AT&T is one of the top Internet service providers in the world, but that doesn’t mean they’re without problems. Countless customers report that their Broadband light is blinking red and that they experience service drops. So, what should you do when your Broadband light is blinking red on your AT&T modem?
If the light is blinking red on your AT&T modem, unplug your Broadband DSL cable from the box and modem for 30 seconds to power cycle the unit. Plug them back in and check to make sure that the light is now green indicating that you restored your service. Otherwise, you can check the cable connections at the back of your modem to make sure that none are loose.
AT&T offers great customer service through their My AT&T app which can help you troubleshoot your unit.
You can use the app to get a service technician to come out if you have no luck restoring your connection. Follow along as we explore what you can do when your AT&T broadband light is blinking red. I had a similar issue with my spectrum router blinking red.
What Does the Red Broadband Light Mean?
The red Broadband light on an AT&T modem means that it is not connected to the Internet. This can happen if there are loose cables or if your router needs to be restarted. You can often resolve this problem by plugging cables back into the modem, but it isn’t always that simple.
It is easy for cables to come loose in both your modem and router from heavy foot traffic or if you move furniture. The Red Broadband light is never a good sign, but it can help you diagnose the problem and get your Broadband or DSL connection back.
Why is My Service Dropping?
Your AT&T service can drop for several reasons from voltage fluctuations to insecure connections. Inspect your modem and router to make sure that there is no physical damage and loose cables. You will experience fluctuations in service and signal strength if there is a cable that is barely connected even if it works sometimes.
Otherwise, you need to consider what kind of power supply you have and whether or not you experience other electrical problems.
You can chalk the problem up to voltage problems if you have another device plugged into the outlet that also experiences problems. This is particularly common if you plug your AT&T modem into a surge protector.
It is common for AT&T service to drop if your modem gets overheated. Modems generate heat during operation, so you need to make sure they have enough space to cool off. Move your modem to an open area and remove obstructions if it overheats and you lose service.
How to Fix Broadband Red Light
Power Cycle the Gateway or Modem
You can typically fix the Broadband red light if you power cycle the gateway or modem, and it only takes a minute. Locate your Broadband DSL cable that is plugged into the box and modem. Carefully unplug the DSL cable from both the box and modem and set a timer for 30 seconds.
Plug the DSL cable back in and give the gateway a moment to make sure that it is working. This power cycle should reboot your modem and you should no longer see your broadband light blinking red. You can power cycle the gateway and modem multiple times if it doesn’t work right away.
Update the Gateway Firmware
AT&T typically updates your firmware automatically and you won’t have to do it manually. However, the automated firmware updates don’t always work as intended. In that case, you will need to reset or restart your modem and the firmware should automatically update on its own.
You may even need to turn off the modem for 30 seconds and power cycle it. Otherwise, you can simply press the reset button to restore the original settings. This can generally cause the system to recognize the new firmware update and it should install.
The only downside to this fix is that you will lose certain settings such as your custom network name in this case. Luckily, you can simply reenter your network name to get it back, so you have nothing to worry about. AT&T automates its firmware updates, so you have received an update without even noticing it.
Look online to see if there was a recent firmware update before you attempt to power cycle or reset your modem. Some customers don’t realize there was a firmware update because it’s automated. It is rare for a unit to miss a firmware update, but it still happens.
Check & Secure Cable Connections
The easiest fix is to check and secure the cable connections in your modem. Loose cable connections can explain a Broadband light blinking red and drops in your service. Inspect the cable connections in the back of your modem as well as the power supply to see if anything is loose.
You can avoid cable connection problems if you put your modem in a secure space. Cables can easily get knocked loose if your modem is too close to furniture that gets moved often. You also never want to stretch your cables and place your modem too far from the power source because they can easily come out.
Reset the Modem
AT&T makes it as easy as possible to reset your U-Verse modem. Each unit features a reset button that allows you to reboot or reset your modem. You may only need to reboot the modem to fix your Broadband red light.
In that case, simply hold the reset button for a few seconds to reboot your modem. If that doesn’t work, you will need to fully reset your modem. Hold the reset button for 10 seconds and let it go to reset your AT&T U-Verse modem.
You should see your Broadband light turn green again which indicates that you have a strong connection, as opposed to a blinking orange.
Otherwise, you may need to reset the modem 2-3 times total to restore it to good working condition. Some modems have an internal battery, and you will need to remove it for 10-20 seconds to reset the unit in that case.
Download the My AT&T App
You can get help with many U-Verse problems if you download the My AT&T app. This useful app has a Fix it Now! Support Tool that offers guides for customers to troubleshoot their problems. It is a free app for all AT&T customers and it can help you restore service.
You can use this app to test your service to help diagnose the problem so that you can resolve it quickly.
The app will provide tips on how to solve the problem and restore your connection to speed up the process. This app is essential for AT&T U-Verse customers and makes it much easier to troubleshoot problems and eliminate guesswork.
How Do I Check if There’s an Outage in My Area?
The easiest way to check if there’s an outage in your area is through the My AT&T app. You can use the app to test your service and inquire about local outages. Use the app to set up an appointment for a technician to diagnose the problem if the outage is localized to your home.
It costs $149 per appointment but it’s worth it if there is a problem with your post outside. Your lines can easily get damaged during storms and inclement weather which can cause an outage.
Customers are understandably puzzled when it’s only their house that has an outage. Luckily, the app makes it easy to get answers and dispatch a service technician.
Contact AT&T Support
You will likely need to contact AT&T support if your Broadband problems continue. Luckily, AT&T is easy to contact both online and over the phone if you have problems with your U-Verse service. Call 1-800-288-2020 to reach AT&T U-Verse support to request information or hopefully receive technical help.
This number is a 24/7 customer support line so you should be able to get help any hour of the day. Make sure to specify whether you need help regarding your service so that you are directed to the right agent. You can also request online support through their website if you’d prefer not to call.
Consider Getting a Different Internet Service Provider
AT&T provides excellent customer service and support, but that isn’t always enough. You may need to consider another service provider if your problems continue. The AT&T forums show that countless customers experience problems with their Broadband light blinking red.
While there are many fixes, this can be a frustrating and pervasive problem for customers. It may be worth it to change your Internet service provider to avoid future problems. According to CNET, when it came to customer satisfaction, Verizon Fios ranked first among Internet service providers, followed by T-Mobile.