On every networking device, you will find the LEDs which blinks and shows status. Orbi also have lights on the hardware.
You will see orbi blinking white mostly when its booting and turned on. The Orbi purple light is most rare when there is a connection problem.
In this post, we will talk about pink light, like its meaning, reasons why it’s their and solutions to fix it.
Meaning of Orbi Purple Light
Here’s what that light actually means:
- Purple on the router → it can’t get internet from the modem.
- Purple on a satellite → it can’t connect to the main router.
That’s really it. It’s a connection problem, not some random system error.
Why Orbi Purple Light is Showing?
- Modem issue. Sometimes the modem just doesn’t pass a proper IP through. Unplugging both (modem first, then Orbi) for a minute or two usually clears it.
- Bad Ethernet connection. Check the cable between your modem and Orbi.
- ISP outage. Easiest way to test? Plug your laptop directly into the modem. If you don’t get internet that way either, it’s not Orbi’s fault.
- Firmware funk. Once in a while the Orbi just gets stuck after an update or power flicker.
Troubleshooting Tips for Orbi Purple light
1. Don’t Panic, Restart Everything
Power off the Orbi, wait like 30 seconds, power it back on. Do the same with your modem. Sometimes they just lose sync and need a little reset.
2. Check the Cables
Pull out every cable and notice the Ethernet cable is fully clicked in or not. Push those cable ends in tight. If you’ve got a spare cable, swap it just to rule it out. Might resolve Orbi purple light.
3. Modem Handshake Issues
If the modem’s not happy, the Orbi won’t be either. Unplug the modem for a full minute. Let it clear out. Then plug the modem back in, wait until all its lights settle, then fire up the Orbi. Don’t rush this part — modems can be slow to wake up.
4. Internet Service Might be Down
This one is most common because you can’t fix it yourself. Usually, hotspot the phone and check if ISP has an outage page or Twitter update. If they’re down, all you can do is wait.
5. Factory Reset
- Find the reset button. It’s a tiny hole on the back of the main Orbi router (and satellites if you’re doing those too). You’ll need a paperclip or something skinny to poke it.
- While the Orbi is powered on, hold that button down. About 10 seconds. You’ll see the light ring flash amber/orange, then let go. That’s the signal it’s wiping itself.
- Wait. It takes a few minutes to reset and reboot. Don’t unplug it while it’s doing its thing unless you want a headache.
- Once it comes back up, it’s basically brand new. You’ll have to set it up again from scratch with the Orbi app or by logging in through the browser
Re-configuration:
- Grab your phone and install the Orbi app if you don’t already have it. Open it. It’ll want you to sign in to a Netgear account.
- You can also use the Orbi admin login interface to reconfigure the Orbi router device through your computer.
- Once you’re in, it should detect the router. If it doesn’t, connect your phone to the Orbi’s default WiFi (look at the sticker on the bottom of the unit — the SSID and password are there).
- As soon as you connect, the app should say something like “let’s set up your Orbi.”
- Follow the prompts. Honestly, it’s mostly “next, next, wait.” It’ll walk you through making a new WiFi name and password.
- If you want your old devices to reconnect automatically, just reuse the same SSID and password you had before. Saves a ton of hassle.
After that, it’ll ask you about satellites (the other Orbi units you have around the house). Plug those in where you want them, wait for them to boot, and they should link automatically.
The ring light will go white → blue if it’s happy. Amber means meh connection, magenta means it’s not talking to the router at all.
If that happens, move it closer and re-sync. There’s a sync button on the back — press it on the router, then on the satellite. Wait.
6. Firmware Updates
- Go to the Netgear Orbi official website support and download your Orbi model latest updated firmware file.
- Now, Open a browser. Chrome, Firefox, whatever. Type this in the address bar: orbilogin.com or orbilogin.net.
- Once you’re inside the admin panel, go into the Firmware section and paste the Firmware downloaded file, then just click Install.
