If your Orbi won’t connect to the internet, it’s best to identify the problem, then try common fixes like rebooting your internet connection or checking your ISP before going into the hardware or updating the device.
I have spent years working with and using a wide range of internet systems. I also have a deep knowledge of what problems they can have, and the most efficient way to fix them. Such information is how I created this article.
Each of the below sections looks at potential issues that can arise when trying to connect Orbi to the internet. It does so by breaking down the problems, outlining why they occur, and then presenting numerous ways to fix them.
Contents
Key Takeaways
- When you can’t get your Orbi to connect, you first need to identify potential causes and figure out which one is preventing you from getting online.
- ISP incompatibility and hardware issues are two of the most common reasons Orbi users aren’t able to connect their device.
- Resetting your Orbi, running a troubleshooter, rebooting your internet connection, and updating the device are all great ways to get it back online.
Connecting Your Orbi: Recognizing the Problem
In today’s hyper competitive world of high-speed internet and fast routers, few models do as much as Netgear’s Orbi. The routers and network both operate at extremely high levels in a way that brings users great internet instantaneously. That is, when they’re working.
Just as with any other popular device, Orbi isn’t perfect. It can run into issues with getting online, which can be particularly frustrating if you’re someone who depends on a stable connection to work or relax. In that case, you need a quick fix.
There are various ways to get your Orbi back online when it won’t connect. Before you do anything, however, you need to identify what’s causing the issue.
Hardware Problems and ISP Incompatibility
One of the most common reasons your Orbi isn’t connected to the internet has to do with network settings. If you see problems, first look at your setup and make sure your Orbi matches up with other devices on your network. Check the SSID and password as well.
On top of that, there’s always a chance that hardware damage is why you can’t connect. In such cases, it’s best to get right to the source.
Always check your components. If something is loose or damaged, replace the part as soon as you can. Though it might be tempting to keep it around, especially if your Orbi connects again, it’s better to get a new piece than fuss with a damaged option.
Your internet service provider (ISP) could be to blame as well. If they aren’t compatible with Orbi, or if they’re experiencing problems on their end, it could affect how well the devices are able to connect.
In such cases, contact your provider directly and ask them about such issues. If they don’t have any, then you know it’s something else. If they are, you can tackle it with their help.
How to Fix an Orbi That Won’t Connect
Only once you know why your Orbi won’t connect to the internet can you work to fix the issue. There are a few different methods, but it’s best to start with the simplest ones and then move up to the more complex ones.
Always restart your device before doing anything else. Though it seems incredibly simple (and it is), many products work again after a quick reboot. Just turn the Orbi off, wait a few minutes, and then turn it back on to reset the settings.
If the problem is deeper, resetting won’t work. In that case, check your internet connection. Go over all of the settings and make sure that everything’s up and running. You then want to reset it.
To do that, go to your settings, click on WiFi, and choose your connection. From there, tap on forget network, wait a few seconds, and reconnect. As with rebooting your router, this is a good way to refresh the system and power through any problems.
Beyond that, if you’re a WIndows user you can always run the network troubleshooter. Open the search box and type “internet connections.” Next, click “find and fix network problems.” Tap the “advanced” option, click run as administrator, and then select “apply repairs automatically.”
Once that’s done, click on “next” and the troubleshooter will search out any bugs and try to fix them. That’s not a foolproof solution, but it usually helps in a pinch.
You can install firmware updates as well. Though it’s not always the cause, many devices don’t work properly due to being behind. Go into the Orbi app, sign in, then tap the menu icon, select settings → router settings, and click “check for updates.”
If none of the above steps work, your next option should be to contact Orbi’s customer support team. They will walk you through the process and see if you need a new device.
FAQs
The following section goes over, and answers, a few of the biggest questions related to Orbi products.
How Often Should You Reboot an Orbi Router?
Typically, it’s a good idea to reset your router once a month. That clears out memory and refreshes all of the connections in a way that helps improve your device’s health.
What Color Should My Orbi Light Be?
A blinking white light means the device is starting up, while a blue light means the router and satellite are connected and an orange light means they’re successfully linked.
What’s the Best Way to Test My Orbi Connection?
If you want to see the strength of your Orbi connection, first launch the app from a mobile device on the network. Then, tap the internet speed tile from the dashboard display and hit “test my speed.”
Final Words
Orbi is a great product, but it does hiccup every now and then. If it’s not connected, don’t panic. Just go through the above sections, figure out what’s preventing your Orbi from getting online, and try all of the fixes you can.
Have you ever had issues with Orbi connections? Why wasn’t it working and how did you fix it? Let us know below!
