Why is My AT&T Broadband Router Blinking Red?
By Trae Jacobs,
When you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
If the light on your AT&T Broadband gateway is blinking red, there’s likely an issue with your internet connection. Here’s why it’s happening and how you can fix it.
Why is My AT&T Broadband Blinking Red?
If your AT&T Broadband gateway is blinking red, it means there’s an issue between the device and the network that’s affecting your internet connection.
Your AT&T Broadband gateway might blink red because:
- There’s an AT&T service outage in your area
- There was a disruption in the gateway’s power supply
- It’s having trouble connecting to the servers
- It needs an update
- Faulty hardware
While this may seem overwhelming, it’s usually quick and easy to fix the AT&T broadband gateway.
Check for Outages in Your Area
When the light is blinking red on your gateway, the first thing you should do is check for AT&T service outages.
Service outages can result from:
- Routine updates or maintenance
- Power outages
- Damaged fiber lines
You can contact AT&T directly, or you can check their website from your mobile phone. Check the Smart Home Manager app to get the status of your network. If the servers are down, there is nothing you can do but wait until they are back up.
If you think there’s a service outage but don’t see one listed online, contact AT&T. They’ll help you report the outage so their workers can start fixing it as soon as possible.
Check Your Power Supply
If there’s not an outage in your area, confirm that the power cord is connected to the gateway. Loose wires or an unplugged broadband cable may prevent you from getting connected to the internet.
Make sure that your power cord is securely plugged in. A loose electrical socket is dangerous and can prevent your gateway from staying connected. If the cord feels loose in the socket, use a different outlet.
Reboot Your Gateway
Resetting any device can fix temporary glitches. A blinking red light on your AT&T Broadband gateway can result from a faulty connection, and a quick reboot just might do the trick.
To reboot your gateway, unplug it for about 30-60 seconds. This will engage a power cycle and reset your device.
After a minute, plug the gateway back in and wait for it to boot up. If the red light stops blinking, you can reconnect your devices to the internet.
You can also log into your router by visiting http://192.168.1.254/. From here, restart the network.
Update Your Gateway’s Firmware
Out-of-date firmware can restrict what your device can do. To update an AT&T gateway, follow the steps below:
- Connect your gateway to your computer with an ethernet cable or visit http://192.168.1.254/.
- If using ethernet type your IP address into a web browser.
- Log into your admin page.
- Select “Software Update.” If one is available, install it.
Factory Reset Your Gateway
If the red light is still blinking and you still can’t connect to the internet, it’s time to consider factory resetting your gateway. This will revert it to its original settings, and you’ll need to set your Wi-Fi network up again.
If you’re ready to do a factory reset, follow these steps:
- Find the reset button on your gateway. This will be a small hole or red button.
- Use a paperclip to press and hold the reset button.
- Continue holding it until the lights turn off and back on.
Contact AT&T
If the troubleshooting techniques above do not solve your problem, contacting AT&T customer support is your best bet.
Though uncommon, certain devices might disrupt your gateway’s connection to AT&T’s network. If you do not find a solution to your problem, ask customer support about this.
If your device or its hardware is faulty, you will need a replacement or repair. As an AT&T customer, you pay a monthly equipment fee that should cover the cost of a new router or modem.
What Do the Other Red Lights Mean on an AT&T Gateway?
A blinking red light on your AT&T Broadband gateway is not the only sign of an issue. Here’s what the other types of red lights on an AT&T gateway could mean.
| Status Light | Condition | Meaning |
| Power | Solid Red | Gateway malfunction or power supply connection issue |
| Battery | Solid Red | Faulty battery backup |
| Battery | Flashing Red | Replacement battery required |
| Broadband 1 & 2 | Flashing Green and Red | Failure to connect to AT&T network for 3+ minutes |
| Broadband 1 & 2 | Flashing Red | Gateway can’t connect to AT&T network or find any signal |
| Service | Solid Red | Failed internet service authentication |
Note that any white light or green light, solid or flashing, is not always a sign of a problem. They’re sometimes related to the way your gateway functions.
FAQ: AT&T Broadband Red Light
Can You Use Your Own Modem/Router with AT&T?
AT&T requires that fiber internet customers use an AT&T router or modem. You can technically use your own, but AT&T will likely still charge you the equipment fee.
How Often Should You Replace an AT&T Modem?
AT&T modems boast an impressive lifespan of 8-10 years. However, to keep your internet connection strong, it’s usually best to replace it every 5-8 years.
What Does Red and Green Mean on an AT&T Gateway?
If your AT&T gateway is flashing red and green, the gateway has been trying but failing to connect to the network for more than three minutes.
If this happens, you can try:
- Rebooting your gateway
- Testing the cable connections
- Calling AT&T support
Related Articles
