Call for the Best Cable, Phone and Internet Deals: 1-855-349-9310

Call NOW!

Let’s admit it, that gorgeous internet device at your home isn’t just a black box – it contains tons of cables, transmitters, and receivers that help to maintain stable internet connectivity in all corners of your house. However, in addition to these inner components, we also have some high-end mechanisms on the outside of the router such as flickering lights that serve different purposes.

Being a CenturyLink subscriber, there is a high chance that you have noticed your router lights turn on and off occasionally, especially during network outages. For example, if your device lights are blinking red or green, it clearly indicates that your network is down.

However, the good news is that this isn’t really a big deal. In fact, most of the time, you can sort it out on your own with just a few simple steps.

To make things easier for you, here we have come up with a little guide to explain what do these red and green lights on your CenturyLink router indicate, and how you can fix them. So, let’s get started!

According to CenturyLink Tech Control, the red and green lights on your CenturyLink modem generally indicate that the gateway is auto-detecting the internet configuration.

If it lasts for less than a minute, then you might have nothing to worry about. But, if CenturyLink modem lights keep blinking red and green for more than a minute, then you need to take the following steps to resolve it before you finally reach out to our 24/7 tech support helpline.

How to Fix It?

1. Power Cycle Your Modem

If you notice that your CenturyLink DSL lights keep blinking green and red for more than a minute, then you need to consider restarting your device.

For your feasibility, CenturyLink offers you three ways to restart your internet device — through the My CenturyLink app, Service Troubleshooter, or manually.

But in this specific scenario, we would recommend you opt for the manual option. In order to carry out a smooth restart process, please follow the instructions given below.

  • Unplug your power cable – now you should notice all your modem lights going off.
  • Now, wait for sixty seconds before you plug the cable again.
  • After a minute, simply plug in the power cord and wait for the modem lights to turn on and stabilize.

Now, your device should not be blinking red and green, and your internet service should be fully functional again. However, if the problem still doesn’t get fixed, then simply move towards the next step.

2. Look for a Service Outage in Your Area

CenturyLink has a pretty responsive outage information page that’s updated on a regular basis. It also offers a powerful CenturyLink modem troubleshooting feature on the same page that helps you identify the root cause of your internet problem immediately.

Now before you search for the troubleshooter, don’t forget to keep your ZIP code and account details handy. In case your internet connection is still down, simply use your phone and browse Downdetector.com. It will instantly tell you whether there is a problem with only your connection or there’s an outage. Just insert “CenturyLink” in the search bar.

Finally, if there is a network outage in your area, then you will have to wait until they fix the connectivity issues. Otherwise, just move to the next step.

3. Check All the Cables and Connections

Although it might sound very cliché, still disconnected or loose wires are one of the major causes behind network issues. So, if your modem lights do not stop blinking red and green, then you need to check every single cable that’s connected to your modem, socket, and computer. You need to ensure that none of the cords are loose or disconnected.

You may also consider plugging the cords again, firmly. Finally, do not forget to check both ends of each cord, and take a look at your Ethernet cable as well. Just ensure that it is connected firmly to the right port.

4. Reset Your Modem

Resetting your modem isn’t really complicated, however, the only problem with this option is that it is going to erase all the previous settings that you have made to your setup. Once you reset your modem, your device will get back to factory defaults.

But still, the good part is that there is a high chance that this step will eliminate your device blinking issue, and will connect you to the internet once again.

There are two simple ways you can reset your CenturyLink Modem – through the wireless modem’s user settings web interface or manually. However, in this scenario, we recommend you try the manual resetting option. Here’s how you can do it.

  • Turn on your modem power and press the reset button with a thin pin-like object. Do not let go of the button until you hear a slight click. Usually, this modem button is red in color and is located at the rear of the device.
  • Hold the button for ten seconds and do not release it until the light turns amber.
  • Generally, the CenturyLink Gateway takes up to five minutes to complete the factory reset process. Once it's complete, the power light automatically turns orange again.
  • As soon as you see the orange light appearing on your modem, it is time for the factory setup. Go to your browser and insert http://connect.centurylink.com in the search bar. Now complete the process as per the given instructions. However, before you begin, just make sure that you have your login credentials handy so that you can instantly configure your modem.
  • You can also use the My CenturyLink mobile app to activate the service if you want to.
  • Finally, once the internet status light on the CenturyLink device turns green, you will be able to enjoy flawless connectivity again. 

Before you carry out this procedure, please note that all your previously made customized settings would be removed.  Therefore, you will need to log in to your modem and set it up again.

Just in case, you aren’t ready to remove your settings, then you can always skip it and move to the next option.

5. Try Restarting the CenturyLink Modem

This might sound like a very simple procedure, but it is definitely worth trying.

Most of the time, we do not notice the bugs in our modem that build up over time. Therefore, a simple reboot is always recommended to clear up your system and sort out any connectivity issues. It helps to improve and enhance your internet signals while also removing unnecessary bugs or errors from the system.

To reboot your system, simply hit the power button on your modem. It will reset all the components and boost your modem to work more effectively.

In the End: Contact Support

In case you have tried all the above techniques but your modem lights are still blinking red and green, then we suggest you contact the CenturyLink 24/7 tech support helpline. Our team will instantly provide you with a quick solution to your problem, or send an expert technician to sort things out.

To speak to our tech support representative, please call at 1-800-244-1111 anytime between Monday to Friday from 08:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m. Or, you can also reach out to the customer services representatives via Live Chat on CenturyLink’s official website. If you are more comfortable with checking online than talking, you can find resources on the CenturyLink official site regarding troubleshooting and even just informational such as CenturyLink router login.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What does the reset button on the CenturyLink internet device do?          

The reset button automatically reboots the modem if you hold it for less than ten seconds. However, if you hold it for more than ten seconds, then its power light turns amber in color, and the modem resets to CenturyLink factory default settings.

We do not recommend you to use the reset button unless instructed by our tech representatives.

Why is my CenturyLink power light red?

CenturyLink device shows red power light only when the device has a hardware failure issue. However, during system bootup, it is normal for the power lights to turn red as the device is performing a hardware test.

If you wish to know more details about how modem lights work, please visit the official modem lights page.

Can I boost the strength of my CenturyLink Internet wireless signal?

Yes, CenturyLink Internet provides the signal boosting facility for most wireless routers. If you wish to do so, simply open the wireless setup tab, then direct to the radio settings.

Why does my modem light turn amber?

The power light usually turns amber from red during the boot-up session after the hardware test gets done. It indicates that CenturyLink modem is performing onboard software tests on the device. However, if the power lights stay amber, then it is an indication that the software test has failed. Also, please note that not all CenturyLink modems show amber light during boot-up.