Investing in an Arris modem is a perfect way to get the most out of your high-speed internet plan. With its capacity of handling speeds beyond 1 Gbps, it’s impossible to imagine these modems causing you problems — until the Arris modem lights start to blink and turn off!
There are four to six lights on all modems and each one presents information about the status of your internet connection. So, using the lights to diagnose your internet connection problems makes troubleshooting easier.
Our article will focus exactly on this and show you how you can fix your modem and enjoy a stable Internet connection once again. It will discuss all the details of Arris modem lights, their meanings, and other relevant information, including rapid solutions and potential causes. We have also added a separate section for troubleshooting the issues and resolving them.
Let’s dive in!
What Do Arris Modem Lights Mean?
Whether you just purchased an Arris modem or are experiencing connectivity issues on the present model, it is critical for you to recognize the lights and interpret them.
Those nifty indicators are very helpful and enable you to comprehend the present condition of the modem and the internet connection.
Speaking of the internet, networking devices can act up for a variety of reasons — ISP issues, modem complications, problems with a particular band, network congestion, and so many more. Yet, focusing on the exact culprit can be troublesome if you do not know the meanings of LED indicator lights on Arris modems.
But no worries, this guide has got you covered! We will help you find the actual problem and resolve it. Remember that all of the Arris modem lights can be in varying modes — solid red, turned off, solid green, or blinking.
First of all, let’s go through the various lights on the Arris cable modem. Remember that the modem lights may vary based on the model you own. That being said, most modems possess the following lights:
The Power Light
The power light informs you of whether or not electricity is running through the device. In case it’s on, you have juice. But if it’s off, you have an issue at hand.
The meaning behind the solid red power light is a gateway boot or no power from ISP. The ISP could be running maintenance work on your line. In this scenario, wait for things to resume from the ISP’s side. Alternatively, simply unplug and replug the power cord to see if that fixes your issue.
Only in the case of a solid green light do you know that everything’s okay. But if this color is flashing, it means that the device is attempting to establish a connection. The blinking green light mostly occurs if you have just restarted the modem.
The Send Light
The Send Light tells you whether or not your device can transfer information via the internet. This means it’s the one linked to the “upload” part of your internet connection. Similar to the Receive light, the Send light presents two different shades:
- A green light warns that only one band is sharing information.
- A blue light means that two bands are sending information.
And:
- A flashing blue light depicts that both bands are uploading data.
- A flashing green light means that upload speeds are relevant to only one band due to interference or ISP issues.
To fix it, reboot your modem or connect with the ISP.
The Receive Light
This light notifies you whether or not the device is getting a signal from the internet. The receiver light is linked to the download component. If you own a dual-band modem, there will be two varying colors:
- A green light means that one band (either 5 GHz or 2.4 GHz) is gaining a signal.
- A blue light means that both bands are gaining signals.
And:
- A flashing blue light means that both bands are operating optimally and receiving sufficient signals (only Download).
- A blinking green light means only one band is working optimally. The issue could be caused by the ISP or network congestion.
To fix it, switch off the modem, discard the interfering devices, and connect to the ISP.
The Online Light
When this light is green, it means that the modem is completely operational. Similar to the Power light, it’s easy to understand. The green color means everything’s fine, and in case of no light, you need to take some time to troubleshoot.
2.4 GHz
When the 2.4 GHz light is green, it means your device’s 2.4 GHz band is connected to the internet and working properly.
5 GHz
When this light is green, it means that the device’s 5 GHz band is connected to the internet.
The Link Light
Not all modems come with this light, so don’t worry if your model lacks it. On the latest models, the Link light is below the Online light. When the Link light is sharing data, it flashes. But don’t worry, a blinking Link light is a positive thing!
The Phone Line Light
When this light is turned off, it means there is no phone activity. When it’s flashing green, it means incoming traffic, and a solid green shows an active telephone port.
The Internet Light
Another one of the Arris modem lights is the Internet light. If it’s displaying a solid red color, it means that there is a connection issue and that the IP address can not be detected. To fix it, unplug and check for any coaxial cable complications.
An active connection is determined by the solid blue color.
Troubleshooting Arris Modem Lights
Arris modem lights are a wonderfully useful diagnostic tool. They enable you to get to the root of the problem and recognize the cause of the issue. If you’re confused about why your WiFi isn’t working, give attention to these signals from the modem:
| If you see… | It depicts | How to fix |
|---|---|---|
| Power light turned off | A breaker is flipped, a cable got loose, or the power outlet is broken. | Insert all cables properly. Call a mechanic if the outlet is broken. |
| 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz lights are off | No device is connected to the modem. | Simply connect a device to the modem. |
| Online light is blinking yellow or turned off. | Your modem is unregistered. | Contact customer service to register your device. |
| Send light blinking green or blue. | A wrong outlet is chosen. | Execute a restart. Try inserting it into another outlet. |
| Receive light is blinking green or blue. | Modem is inserted into the wrong outlet, loose cables, or a reset is required. | Do a reset or fix the cables. |
Usually, there are three choices available to anyone facing WiFi issues with their Arris modems:
Check All Cables
Ethernet, USB, and Coaxial cables might seem unimportant— however, if these cables are not properly plugged in, or worse, damaged in some way, they will prevent your modem from working.
Therefore, if your WiFi is showing trouble, ensure that all these three cables are completely connected — not just the modem end, but the other ends as well, including the computer and wall.
This is particularly useful if the Receive light on the device is flashing. In short, observing the cables should be your first response.
Reset the Modem
This is a straightforward step that is effective enough to resolve plenty of problems occurring inside the device. But in case resetting the device doesn’t fix the issue, it obviously means that the modem is fine, but there’s something else going on — maybe a problem with your internet service provider or an unplugged cable.
