TP-Link Router Orange Light: Causes and Quick Fixes

TP-Link is a well-known Chinese company that focuses on providing network solutions. They are famous for creating top-quality products like routers, modems, range extenders, etc.

Similar to other electronic devices, TP-Link routers can encounter issues, such as displaying an orange light.

According to TP-Link, the Orange Light indicates that the Internet port is connected, but there is a problem establishing a connection to Internet service provider (ISP) servers.

Interestingly, in many instances, the router itself may not be the root cause of the problem. Instead, various other factors might be contributing to this issue.

Here are a few reasons for the TP-Link Router Orange light,

1. Problem with MAC address binding
2. Damaged cable or Ports
3. Outdated Firmware
4. Problem at ISP site
5. Issues with WAN Settings
6. Router Configuration Issues
7. Hardware Problem

Reboot your router before proceeding with any troubleshooting measures, as it often resolves the issue. Disconnect the power cord for 5 minutes, reconnect it and let the router boot up. Check the light status; it should be green. If the orange light persists, try additional troubleshooting solution.

Now let’s jump into the fixes,

Fix 1: Solving MAC Address Binding Issue

MAC binding is a network security feature commonly found in routers. It involves associating specific MAC addresses (unique hardware addresses assigned to network devices) with IP addresses, allowing only those devices with recognized MAC addresses to connect to the network.

If you’re using Cable Internet and you’re noticing an orange light, it might be due to a MAC address binding problem.

To solve it,

1. Begin by disconnecting the Power and Coax cables from the modem.
2. Reconnect the Power cable and leave the coax cable unplugged temporarily.
3. Use an Ethernet cable to link the modem to the WAN port on the router.
4. Power on the modem.
5. After a wait of about 5 minutes, reconnect the coax cable.
6. Allow the modem to establish an Internet connection. Check the Internet light status and attempt to access websites to confirm connectivity.

Fix 2: Check the Cable, Connector and Port

A damaged internet cable, connector or port can disrupt your internet signal and make the TP-LInk router light go orange. Therefore, It’s important to examine all of them.

Inspect the cable for issues like cuts, sharp bends, or a damaged cover. If you find damage, you should cut out the affected section and reattach the cable ends.

You will need an ethernet cable joiner, ethernet connector and a crimp tool to reconnect wires (video).

This process is straightforward and will help reestablish your connection.

If the connector is broken or doesn’t lock properly, consider replacing it for a proper fix.

Lastly, the little metal sticks in the Internet port can break if used too much or handled roughly. When this happens, your router’s light might turn orange, showing there’s no signal.

If you notice any bent or broken pins on your router, you can try using tweezers to fix them.

But be careful because it’s not simple and might not help. If you’re not careful, you could make the problem worse and damage your router even more.

Fix 3: Update Firmware

Just like how other companies update their device software to fix mistakes, TP-Link also updates its router software. Sometimes, if the software is damaged or old, your router’s light might turn orange.

To fix this issue, you’ll need to update the software. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Log in to your router’s admin dashboard.
2. Find the Firmware update part in the System Tools menu.
3. Depending on your router, you can choose to update the software from your computer or the internet.

If you’re having trouble with the software update, you can watch a video for help.

Fix 4: Check if the ISP is Down

At times, the orange internet light on your TP-Link router might show up due to planned maintenance, technical problems, or power cuts from your internet provider.

To see if there’s an issue causing this, you can do the following:

1. Use your mobile data instead of home internet to access the web.
2. Go to the DownDetector website. It tells you about problems reported by others with their internet services.
3. Look for any big problems reported by other users. This might mean an issue or a breakdown with your internet provider.

Fix 5: Configuring WAN Setting

If your Wide Area Network (WAN) settings are wrong, your router will show orange light.

The WAN settings include important details like your IP address, subnet mask, gateway, and DNS servers. If any of these settings are incorrect or not properly configured, it can stop your internet from working correctly.

To fix this, you need to make sure that the WAN settings in your router’s setup are accurate.

Check your IP address, subnet mask, gateway, and DNS server details. If you’re unsure about what these should be, watch this video;

Fix 6: Configure Router Settings

Having the wrong settings on your router can cause problems with your internet connection. Therefore you must Configure TP-Link WiFi settings.

Here are the steps:

1. Connect your computer to the TP-Link router using an Ethernet cable.
2. Open a web browser on your computer.
3. In the top part, where you usually type website names, type “tplinkwifi.net” or “192.168.0.1” (or “192.168.1.1”).
4. Use “admin” for both the username and password unless you changed them before.
5. Find the part about WiFi, Wireless, or Wireless Settings.
6. Look for your WiFi network’s name, SSID or Wireless Network Name.
7. Make a new name for your WiFi that’s special and easy to know.
8. Look for where it asks for your WiFi password, which might be called Security Key or Passphrase.
9. Type a strong password that’s hard to guess.
10. Choose “WPA/WPA2-Personal” for safety.
11. Look for a button that says “Save” or “Apply” at the top or bottom of the page. Click it to keep your new settings.
12. Sometimes the router needs to start again. Search for a “Reboot” or “Restart” choice on the router’s webpage.
13. After changing things, unplug the special cable from your computer and the router.
14. On your phone or laptop, find where you see WiFi networks. Pick your new TP-Link WiFi from the list.
15. When asked, type in the WiFi password you made before.

Fix 7: Fix Hardware Issues

If the orange light issue persists, it might be due to problems within the router’s physical components. This could include issues with the internal hardware. To address this:

1. Restart Router: Begin by restarting the router. Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve hardware glitches.
2. Inspect for Damage: Check the router for any visible physical damage or overheating signs. Look for unusual lights, loose cables, or physical harm.
3. Contact Support: If the problem continues, consider reaching out to TP-Link’s customer support. They can offer guidance for troubleshooting or recommend potential repair or replacement options if needed.

Fix 8: Factory Rest the Router

If nothing is working for you, a factory reset might solve the problem. However, It is important to know that a factory reset will erase all customized settings, including WiFi network names, passwords, and any configurations you’ve made.

To factory reset your TP-Link router follow these steps,

1. Find the Reset button on your TP-Link router. It’s usually a small hole labelled “Reset” on the back or bottom of the router.
2. Grab a paperclip, pin, or similar small, pointy object. You’ll use this to press the Reset button.
3. Insert the paperclip or pin into the Reset hole. Press and hold the Reset button while keeping it pressed.
4. After 10-15 seconds, release the Reset button. The router’s lights might flash during this process.
5. Wait a few minutes as the router reboots and resets to its factory settings. The lights will eventually stabilize.
6. After the reset, you can access the router’s settings by entering the default IP address (e.g., http://192.168.0.1 or http://192.168.1.1) in a web browser. Use the default login credentials (usually “admin” for username and password).