Router and ONT Checks for a Managed ISP Connection

Reading the status lights

Exact labels vary by model, but most routers follow this general pattern:

• Power light off: check the power cable and outlet -- try a different outlet or cable if available.
• Power light on, but no other lights: the device may be stuck booting -- give it 2-3 minutes, then restart it if nothing changes.
• Internet/WAN light off or red: no signal reaching the router from outside -- this points to a cabling issue or an outage, not something inside your home.
• Wi-Fi light off: Wi-Fi radio may be disabled -- check for a physical Wi-Fi on/off switch or button on the router.
• All lights flashing together repeatedly: often indicates the device is stuck in a reboot loop -- this usually needs a factory reset or a replacement unit.

Physical checks

• Cables fully seated at both ends, not just resting in the port.
• No visible damage, bends, or pinches in any cable.
• The router isn't overheating -- keep it in an open, ventilated spot, not enclosed in a cabinet.
• No loose or disconnected splitters/filters on a DSL or phone-line connection.

Restart before anything else

A proper power-cycle restart (not just turning Wi-Fi off and on) resolves a large share of router issues. See our full restart and reset guide for the correct process, including when a factory reset is actually necessary.

When it's a hardware fault, not a settings issue

If a router repeatedly loses connection, overheats, has a burning smell, or won't stay powered on even after trying a different outlet and cable, it likely needs replacing rather than resetting. Contact your provider -- most include router support or replacement as part of your service.