If you're using the Netgear Orbi mesh WiFi system, you probably love how it gives you fast, reliable internet in every corner of your home. But like any tech, even Orbi can hit a snag now and then. One of the most common issues? That mysterious purple (or magenta) light showing up on your Orbi router or satellite.
Not long ago, someone reached out to us saying,
“My Orbi was working perfectly for a week, and out of nowhere, it started flashing purple. What’s going on? Did something break? How do I fix it?”
We helped him out, and everything got back to normal quickly. But since this seems to be a pretty common issue, we figured—why not make a simple guide that explains what the purple light means and how to get rid of it?
So, What Does the Purple Light Actually Mean?
If your Orbi’s showing a purple or magenta light, it’s basically trying to tell you, “Hey, I can’t connect to the internet right now.”
That means streaming, browsing, or even updating the system won’t work properly. Sometimes, it also means that your router and satellite aren’t talking to each other the way they should.
Here’s what usually causes it:
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Your internet provider might be having an outage.
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The Ethernet or internet cables could be damaged or not connected well.
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Too many devices are connected at once and overwhelming the system.
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A software bug or glitch might have popped up.
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Your Orbi router and satellite could be too far apart.
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Some of the cables might not be plugged in tightly.
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Or maybe something’s blocking the WiFi signal, like thick walls or electronics.
Now let’s talk about how to fix it.
Easy Ways to Fix the Orbi Purple Light Issue
Before you start tinkering with anything, first make sure your Orbi is getting a steady power supply. If it’s not, that alone can mess with the connection between your router and satellite and lead to this purple light problem.
Once that’s sorted, try these steps:
1. Check If There’s an Internet Outage
Sometimes the issue isn’t your Orbi—it’s your Internet Service Provider (ISP).
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Give your ISP a quick call or check their website for any outage alerts.
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If the internet’s down in your area, you’ll just need to wait it out.
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Once it’s back, your Orbi should reconnect on its own.
2. Look Over Your Cables
Damaged or loose cables are often the culprit.
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Take a good look at your Ethernet and internet cables.
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If you spot any cuts, frays, or bends, swap them out for new ones.
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Make sure everything’s firmly plugged in. A loose cable can mess up the whole setup.
3. Don’t Overload the Network
If you’ve got a lot of devices connected—phones, tablets, smart gadgets—it could be too much for the system.
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Disconnect anything that’s not in use.
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If your home is packed with smart tech, consider upgrading your internet plan for more bandwidth.
4. Restart the Orbi System
Sometimes a quick reboot is all it takes.
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Turn off both your Orbi router and satellite.
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Wait about 30 to 60 seconds.
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Turn them back on and give them a minute to reconnect.
This little trick often clears up temporary bugs or sync problems.
5. Reposition Your Devices
Placement really matters with mesh WiFi.
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Move your router closer to the modem if needed.
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Make sure the satellite isn’t too far from the router.
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Try to keep them out in the open—avoid cabinets or spots behind thick walls.
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And keep them away from microwaves, mirrors, and anything that might block signals.
6. Tighten All the Connections
Even if your cables look fine, a connection that’s just a little loose can cause big headaches.
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Double-check every connection, especially the Ethernet ones.
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Make sure they’re nice and snug—no wiggle room.
7. Clear Out Interference
Other electronics or objects around your Orbi might be interfering with the WiFi.
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Keep it away from things like cordless phones, baby monitors, or Bluetooth speakers.
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Avoid setting it near shiny or metal surfaces that reflect signals.
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Ideally, your Orbi should sit in a central, open spot where it can “see” everything.
Still Seeing Purple?
If you’ve gone through all the steps and your Orbi is still glowing purple, don’t panic. Most of the time, these simple fixes—like checking your cables, restarting the devices, or moving them around—can get things back on track.
But if you’ve tried everything and nothing’s worked, it might be time to call in some help. Reach out to Netgear support or a tech expert who can take a closer look.