Home > Router > How To

AT&T router blinking red – causes, meaning, and how to fix

Here are some methods that can make the red light on AT&T router stop blinking!
Last Updated on March 15, 2024
att broadband router blinking red
You can trust PC Guide: Our team of experts use a combination of independent consumer research, in-depth testing where appropriate - which will be flagged as such, and market analysis when recommending products, software and services. Find out how we test here.

Is your AT&T router blinking red with no internet connectivity, and you can’t seem to figure out how to fix it? We’ve got your back. 

Now, if your AT&T router is working fine, there will be a green light to indicate that. However, a red light usually means that there’s something wrong with the router. From a poor power supply to no network from AT&T, the blinking red light on your AT&T router can mean a lot of things. If the light does not stop blinking after around 30 minutes, you need to troubleshoot the issue. 

To help you out, we will list down possible reasons your AT&T router may be blinking red and how you can fix it at home. 

Why is my AT&T router flashing red?

If any of the lights on your AT&T router are blinking red, it could be due to one of these issues:

  • Internet outage from AT&T
  • Problem with the cables
  • Overloading
  • Weak battery
  • Overheating
  • Software glitches

How to fix the AT&T router blinking red light issue

Here are some methods you can follow to fix the blinking red light issue –

Step

1

Check for network outage from AT&T

Check for any outages or scheduled maintenance using the Smart Home Manager (app or web). You can also go through the AT&T outages page and search for your area via ZIP code or by signing in with your account. If there is a known outage, your only option is to wait. AT&T will fix the issue on its own, and the blinking red light on AT&T router will disappear after that. 

Step

2

Look for damaged or loose cables

A common reason for the blinking red light issue on AT&T routers is broken cables or loose connections – especially if the light is blinking slowly (1-2 blinks/second). Make sure all the cables are firmly inserted in their ports. Similarly, examine your cables for any damage, cuts, and bends, and straighten out any sharp bends you may find.

Step

3

Do a power cycle

If all the cables, ports, and connections are good to go, there is a big chance your AT&T router has a software glitch. This can be quickly cleared through a power cycle.

  • Power off your AT&T router and unplug all cables (also remove the battery if it has one).
  • After that, leave your router powered off for about 10 minutes.
  • Plug everything back again and power it on. 

Give it some time to boot up properly, and the blinking red light should disappear.

Step

4

Reduce the load

You can also get the blinking red light on AT&T router if more devices are connected to it than it can handle. You can check how many devices your router supports by going through its specifications. If you have a lot of IoT smart devices in your home, they might overload the router. On the other hand, if one of your neighbours caught the wind of your WiFi password, they might also use your network and overload it with their devices.

To handle overloading, simply change your WiFi password (from the Smart Home Manager app) and connect your devices one by one.

Step

5

Use a new battery

If your AT&T device has a battery backup, you will get the blinking red light when the battery runs out of juice. In this case, you need to replace your battery with a new one to resolve the issue. Make sure you properly dispose of your old battery after putting the new one in.

Step

6

Clean the router

Overheating can also cause the AT&T router blinking red issue. First, clean your device properly and make sure there is no dust build-up on it. Secondly, check whether the device is getting proper airflow – if not, you will have to relocate it somewhere else with better ventilation.

Step

7

Reset your router

If none of the above fixes have worked for you so far, you can go ahead and reset your router. Before you continue, keep in mind that a reset will wipe out all your custom network settings, so you will have to set it up again.

  • Press the reset button at the back of your router for 10 seconds.
  • If there is a small reset hole, instead of the reset button, press it with a paperclip for 10 seconds.
  • Let go of the button once all the lights are lit.

Give the router around 5 to 10 minutes to finish the reset sequence. After that, you can start setting it up again. Hopefully, after the reset process is over, the blinking red light on AT&T router should be gone.

You should note down your network configurations before you reset your router to make the setting up process easier.

Step

8

Get assistance from AT&T

If you’re still getting the blinking red light on AT&T router after a hard reset, you should contact AT&T support for further assistance. There is likely an issue with either the device itself or the wiring outside your house. In either case, AT&T will send out a technician to resolve the problem. They may also replace or repair the router if it is malfunctioning.

How do I fix the red light on my ATT router?

As mentioned in our guide here, if there is a red light flashing on your AT&T router, you can try and fix it with new cables, restarting the router, factory resetting it, and cleaning the router. If these methods don’t seem to be working, then you can get in touch with AT&T customer service. You can check our guide here for more details.

Conclusion

The AT&T router blinking red issue can prevent you from going online, but you can fix the issue quickly by performing a power cycle. If that doesn’t work, try updating the firmware, checking the cables, and factory resetting your device. Finally, seek help from AT&T support if nothing works.

Abdul is a tech writer and Editor for PC Guide, specializing in all things tech, gaming, and hardware.