What this usually means
If an ASUS router shows only the power light, it has power, but the other indicators, such as Wi-Fi or internet, are not lit. That can come from several things: a Wi-Fi switch turned off, the wireless radio disabled in settings, a lights-off setting, no connection to the modem, or a software or hardware fault. Work through these from simplest to most drastic.
Step 1: Check what the other lights should show
Light behavior differs between ASUS models (our general guide to what the lights on your router mean gives the common patterns), so check the manual for your exact model (for example, search for the model name on the ASUS support site). In general, the internet light comes on when the router detects a connection through its WAN port, and the Wi-Fi lights come on when the wireless radios are active. If the internet light is red on your model, that commonly indicates no connection to the internet or a problem reaching your provider, but confirm in your manual.
Step 2: Check the Wi-Fi switch and buttons
Some ASUS models have a physical Wi-Fi on/off button or switch. ASUS support advises checking that the Wi-Fi switch is turned on. Press it and see whether the Wi-Fi lights respond. Some models also have an LED button that turns the indicator lights off, so look for one.
Step 3: Check the Wi-Fi radio in settings
ASUS notes that the radio function may have been disabled on the router’s settings page, or a wireless schedule may have turned it off.
- Connect a computer to the router with an Ethernet cable (Wi-Fi may be off).
- Open a browser and enter the router’s address, commonly router.asus.com or 192.168.50.1 (check the label or manual for your model).
- Log in with your admin credentials (if you have lost them, see where to find your router password and login).
- Go to the wireless settings and make sure the radio is enabled for each band.
- Check for a wireless schedule that might be turning Wi-Fi off. See how to set a timer or schedule on your Wi-Fi router for what to look for.
- Look for an option to turn LEDs on or off, if your model has it.
Step 4: Check the modem connection and power cycle
If the internet light is off or red, the router may not be reaching your modem or provider.
- Check that the Ethernet cable from the modem goes into the router’s WAN (internet) port, not a LAN port.
- Try a different cable.
- Turn off the modem and router, wait a short while, then turn on the modem first and the router once the modem has settled.
- If the internet light is still not normal, the problem may be on your provider’s side. Contact them. If the connection keeps failing intermittently, see ASUS router dropping the internet connection.
Step 5: Update the firmware
ASUS recommends making sure the router has the latest firmware. If you can log in, check the administration or firmware section and update. Follow ASUS’s instructions for your model. Do not interrupt a firmware update by turning the router off.
Step 6: Standard factory reset
If the steps above do not help, ASUS suggests restoring the router to its default settings. This erases your settings, including Wi-Fi name, password and any custom configuration, so note down what you need first.
- With the router powered on, find the reset button on the back.
- Press and hold it for about 5 to 10 seconds, as ASUS describes, until the power light starts flashing, then release.
- Wait for the router to restart completely.
- Set it up again, including a new admin password and Wi-Fi password.
The exact time and light behavior can differ by model, so confirm in your model’s manual.
Step 7: Hard factory reset
ASUS also describes a hard factory reset for cases where the standard reset does not work. The procedure varies by model, and some involve a combination of buttons or specific power-on steps. Look up the instructions for your exact model on ASUS support rather than guessing, since a wrong procedure could cause problems.
When the router still will not work
If only the power light stays on after a reset, the router may have a hardware or firmware fault. Check your warranty and contact ASUS support with your model and serial number. If the router has been running hot, overheating could play a part, so also see whether a hot router slows your internet.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the reset button on an ASUS router located? It is typically a small recessed button on the back, often labeled Reset, that you press with a paperclip. Check your model’s manual.
Why is my router’s power button blinking? A flashing power light can mean a reset is in progress, a firmware update is running, or start-up has a problem. Check the manual for your model.
Why is the ASUS router blinking blue? Blue blinking may relate to specific features or states on certain models, so look up your model’s LED guide.
My ASUS router’s internet light is red. What does this mean? This commonly indicates no internet connection detected, so check the modem connection and your provider.