Troubleshooting Guide: Asus Router Red Light and No Internet

Asus is renowned for producing top-notch routers that stand out in the market. Nevertheless, similar to other router models, it is possible to encounter occasional internet connectivity problems, often symbolized by a red light on the Asus router.

In this blog, I’ll explain why the red light appears on your Asus router and provide simple solutions to fix it.

Here are a few reasons why red light appears on your Asus router,

1. Issues with the Modem
2. Damaged cable or Ports
3. Router Configuration Issues
4. Issues with WAN Settings
5. Outdated Firmware
6. Problem at ISP site

Now let’s jump into the fixes,

Fix 1: Addressing Modem and Internet Connection Problems

To know whether the source of the problem is the modem or router, you have to bypass the router. For this,

1. Connect your PC or laptop directly to the modem using an Ethernet cable. This way, you’ll bypass the router entirely and focus only on the modem.
2. Once you’re connected, try accessing the internet. If you can successfully browse the web, it suggests that the problem is with your router.
3. However, if you’re still unable to access the internet even when directly connected to the modem, it means the issue is not with the router. Instead, the problem could be with the modem itself or with the internet connection provided by your ISP.

A simple fix you can try is rebooting your router and modem. Just unplug the power cords, wait a few minutes, and then plug it back in. Let the router and modem start up again and check if the red blinking light stops.

Usually, that does the trick and clears any issues with the cache or glitches. But if the light keeps blinking, you must try additional fixes.

Fix 2: Replacing Damaged cables or Ports

The other way to fix the red light on your Asus router is to check for physical causes for no internet connection. Here are a few steps through the process,

1. Begin by disconnecting and unplugging all power cables, connectors, Ethernet cables, and NAS devices. Make sure everything is unplugged.
2. Inspect your internet cable for any visible damage, such as cuts or frayed wires.
3. If you discover any damage, cut off the affected portion of the cable. Then, use an ethernet cable joiner, ethernet connector, and crimp tool to reconnect both ends securely.
4. Check the pins inside the ethernet port for any signs of bending or damage. If necessary, attempt to rectify the issue using a tweezer or forceps, but exercise caution and patience.
5. If one of the LAN Ethernet ports on your router is malfunctioning, avoid using it and utilize the other available ports instead.
6. Connect each cable to the appropriate port and ensure the connections are secure. The cable connecting the router and modem is crucial for your internet connection. Connect it from the modem’s internet/WAN port to the router’s WAN port.
7. After checking and reestablishing all the cables, test your internet connection to verify if the problem has been resolved.

Fix 3: Configure Router

Sometimes, incorrect or misconfigured settings on your router can cause connectivity problems. This can lead to a red light appearing on your router. To fix this, follow these steps:

1. Double-check the configuration settings on your router. These settings should match the requirements of your Internet Service Provider (ISP).
2. Access your router’s administration panel using a web browser. You can usually do this by typing the router’s default IP address (192.168.1.1) into the browser’s address bar.
3. Look for the section where you can view and modify the IP address and DNS settings.
4. Compare the current settings with the recommended settings provided by your ISP. If there are any differences, update the settings accordingly.
5. Remember to save the changes before exiting the administration panel.

Fix 4: Configure WAN Settings

Three types of WAN connections are available: Automatic IP, PPPoE, and Static IP. The Automatic IP option is commonly used and is usually recommended.

It is crucial to verify with your Internet Service Provider (ISP) whether they employ Automatic IP or PPPoE before proceeding. Using an incorrect connection type will not solve the problem.

Ensure your ASUS router’s WAN (Wide Area Network) is configured to obtain an automatic IP address to resolve the red-light issue on your ASUS router. If not, here is how to do it,

1. Access the administrative dashboard of your ASUS router and navigate to the “WAN” section located under “Advanced Settings” in the left-hand menu.
2. In the WAN Connection Type segment, select the appropriate connection type as your ISP advises. Save the changes by clicking on “Apply.”

If your WAN connection type already corresponds to your internet service, you can attempt to disable and reenable the WAN connection within the router settings. This action can refresh the connection and potentially rectify the red-light issue.

Fix 5: Update Firmware

Like other hardware companies, Asus continuously updates its device firmware to remove errors and bugs. Therefore corrupted or outdated firmware can also cause the red light on your router.

To upgrade the firmware on your Asus router, you can either use the web-based interface or do it manually. Here’s a simplified guide:

1. Log in to your router using the web (the current firmware version is at the top of the admin dashboard).
2. Click on the firmware version to access the “Firmware Upgrade” page or go to “Administration” and select “Firmware Upgrade”.
3. If a new firmware version is available, update it automatically from this page.
4. During the upgrade process, avoid using the internet.
5. Once the firmware upgrade is complete, reboot the router for the changes to take effect.

Here is a video to make it simpler for you:

Fix 6: Contact Your ISP

Your internet service provider (ISP) sometimes needs to perform maintenance to keep the internet running smoothly. This can also be the reason for the red light on Asus Router.

However, ISP usually let you know in advance about these maintenance activities.

If you need the internet during the scheduled maintenance, it’s a good idea to make backup plans like using your mobile data or public Wi-Fi.

Sometimes, unexpected things like heavy rain or storms can cause internet problems. In these situations, staying in touch with your ISP is essential. They will update you on the issue’s progress and let you know how long it might take.