Troubleshooting Orbi Purple Liht Issues: Expert Guide

Jul 12, 2025 - 12:27
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Troubleshooting Orbi Purple Liht Issues: Expert Guide

Have you ever noticed a purple light blinking on your Orbi router or satellite? The purple signifies that something is not working in a way it should. Most of the times it reflects connection problem between your devices or your internet. This guide explains exactly what the Orbi purple light means and helps you through practical steps to fix it.

What Does the Orbi Purple Light Even Mean?

Alright, so let’s decode this before looking for the fixes.

  • Purple light on the Orbi router usually means it’s having trouble connecting to the internet.
  • Purple (magenta) light on an Orbi satellite? That typically signals a failed connection between the satellite and the main router.

The Orbi light colors are not just pretty little signals but they all carry a message along with them. Purple light means that there is something wrong which needs your attention. 

Quick Guide: What Orbi Light Colors Mean

Before we look for the troubleshooting, here is a quick recap of what the different Orbi satellite colors mean.

  • White (blinking): Starting up or syncing.
  • Blue: Perfect connection.
  • Amber/Orange: Connection is okay, but not strong.
  • Purple (or magenta): Connection failed.

As you have understood the reason behind the purple light let’s fix it. 

Check Your Internet Connection (It’s Always the First Step)

Sometimes, the issue is not your Orbi system at all but it is your internet provider experiencing a disruption.  

·       Unplug your modem, then plug it back in after a 30-second pause.

·       To see if the internet functions without a router, try connecting your device straight to the modem with an Ethernet cable.

·       Your ISP is the problem if your modem itself is not receiving any signal or is blinking.

Note: If you are paying for fast internet but see this happen often, keep a record. Your ISP might owe you a better deal or at least a decent explanation.

Reboot the Orbi Router and Satellite

It can sound the basic but restarting your device often solves problems better than expected.

·       Unplug both the Orbi router and satellite.

  • Wait about 60 seconds.
  • Plug in the router first, let it boot fully.
  • Then plug in the satellite.

If the purple light disappears and changes to blue or amber, then it was just a small problem. If it doesn’t work then follow the next steps. 

Re-Sync the Orbi Satellite

If the purple light is on your satellite, it probably lost touch with its router.

Here’s how to get them back:

  • Press the Sync button on the Orbi router first.
  • Within 2 minutes, press the Sync button on the Orbi satellite.
  • Watch the ring light closely. If it turns blue, the connection is strong. If it’s amber, the connection is fair. If it stays purple, the devices are still not connected.

Tip: Make sure that the satellite is not placed too far away from the router. Orbi satellite colors does not work properly if placed away from router. 

Check for Firmware Updates

Outdated firmware can be the root cause of Orbi purple light problems. Here's how to check:

  • Open the Orbi app on your phone.
  • Go to Settings > Firmware Update.
  • If there’s an update available then install it.

This could clear out weird bugs and restore connection stability.

Check Ethernet Cables & Ports

If the Ethernet cable is loose or faulty then it can cause problems with your connection.

  • The cables should be plugged in the right way.
  • Check for damaged pins or broken ports.
  • If you have an extra Ethernet cable then use that and see whether it can fix the issue or not.

Tip: Make use of the shortest and cleanest cable route possible. Long runs and tangled wires can reduce signal integrity.

Factory Reset as a Last Resort

If you have tried everything and nothing works then it is a time to reset.

Here's how to factory reset your Orbi devices:

  1. Locate the small reset pinhole on the back of both router and satellite.
  2. Use a paperclip or SIM ejector to hold the button for 10–15 seconds.
  3. When the light starts blinking white, it’s resetting.

You will have to go through the initial setup again but sometimes it is the only way to shake off a deeper issue.

Tip: This erases all your custom settings. So make sure to write down your WiFi name, password and other settings before doing a reset.

Purple Light Means It’s Time to Close the Gap

If your Orbi satellite colors keep flashing purple, it might be placed too far away from the main router or stuck behind a wall that’s blocking signals.

Try this:

  • Move the satellite closer by a few feet.
  • Resync it with the main router.
  • Watch the light purple means there is no connection and blue means it all set.
  • Materials like concrete, brick or even metal appliances between your devices can block signals. 

Final Thoughts

When Orbi shows purple light then that does not mean all the time that system is bricked. Sometimes it is because it is struggling to connect. Whether it is the router to the modem or the satellite to the router.

kevinsmith Hi, I am a content writer and have a lot of eexperience and knowledge of writing any blog, article, post, or PPT. there are a lot of projects that I worked on in my tenure and still working to provide knowledge and troubleshooting a lot of issues that people facing right now.