Generic router / solid green

Router lights checklist

Power first, provider signal second, Internet or Online third, then Wi-Fi and Ethernet. This avoids chasing Wi-Fi when the service signal is down.

First read: usually means the device or that function is powered, linked, or passing traffic normally.

solid green

Short answer

What order should I check lights in?

Power first, provider signal second, Internet or Online third, then Wi-Fi and Ethernet. This avoids chasing Wi-Fi when the service signal is down.

When the model is unknown, read the LEDs by function first: power, service, wireless, local network, and pairing.

Safe order

Check in this order

Confirm the matching label: power, online, Wi-Fi, or Ethernet.
If internet is still down, test a wired device before changing Wi-Fi settings.
Look for a second warning light that explains the real fault.
Restart only if the solid light conflicts with no service.

Light labels

What the nearby label changes

PowerSolid is usually normal. Blinking means booting. Off means no power or disabled LEDs.Check adapter, outlet, and startup time.

Internet / OnlineSteady means service is registered. Blinking or off means the modem/router is still looking for service.Check outage, WAN/coax/fiber, then restart modem first.

Wi-Fi / WLANBlinking can be normal traffic. Off means wireless may be disabled.Check Wi-Fi button, app settings, and band names.

WPSBlinking means pairing window is open. Solid or red can mean failed pairing.Wait two minutes, then pair again close to the router.

Ethernet / LANBlinking usually means traffic. Amber can mean lower speed on some models.Swap cable and test another port.

US/DS / BroadbandBlinking means the modem is trying to lock signal.Tighten coax/fiber and remove splitters before resetting.

Before a factory reset

A reset can erase Wi-Fi names, passwords, port forwarding, and provider activation state. Use it only after power, cable, outage, and startup checks do not explain the light.

When to call support

Call the provider when Online, Internet, Broadband, US/DS, or Optical never reaches a steady normal state after one clean restart and cable check.

When Wi-Fi settings matter

Change Wi-Fi settings only when service lights are healthy but phones, laptops, or smart devices cannot join the wireless network.