Is Your Xfinity Modem/Router Blinking Orange? [Meaning & Fixes]

The flashing orange light on the Xfinity modem/router indicates that it’s searching for a downstream signal. Once found, the LED will turn solid white. However, if it keeps blinking amber for a long time, there can be some other reasons which I’m listing below:

• Your xFi gateway might not be working anymore.
• The cable connections are loose or damaged.
• The internet service is affected in your area.
• Your gateway can’t keep up with many devices.
• There’s a random technical glitch that requires a reset.

Note: If your device blinks orange with a tint of yellow, a firmware update is underway. Don’t interrupt the process. Wait for 20-30 minutes before you proceed with the troubleshooting.

How To Fix an Xfinity Modem/Router Blinking Orange?

The best way to avoid such issues in the first place is to get rid of the xFi gateway and get your own Comcast compatible modem or a modem/router combo.

Note: If you get a modem-only device, you’ll also need a separate wireless router. Not sure which one to get? Check my recommendations on routers for Comcast Xfinity.

Now, I shall help you identify the causes and give solutions to each of them. Rest assured, your xFi gateway blinking orange will be‌ fixed by the time you reach the end of this article.

1. Power-Cycle xFi Gateway

One of the first things you can try is power-cycle the gateway. Why? Like many electronics, networking devices also need 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 your Networking Devices:

• 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 Service Outage or Maintenance

Your Xfinity modem can blink green because of no active connection from the service provider. 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 your Xfinity blinking orange light is the 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 issues, 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 for Modem Overloading

If changing router placement didn’t solve the issue, you might have an overloaded gateway. This means your device might be used for data-intense activities simultaneously, beyond its hardware capacity, which could lead to service disruption.

Steps to Fix Overloaded Modem/Router:

• 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 gateway still flashes orange light, it’s time for a factory reset. This will change the gateway 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.

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

Most of the time, you’ll be able to fix the Xfinity internet box blinking orange. This article lists all the information and steps, from finding the reason to offering the fix. If you cannot solve the issue by yourself, never hesitate to comment below!

Also learn about:

• Xfinity modem/router blinking white
• Xfinity modem/router blinking blue
• Xfinity modem/router blinking green
• All Xfinity modem lights