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critical error
September 23, 2025 / admin

Critical error in Hub while in Modem Mode! What to Do

Seeing a critical error in the Hub while in modem mode can stop your internet cold. The message is usually shown on the Virgin Media Hubs when something does not work properly. Sometimes it looks quite inappropriate and without any solution as such. So, you do not need an engineer to fix this problem. But proper guidance. In this blog, we will walk you through what that error means, why it happens, and what you can do to fix it.

What Does “Modem Mode” Actually Do?

Before fixing the issue, it helps to know what modem mode is. By default, a Virgin Media Hub works as a router and a modem together. It means it connects to the internet and shares wifi with your devices. When you switch it into the modem mode, then the hub does not work like a router. Instead, it passes the internet straight to your own router. Many people do this if they prefer a better Wi-Fi router with stronger features.

But here’s the catch: if anything goes wrong in this setup, you might see the critical error in the hub modem mode message. It can feel like the hub has crashed, but often the problem is with how things are connected.

Why You Might See the Critical Error

There isn’t just one reason. Here are the most common ones:

  • Wrong cable connection – The Ethernet cable should go from the hub’s main port to the WAN port on your router. In case it goes on the incorrect slot, you will come across certain errors.
  • IP conflict – Both the hub and your router might be trying to assign respective addresses, and this is the cause of the conflict.
  • Firmware glitch – In most cases, the hub needs a reboot after switching modes
  • Faulty power cycle – if you are using the modem mode and do not start both the devices in the correct order, then the hub might cause a critical error.
  • Line or signal issues – this issue is not that common. As the problem is with Virgin Media itself and not the setup.

Understanding these causes helps you fix them without any chaos, as such.

Step-by-Step Fix: Getting Past the Critical Error

Here’s the part you want. Straight to the steps.

1. Restart the Hub First

  • Pull out the power cable from the hub.
  • Wait for atleast 60 seconds.
  • Plug it back.
  • Let it boot fully.

Many times, this alone is sufficient to get rid of the “critical error in hub modem mode.”

2. Check Cable Connections

  • Make sure the Ethernet cable is in the hub’s first port. This is marked with different colours.
  • The other end must go into the WAN port on your router. Not LAN, not random slots. WAN only.

3. Log in to the Hub

  • Open a browser and type 192.168.0.1 (that’s the Virgin router login page).
  • Use the password printed on the back of your hub.
  • Check if modem mode is active. If the page doesn’t load, that’s another clue the setup failed.

4. Power Cycle Both Devices in Order

  • Switch off the hub.
  • Switch off your router.
  • Turn the hub on first, wait until the Virgin Media hub lights show stable (green or white, depending on model).
  • Then turn on your router. This order matters because the hub needs to establish internet before passing it to your router.

5. Switch Back to Router Mode (If Needed)

  • If nothing works, go back to router mode.
  • Use the Virgin router login page again, disable modem mode, and test the connection.
  • If it works fine in router mode, the hub itself is okay. The issue lies in how modem mode is talking to your router.

When to Call Virgin Media

  • A fault in Virgin’s line to your house.
  • Outdated hub firmware that needs a remote update.
  • A defective hub that simply needs replacing.

Call Virgin Media support, explain clearly that the hub shows a critical error in modem mode, and mention what troubleshooting you’ve already done. This saves time and avoids them asking you to repeat basic steps.

Tips to Avoid Errors in the Future

  • Always restart devices in the correct order when changing settings.
  • Don’t switch between router and modem mode too often; it can confuse the hub.
  • If you buy a new router, check its setup guide first. Some require manual IP changes.
  • Keep an eye on your Virgin Media hub lights. Red or flashing lights are early warning signs before full errors.

Final Thoughts

A critical error in hub modem mode can look like a serious breakdown, but it’s usually fixable at home. Most issues come down to cables, power cycling, or the wrong login setup. Only a small number need Virgin Media support.

Take the steps slowly, check all the connections. In most cases, the hub just needs a fresh start to work again.

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