Wi-Fi symbols. Your modem may display additional lights depending on its connection and capabilities.
