TP-Link Deco Blinking Red: What To Do? [Reasons & Fixes]

If your TP-Link Deco mesh system is blinking red, it means that the deco nodes are disconnected from the main unit. However, if you see the solid red light on Deco, it indicates that the networking units have some issues.

Quick fix: Try restarting and power cycling networking devices. If that doesn’t help, worry not as I shall list some other effective ways to fix the TP-Link Deco flashing red.

Why Is My Deco Blinking Red?

The following reasons can be individually or collectively responsible for the blinking red light on Deco mesh:

• Blocked DNS request
• Bad or corrupted firmware
• Faulty router/device
• Technical or software glitch
• WPS connection is in progress
• Connection is lost
• Connection is fluctuating
• Deco service in your area is under maintenance

How To Fix TP-Link Deco Flashing Red?

Now that you know the potential reasons for your blinking Deco red, it’s time to fix the same. Go through some of the tried and tested methods below.

1. Restart Mesh Network

A random glitch in hardware or software can cause Deco to flash a red LED. The most simple yet effective way to deal with such issues is to reboot devices and restart the network. A restart can refresh all settings/configurations and remove the gitch if found.

Steps To Restart Deco Router & Nodes:

• Open the Deco app on your smartphone.
• Navigate to the ‘Network’ tab.
• Here, you’ll see all Deco units.
• Select the primary (router) unit.
• Once selected, click on the three-dots menu and tap on Reboot.
• That’s it. Now, wait till the Deco light stabilizes.

2. Power Cycle Networking Devices

If you’re using a Deco mesh network for a long time without restarting or turning it off even once, Power cycling can help. In case you don’t know, power cycling means detaching all devices & cables and keeping them unplugged for a while to rest or cool down.

Steps To Power Cycle Deco Router & Nodes:

• Switch off the Deco router.
• Unplug the router and satellite units from the power source.
• Unplug the modem from the power source and cable connected to the wall jack.
• Wait for 2-3 minutes and let them rest/cool down.
• Reconnect all cables and wait for the device to restart.

By now, the issue will be solved. If not, go for the below-mentioned methods.

3. Remove Physical Blockages

Some physical obstructions can be the reason for connectivity or range issues. In that case, remove the obstruction or shift the Deco to some other place. Lack of proper heat dissipation can result in slow hardware performance. Refer to my router placement instructions and find the best spot for your Deco.

Steps To Remove Physical Obstruction:

• Look around and see if you can find any obstruction near the Deco device.
• If the obstruction can be moved, do that.
• If not, change the location of the Deco.
• Ensure you’ve placed it at a decent height and there’s no electronic appliance around the router unit.

4. Inspect Cables & Connections

Loose or damaged cables can cause connectivity issues, which can make Deco blink red. In simple words, all of your cables should be in optimal condition. Make sure there’s a proper power supply.

Steps To Inspect All Connections:

• Look for loose, damage, or moisture in cables, a power outlet, a splitter, and the wall jack.
• Remove, reconnect, and tighten up all wires correctly.
• If you find any damaged cables, replace them.

5. Check with your Internet Provider

Sometimes, the issue lies from the ISP’s end. There can be an unscheduled maintenance or internet outage in place. This might have caused an interruption during the firmware upgrade, resulting in a corrupted firmware installation.

Steps To Check with Internet Provider:

• Head over to the official website of your ISP.
• Look for information on internet outages or scheduled/unscheduled service maintenance.
• If you can’t locate the information, simply contact them and ask there.
• If the issue is from their end, you will have to wait until the issue is solved.

6. Update the Router’s Firmware

An outdated firmware or over-optimised or over-customised settings can create a conflict in a wireless connection. Also, old firmware may contain malware, resulting in slowing down the device. All security patches are added to the newer firmware, hence, keeping your router up to date is important.

Steps To Update the Router Firmware using Deco App:

1. Open Deco App on your smartphone.
2. Go to More > System > Update Deco.
3. If there is any update available, download and install it.

Steps To Update the Router Firmware using Web UI:

1. Head to the Download center.
2. Next, click on your Deco model.
3. Select the hardware version.
4. Click on firmware and download if there is any update available.

7. Factory Reset Deco Device

If none of the above-explained solutions works in your case, you’d have to perform a factory reset. Note: Resetting Deco will remove all customization and restore it to default settings. This most probably should fix the flashing red light on the Deco mesh router.

Steps To Factory Reset Deco Mesh:

• Keep the device on and find the reset button.
• Use any sharp object or pin and press and hold the reset button for 10 seconds.
• Do this till you see the Amber/Orange LED light flashing.
• This means the reset is in progress.
• Leave the button and wait for almost 10 minutes till the process is completed.

8. Contact TP-Link Deco Support

Lastly, if nothing works, the only option left now is to consult TP-Link Product support. You can talk to a support executive via text, email, or call. If your device is under warranty, you’ll get a free replacement. If it’s out of warranty, they’ll try to repair it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

So, these were all the possible reasons and ways to fix the Deco router blinking red. Corrupted software can be the major reason. In that case, simply update the firmware. However, most of the time, power cycling equipment can fix the issue. Whatever the case, hopefully, the above-explained solutions can help you fix that.