Xfinity Modem/Router Blinking Orange? [Meaning, Reasons, Fixes]

The blinking orange light on the Xfinity modem/router means that it’s updating the firmware or searching for the downstream signal.

However, if it flashes for more than 15 minutes then, there there’s surely some issue. But what? Here is a list of a few potential issues:

• The cable connections are loose or damaged.
• Your gateway can’t keep up with many devices.
• The internet service is affected in your area
• There’s a critical issue that requires a factory reset

How To Fix Xfinity Modem/Router Flashing Orange?

The best way to avoid such issues in the first place is to get rid of the xFi gateway and buy your own compatible modem or a 2-in-1 gateway that works with Xfinity. If you get a standalone cable modem device, you’ll also need a separate wireless router

However, if you don’t want to get a 3rd party modem or router, then continue following the steps below.

1. Power-Cycle xFi Gateway

Based on the feedback received, doing a power-cycle solved the problem for 80% of the readers who were having trouble.

One of the first things you can try is power-cycle the xFi gateway. Why? Like many electronics, networking hardware also needs a short break.

Power cycling means you disconnect all the devices, cables, etc., put them on rest for a while, and turn them back again.

Steps to Power Cycle:

• Shut down the xFi gateway
• Unplug all the cables
• Leave them alone for a few minutes
• Connect them back and turn them on again

2. Check for Internet Outages or Maintenance

Your Xfinity modem can blink green because of no active internet signal from the service provider’s end. This is because your area is affected by an internet outage or system maintenance.

Steps to Check for Service Outage or Maintenance:

• Visit the online Xfinity Status Center & check for relevant notices.
• Contact your local distributor for information on outages or other issues.
• If it’s under maintenance or outage, all you can do is wait and hope the service resumes sooner than later.
• Opt for StayInformed service that enables Text SMS alerts for scheduled maintenance or outages.

3. Inspect All Cables & Connections

One of the major reasons behind the blinking orange light on your xFi Gateway is the loosely connected cables or moisture in the wall jack. A faulty coaxial cable or a loose connection could break the connection between the gateway and the internet provider.

Steps to Fix Loose or Damaged Connections:

• Remove all cables, and inspect them for short-circuit or moisture.
• If the cables seem fine, clean the ports with a micro-fiber cloth and re-attach them.
• Ensure the connections are tight.
• And if you have an extra cable, replace it with an old one and check if the issue resolves.
• If you use an Internet + TV bundle, check whether the Coaxial splitter is at fault. Like any other electronic device, the splitter is prone to wear and tear. If it gets damaged, that could affect your internet connection.
• If damaged, you need to replace the splitter. If it’s not faulty, clean it and plug it in again.

4. Save Gateway from Overheating

You could look at heating issues if you don’t find any of the above problems, and your Xfinity WiFi blinks orange. Placing the gateway in a dingy corner and blocking its ventilation could cause it to malfunction, affecting the connectivity.

Steps To Prevent Xfinity Modem/Router from Overheating:

• Place the gateway a few feet above the ground, away from any physical obstructions.
• Don’t cover your gateway with a book or cloth.
• Keep it in an open space with ample ventilation.

5. Check If your Xfinity Modem/Router is Overloaded

If changing the router’s place did not solve the issue, there’s a possibility that your xFi gateway is overloaded. Although, based on my experience, this wouldn’t directly make the orange light blink, but it could trigger a hardware dis-functionality which can lead to service disruption.

Steps to Fix

• Disconnect the devices from the network and limit the number of WiFi connections.
• If the issue returns while you connect all your devices, it’s time to upgrade the router. Look for a router with a multi-device handling capacity that easily handles all your connections.

6. Check for Firmware Update

If your gateway runs on outdated firmware or is wrongly configured, it could cause compatibility issues.

• Visit the official website and look for the latest firmware version.
• Download the latest version and update it manually from the admin portal.
• Turn on the auto-update feature.

7. Test the Wired Connection

To ensure the device communicates with the ISP, you can test it with a wired connection.

• Use the Ethernet cable and plug in one end of the Ethernet port.
• Plug the other end into a laptop or a desktop, as shown below.

• Open a browser and try accessing the internet.
• If you can connect to the internet, the device isn’t faulty, and the connection is just fine.

8. Reset xFi Gateway

If your xFi gateway still flashes orange light, it’s time to reset it. This will change the device to its default settings. You may take a backup of your settings and perform the manual reset if needed.

• Look for its WPS button on the back of your xFi gateway. It should look like this:

• This doubles as a manual reset button.
• Hold it for 30 seconds.
• Wait until the gateway continues its boot sequence.
• For more detailed instructions, read a dedicated guide on resetting the Xfinity modem/router.

Note: You may find it going through a sequence of color changes from blinking green to orange and then stabilizing to white.

9. Contact Xfinity Support

The unit can be faulty if the Xfinity modem/router flashes green even after resetting.

• You’d need to contact Xfinity support and claim the warranty/technician help.
• If the issues remain unsolved after the technician’s intervention, it’s time to request a device replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

All the steps I’ve provided above shall help you fix the flashing orange light issue on your Xfinity box. However, the issue isn’t solved despite trying all the steps above, feel free to comment below, I’ll try to help you resolve the issue.

You can also learn about different light colors on the Xfinity modem. Also, your modem can have different blinking states and the colors, check them out:

• Blinking White
• Blinking Blue
• Red Light