There are two methods of resetting your Arris modem:
- First, there is the option to just unplug it for 30 seconds and plug it back in again. This is ancient IT advice that never disappoints.
- Second, you can press the reset button at the back of the unit. Hold the reset button for 10 seconds.
Hopefully, this will clear up the WiFi issue you are facing. Both procedures to reset your Arris modem work equally well, so it’s totally up to you to decide what method to choose.
Perform A Factory Reset
If a soft reset was unsuccessful, a hard reset will definitely work. But remember that you will have to set up the network again after the hard reset is over. Therefore, don’t consider this option if you lack the required ISP settings and default modem login details.
To execute a hard reset on an Arris SURFboard router, check out the following YouTube tutorial:
Reach Out to Your Internet Service Provider, Arris Customer Service, or Both
If you possess immense knowledge of networking hardware, you can keep attempting to understand how to resolve the modem problem, even if the lights are not useful.
You may or may not get lucky, but many times, all the knowledge in the world can’t bring your router back online, meaning that you will require some help.
In case the Online light on the modem is flashing or not glimmering at all, there is no way to reach out to customer service. The reason why the specific light would turn off or flash is that the modem’s MAC address is unrecognized or unregistered.
Contact Arris Customer Service to resolve your internet connection issues when you have tried all the above-mentioned fixes. If the problem is related to the MAC address, they can help.
But if this is not the case, and you are dead certain that the device is the culprit as all other sources are eliminated, you will now have to consider replacing the device or at least initiate the process of replacing it if under warranty, as it is likely that you have a malfunctioning unit.
Common Arris Modem Issues
In the last section of this guide, we’ll discuss common issues with Arris modem lights, the device itself, and how to fix them.
Internet outage
If your WiFi goes down, this issue can be solved easily. Just do a power cycle by following these steps:
- Unplug the power cord and remove the battery, if any.
- Wait for 30 seconds. Reinsert the battery and connect the power cable again.
- Now, wait for 10 minutes so that everything can reconnect.
Hopefully, the Arris modem lights are solid now. But if your area suffers from frequent power outages, we advise you to purchase power strips to shield your electronics from surges.
Bad location
Modem location or placement holds great importance. This aspect directly influences the quality of your WiFi connection and internet speed. While finding a spot for the device, follow the tips below for best functioning:
- Avoid signal interference and maintain 4 feet of space from appliances, other wireless devices, metal, and electronics.
- Keep the modem visible. Don’t place it behind furniture or inside cabinets. Ensure that modem vents aren’t blocked to avoid overheating.
- Select a central location next to where the WiFi is connected.
- Position the modem elevated on a table or shelf. It should be off the ground but not stacked up too high on top of other equipment.
These tips will ensure proper functioning.
Loose cables
As stated above, loose cables are a major cause of poor WiFi connectivity. Before doing anything else, make sure that the cables are properly fit inside.
Modem overloading
An overloaded modem means that the device is managing too many tasks simultaneously. For example, you may be downloading big files or streaming a video at once.
Your modem should have sufficient bandwidth to prevent this common issue. To fix it, consider adding an extra modem to divide the internet tasks or do a power cycle by shutting it down temporarily.
If these methods don’t work, try doing a hard reset.
Inadequate internet speeds
Slow internet is worse than no internet. In order to resolve this issue, try the following hacks:
- Reset the modem
- Assess your bandwidth
- Check the background usage
- Check the device’s location
- Scan for malware
- Consider a mesh network
- Experiment with a new VPN
- Check the wiring and cables
- Switch to a less crowded channel
- Search and unload internet hijackers
These solutions should definitely solve your slow internet speeds. It can also occur if the internet plan is insufficient to drive smart gadgets. In this case, change your subscription plan.
Outdated firmware
Outdated firmware is another common issue. It’s crucial to keep your modem updated as it will add support for quick internet speeds, repair an annoying bug, and improve overall functioning.
Some modems require a mobile app or desktop to accomplish an update. But most of them employ a web-based interface. So, carry out all updates regularly to keep enjoying your internet.
Miscommunication Between the Router and a Damaged Ethernet Cable
While the above six problems are the most common related to modems, miscommunication with the router and a damaged ethernet cable can cause issues as well. Make sure to check out if everything is properly connected and if your ethernet cable isn’t damaged.
If you’re unaware of the difference between a modem and a router, read our helpful guide below:
Router vs Modem – The difference between them explained
Modem In Need Of Replacement
In some cases, it is possible that your Arris modem has reached the end of the road. If you have tried all troubleshooting steps and nothing worked, it means that the device is now defective. Check your warranty to see if it’s active. You can expect a replacement free of cost within a certain period.
Confused about when you should replace your particular modem? We’ve written a helpful guide on this matter:
How often should you replace your modem?
Frequently Asked Questions
We’re aware that you still may have questions regarding the matter, which is why we have answered a few FAQs below.
What lights should be on Arris router?
A solid green color means that the gateway is on and optimally working. And a solid blue color depicts that the broadband internet connection is active.
What to do when all the Arris modem lights flash?
1. Check the two ends of the coaxial cable connector of the wall outlet or WiFi modem. Tighten the connectors if they’re loose.
2. Check the ethernet cable.
3. Check your cable TV service.
4. Power cycle the gateway to enable the modem to re-establish a new connection.
That should solve it.
Conclusion
The Arris modem lights notify you of what is going on with the internet connection, and knowing what they mean can save you plenty of time during troubleshooting your internet issues. So, keep our guide handy!
Have you experienced any problems related to the modem or observed the lights do anything suspicious? If you have any pearls of wisdom to share with your fellow readers, feel free to write your thoughts and solutions in the comments below.
Thanks for reading!
