Steady orange light on the Hub 3
A constant Virgin hub orange light flashing on your Virgin Media Hub 3 usually indicates a problem. This light is not the regular operating light. It might indicate a network issue, firmware update, or connection issue.
The orange light doesn’t always mean there’s a problem, but it suggests checking the Hub. This tutorial explains what that light signifies, what may be causing it, and how to fix it step by step so you can get everything back up and running without too much problem.
virgin hub green light flashing
What does that orange light really mean?
There is one major LED ring on the front of the Hub 3. That light symbolizes something special.
A constant Virgin hub orange light flashing generally signifies that the Hub is on but not connected to the internet.
Sometimes it’s just starting up. Sometimes, it’s in modem mode. Or maybe the firmware is working on an upgrade in the background. Or maybe the internet is simply down.
But that constant orange glow could be attempting to imply this:
- The Hub is on, but it hasn’t completely linked to Virgin’s network yet.
- It gets stuck when it boots up
- It’s in Modem Mode, which is generally pink, not orange.
- There is a firmware upgrade going on
- Your region is having an outage
- Or maybe the Hub merely had a bug and has to be restarted.
Step by Step: What to Do When You See a Virgin Hub Orange Light flashing That Doesn’t Respond
First, do these easy tests. Could save you a lot of time.
1. See whether you still have Internet access.
- Don’t simply think that the light indicates there’s no WiFi. The light may not function right now, but everything else does.
- While connected to WiFi, try to open a website on your phone or laptop.
- If that works, it could only be a cosmetic problem.
- It’s still a good idea to restart the Hub to correct the light.
What if nothing loads? Keep going.
2. Wait a Few Minutes
If you just switched on the Hub or there was a power outage, wait 5 to 10 minutes. It might take a little longer for it to start up, connect, and get everything in order.
Still orange after that? Go ahead.
3. Restart the Hub
Yes, the old “off and on again.” Still works most of the time.
- Use the switch on the rear to turn off the Hub.
- Give it 20 seconds. Wait, really.
- Turn it back on.
- Allow it to go through the boot procedure. Wait a few minutes. Look at the lights.
If everything is working well, it should finish up with a solid white light (regular mode) or a magenta light (modem mode). Still orange? Okay, what’s next?
4. Look at the Ethernet and Coax cables
Cable that isn’t tight? It occurs. Kids hit them. Cleaners pull on them. You relocated the Hub by mistake.
- Check that the thick white coaxial wire is put in correctly and isn’t loose at either end.
- Make sure the power cord is tight.
- If you use Ethernet, check sure those plugs are all the way in as well.
Push things gently.
Just to be safe, reboot again after checking.
5. Look for outages in your area.
It’s not always your Hub; it might be the network. Virgin could be busy, or there might be a problem nearby.
- If WiFi is down, open the Virgin Media Service Status tab on your phone’s data.
- Type in your zip code.
- It will show up if there is a problem. You can also obtain an estimate of how long it will take to repair.
You can’t do much if there is an outage. Just give it some time.
Still Have the Orange Light? Try resetting the factory settings
You restarted, checked the wires, and waited, but it’s still there, orange as ever. Now is the moment for the nuclear option.
Reset the factory. Cleans the Hub and begins everything over. All of your unique settings, WiFi names, and passwords are gone. Only do this if you’re comfortable with having to set it up again later.
This is how:
- Check out the rear of the Hub.
- There is a little hole with the word “Reset” next to it.
- Get a SIM tool or a paperclip.
- Gently push it in and keep it there for ten seconds.
- Let go. The Hub will start again.
Give it a few minutes to go back online. We hope that the Virgin hub orange light flashing goes away this time.
What if you’re in modem mode?
Just to be clear, Modem Mode is when your Hub operates like a regular modem and sends internet to another router, such a mesh system from another company.
When Hub 3 is in Modem Mode, the light should be magenta, not orange. But a lot of individuals say theirs remains orange instead, so this is a little perplexing.
If you’re in Modem Mode and the orange light remains on but your external router is providing you internet, you may choose to disregard the light. It’s simply the Hub being strange again. It might be a problem with the firmware.
If it still bothers you, try changing the settings to “Not Modem Mode” and then restarting. That may also reset how the light works.
When You Need to Call Virgin
Let’s be real. Nobody likes to contact customer service. But sometimes you just have to do it. If:
- You’ve done all of the above
- It still shows a constant orange
- And you don’t have internet or your connection is bad.
A Few Things to Remember
- The orange light doesn’t necessarily signify there’s a problem. But it’s not typically a positive indicator either.
- Sometimes, Virgin’s firmware changes change how the lights work.
- Hubs do become old; if yours is more than 4 or 5 years old, it could be time to get a new one.
- Don’t put it off for weeks. If it doesn’t go away, something is probably wrong.
Final Thoughts
That orange light on the Hub 3? Yes, it’s bothersome. Also confusing. But it’s not the end of the world. Most of the time, it merely has to be restarted or the cables checked. The network goes down sometimes, and it’s not your fault at all.
The most essential thing is to be calm. Begin with the fundamentals. Take it one step at a time. And if nothing works, Virgin always has someone who can look further or switch out the gear.
Not everything requires a thorough tech checkup. The Hub could simply be having a bad day. It happens to everyone.