Modem Lights Flashing Red or Orange

Modem Lights Flashing Red or Orange

If your modem lights are flashing red or orange, it usually means your modem is having trouble connecting to the nbn® network. This doesn't always mean there's a fault, in many cases, it's something simple that can be fixed at home.

What Red or Orange Lights Mean

Different modem brands use different colours, but generally:
  • Red light – The modem cannot detect an internet signal or has lost connection to the nbn® network.
  • Orange or amber light – The modem is connecting but not yet fully online.
If your modem light has been flashing for more than five minutes, follow the steps below.

1. Check For nbn® Outages

Before making any changes, visit the nbn® Network Status page to see if there's an outage in your area: www.nbnco.com.au/support/network-status If there's an outage or planned maintenance, your lights will return to normal once service is restored.

2. Restart Your Modem and nbn® Connection Box

Most connection issues can be fixed with a restart:
  1. Turn off your modem and nbn® connection box (if you have one).
  2. Wait 30 seconds.
  3. Turn the nbn® box back on first, then your modem.
  4. Wait a few minutes for the lights to stabilise.
If the lights turn green or blue after restarting, your connection is restored.

3. Check Your Cables

Loose or damaged cables can stop your modem from detecting a signal.
  • Make sure all Ethernet and phone cables are firmly connected and undamaged.
  • The WAN/Internet port on your modem should connect to the UNI-D port on your nbn® connection box (usually UNI-D1).
  • For FTTN or FTTB, ensure the phone cable is connected directly to your wall socket with no old filters or splitters.

4. Wait For Activation (New Services Only)

If you're a new customer, your modem may show orange or red lights before your service is officially activated. Check your email or SMS notifications for your activation date. Once the service is live, the lights should turn solid green or blue automatically. See "Can I connect before my activation date?" for more details.

5. Check Your Modem Settings (BYO Devices)

If you're using your own modem:
  • Make sure your connection type is set to PPPoE.
  • Enter your Ezi Broadband username and password (sent in your activation email).
  • Save and reboot your modem.
Incorrect credentials or connection type settings will cause red or orange indicator lights.

6. Reset Your Modem (Last Resort)

If your lights are still red or orange after checking everything else:
  1. Hold the Reset button on your modem for 10–15 seconds until the lights flash.
  2. Wait for it to reboot.
  3. Re-enter your Ezi Broadband login details if required.
See "How to reset your modem" for a full step-by-step guide.

When to Contact Support

If your modem lights remain red or orange for more than 10 minutes after restarting and checking cables, take a photo of your modem and nbn® box lights and include your name and address when contacting us.
Our team will check your line remotely and determine whether the issue is with your modem, nbn® connection, or an external fault.
  1. Visit our website and speak to Eve, our AI assistant, in the bottom right corner of the screen.
  2. If you'd rather chat with a human, just let Eve know and you'll be transferred to a real person within the same chat window.
  3. Head over to the homepage of our help centre and submit a ticket.
  5. Call us on 132 EZI (132 394).


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