A stable internet connection is the minimum expectation when you get an internet connection like Cox. On most days, the ISP delivers on this promise as well. However, you often come across hardware issues, such as the Cox modem/router blinking orange light. This issue can stop you from accessing the Internet and be a source of frustration.
In this guide, I will provide instructions on how to fix the Cox modem/router blinking orange error.
What a Blinking Orange Light Means on Cox Router
Before we begin, you must understand what a blinking orange light means on a Cox router. This idea would help you understand how you can tackle the problem and restore everything to an ideal network state.
We cannot trace the blinking orange light on a Cox router back to a single reason. On the contrary, multiple elements could cause the blinking orange light, but its frequency and duration would vary. I can show some examples first:
- If the Cox router is blinking orange for a few minutes, it means the router is updating its firmware. In this case, the process will be complete in around 15 minutes, and you’ll have Internet access back.
- If the blinking orange light persists, it means you are dealing with a major connectivity issue. You will not have Internet access during the period and may need advanced troubleshooting.
- Sometimes, problems at the ISP’s end can also cause the blinking orange light. For instance, a nearby outage on the Cox network can cause problems with your Internet access as well, right?
As you can see, multiple categories of reasons could be responsible for the blinking orange light on your Cox router. This means we have to consider multiple combinations of problems.
Why is Cox Modem/Router Blinking Orange?
Before we move further, let’s discuss a few specific reasons for the Cox modem/router blinking orange.
Loose or Damaged Cable Connections
Loose or faulty hardware connections can cause the Cox modem/router to show a blinking orange light. It is common when the coaxial/fiber-optic cables are not properly connected to the Cox modem/router. You may also want to check if you have separate devices for modem and router.
Internet Service Provider (ISP) Outages
As I said, network outages with Cox can cause connectivity problems, which prevent your Cox modem/router from connecting to the Internet. So, if your ISP is going through some maintenance or unplanned outage, it pays to have the virtue of patience.
Overheating of the Device
Under high bandwidth consumption or data transfer, your Cox modem/router can get really overheated. I’ve come across this scenario when people use the Cox Wi-Fi network for over-Wi-Fi data transfer. Anyway, an overheated Cox router can show a blinking orange light.
Firmware or Software Updates
An ongoing software/firmware update is the most common reason for the Cox router/modem showing the blinking orange light. In this state, you don’t have many options but to wait until the update is complete. The process may take up to 15 minutes on Cox routers.
Hardware Malfunctions
Apart from the issues we have covered above, multiple instances of hardware malfunction can also cause a blinking orange light on your Cox router. You can fix temporary issues through a simple restart, but others might require a complete reset.
How To Fix Cox Modem/Router Blinking Orange
Now that you know the potential reasons for the blinking orange light on your Cox modem, I will share a few fixes you can try.
Power Cycle the Modem/Router
Power cycling your Cox modem/router is a great way to make the blinking orange light go away. In a way, a power cycle is similar to restarting your router. However, instead of simply pressing the Power button, you need to disconnect all major cables from the router.
After you have disconnected cables like LAN and WAN, you can disconnect the power adaptor. Wait for 30 seconds and plug back all the cables in. At this point, you can turn on the AC adaptor. This process will force all modules of your Cox router/modem to restart.
So, if temporary hardware issues were causing the blinking orange light, these steps can make things right.
Inspect and Secure All Cable Connections
I already mentioned that the most common reason for the orange blinking light is improper cables you’re using with the router. So, even if you know that everything is connected and working, check whether all cables are properly working.
I also recommend staying away from cheap Ethernet cables you may find in the market. Instead, either stick to the cables you got with the package or get one from a trusted manufacturer.
Check for ISP Service Outages
There aren’t many things you can do when your ISP faces an outage. However, before you modify anything about your Cox Wi-Fi router, you should check whether there is indeed a service outage. My go-to option is Downdetector, which provides accurate status of US-based ISPs.
You should also check if you have received any notification from the ISP regarding a potential outage.
Ensure Proper Ventilation to Prevent Overheating
I also told you that overheating can cause the Cox modem/router to show a blinking orange light. So, if you come across the orange light every once in a while, you must check whether the device has options for good ventilation. You need to understand that your router releases a lot of heat, and it should be able to get out.
Update Firmware Manually
Continuous firmware updates can also cause a blinking orange light, interrupting your Internet access. If you want to prevent this situation, you can update the firmware manually. This option gives you convenience in that you can schedule the process when you can afford the lack of connection.
Factory Reset as a Last Resort
If the abovementioned steps don’t help you get rid of the Cox modem/router blinking orange light issue, you have only a few options left. The best option is to factory reset the Cox router, which you can do using the web interface.
Alternatively, if you cannot access the web dashboard, you can press and hold the Reset button that you can find on the router’s back panel. You may need to hold the button for at least 15 seconds before you see the lights flashing. That is when you know that the device is resetting.
Contact Cox Support for Assistance
Your last option is to contact Cox support for professional assistance. In most cases, you will be able to get a replacement router. If you are using your router and the Cox modem, the company will offer support for only the modem, not the router. So, make sure you consider these conditions before proceeding with the support option.
Cox Router Replacement Options
Let’s say that you found an issue with the Cox router/modem and cannot fix the blinking orange issue. You stand a chance at getting a replacement from Cox, but here are some points to consider.
Assessing the Need for Replacement
You should first check whether you need a replacement. Of course, you’d need one if you can’t fix the router to work. However, even if you could fix the issue, you can ask for an upgrade. It is a good option if you have been facing terrible speeds and incompatibility issues with connected devices.
Recommended Cox-Compatible Routers
Given that you use a modem to connect to the Cox network, you can choose great Wi-Fi routers from many brands like NETGEAR, ARRIS, and Eero. All these companies have different types of routers, including Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 7, mesh Wi-Fi, and gaming routers.
Combining a suitable router with the Cox modem can make things easier in terms of speed, security, intra-network compatibility, etc.
Considerations When Choosing a New Router
You need to consider multiple factors while choosing a new router for the Cox network setup. I recommend going for a Wi-Fi 6, 6E, or 7 router if you can afford one. This way, you can future-proof your Wi-Fi network for at least a few years. You should also consider mesh Wi-Fi routers, which are becoming more popular than ever before.
Preventive Measures for Blinking Orange Light on Cox Router
Now that you have seen how to solve the blinking orange light on your Cox modem, here are some tips that will prevent
Regular Maintenance and Firmware Updates
Your Cox router, like other electronic equipment, requires regular maintenance. So, restarting the router at frequent intervals is a great idea. You must also ensure that the router receives important firmware updates on time. These steps can prevent hardware and software errors from causing the orange blinking light.
Optimal Placement of Modem/Router
Overloading is also a common reason for connectivity issues like the blinking orange light. Therefore, you’ve to keep the modem/router at an optimal location. This location should offer sufficient coverage for all your devices but also leave room for ventilation.
Monitoring Device Load
Equally important is frequent monitoring of device load, referring to the number of devices connected to the Cox router/modem. Sure, the modem/router may technically support tens or hundreds of devices, but it will compromise performance in some cases.
So, if you come across the blinking orange light frequently, you may have to remove some devices from the network.
Conclusion
Given how it impacts basic internet connectivity, the blinking orange light on your Cox modem/router needs quick fixing. I have arranged these solutions in the order of their efficiency as well. Also, make sure that you pay attention to the precautionary tips I’ve provided so that you don’t have to encounter the orange light again.
