Router lights are off or showing all red

Symptoms

• No lights on the router at all
• Power light on but internet/WAN light is red or off
• All lights flashing simultaneously in a pattern
• Router won't respond to any buttons or reset attempts

Likely causes

• CommonPower adapter or outlet issueA router with no lights at all usually isn't receiving power.
• CommonNo signal from the modem or ISP (WAN light red/off specifically)If only the internet-related light is red while others are normal, the router itself is fine but isn't getting a signal upstream.
• PossibleRouter stuck in a boot loopRepeated flashing patterns can indicate the router is failing to fully start up, often after a failed update or corrupted settings.
• Less commonInternal hardware failureAfter ruling out power and connections, a dead router is the remaining explanation.

What to do

1. Check that the power adapter is firmly connected to both the router and a working outlet; try a different outlet to rule that out.
2. If no lights appear at all, try a different power adapter with the same voltage and polarity if you have one, since these fail before the router itself does.
3. If the power light is on but the internet/WAN light is red or off, check the cable running to the modem and restart the modem first, then the router.
4. If lights are flashing in an unusual repeating pattern, look up your specific router model's light patterns online, since this often indicates a specific fault code.
5. Try a factory reset by holding the reset button for 10–15 seconds, which can clear a boot loop caused by corrupted settings.
6. Let the router sit unplugged for a full 60 seconds before plugging back in, giving capacitors time to fully discharge.
7. If none of these bring the router back to normal lights, it has likely failed and needs replacement.

Tools and parts

When to call a pro

If a factory reset and power adapter swap don't restore normal lights, the router's hardware has likely failed and replacement is more practical than repair.

Safety