TP-Link router · Status lights
What the lights on a TP-Link router mean
Sources checked · how we check
On TP-Link's Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 6 routers the lights are green when something is on, flashing green when traffic is moving, and off when it is not. The one most people are here about is the Internet light going off.
What this covers
This is TP-Link's LED table for its Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 6 routers, which it says applies to most models, with slight differences between them and a varying number of LEDs. Most of TP-Link's Wi-Fi 7 routers use an LED display with symbols instead of a row of lights, and are not covered here.
Source: TP-Link: the lighting rules of Wi-Fi Router products
Internet LED
Off
There is no internet connection, or the router is in Bridge mode.
What to do: TP-Link's first checks: the cable in the WAN port must be an RJ45 Ethernet cable, not an RJ11 phone cable, and firmly seated. Then plug a computer straight into the modem. If that computer cannot get online either, the problem is the modem or your ISP rather than the router.
Source: TP-Link: router internet light off or WAN port unplugged
Solid green
The internet connection is on, with no traffic at the moment.
What to do: Nothing. This is the normal state.
Source: TP-Link: the lighting rules of Wi-Fi Router products
Flashing green
Internet traffic is moving, in either direction.
What to do: Nothing. This is normal activity.
Source: TP-Link: the lighting rules of Wi-Fi Router products
Power LED
Flashing green
The router is starting up. TP-Link describes every light coming on green for half a second, the Internet light turning red for half a second, then the Power light flashing green while the system starts.
What to do: Wait. Once start-up finishes the lights settle into their normal states.
Source: TP-Link: the lighting rules of Wi-Fi Router products
Solid green
The router is powered on.
What to do: Nothing. This is the normal state.
Source: TP-Link: the lighting rules of Wi-Fi Router products
Off
The router is powered off.
What to do: Check the power adapter is plugged in at both ends and the power button is on.
Source: TP-Link: the lighting rules of Wi-Fi Router products
WLAN (2.4GHz / 5GHz) LEDs
Solid green
That wireless radio is enabled.
What to do: Nothing. This is the normal state.
Source: TP-Link: the lighting rules of Wi-Fi Router products
Flashing green
Wireless traffic is moving on that band, in either direction.
What to do: Nothing. This is normal activity.
Source: TP-Link: the lighting rules of Wi-Fi Router products
Off
That wireless radio is disabled.
What to do: Check whether that band has been turned off in the router's wireless settings.
Source: TP-Link: the lighting rules of Wi-Fi Router products
Ethernet LED
Solid green
A powered device is connected to that port, with no traffic at the moment.
What to do: Nothing.
Source: TP-Link: the lighting rules of Wi-Fi Router products
Flashing green
Traffic is moving on the wired network, in either direction.
What to do: Nothing. This is normal activity.
Source: TP-Link: the lighting rules of Wi-Fi Router products
Off
No powered device is connected.
What to do: If something is plugged in, check that device is switched on, then try another cable.
Source: TP-Link: the lighting rules of Wi-Fi Router products
WPS LED
Flashing green
A WPS connection is in progress. TP-Link says this can take up to 2 minutes.
What to do: Wait for it to finish.
Source: TP-Link: the lighting rules of Wi-Fi Router products
Solid green
A WPS connection was established. TP-Link says the light can stay on for 5 minutes, then turn off.
What to do: Nothing. The device is connected.
Source: TP-Link: the lighting rules of Wi-Fi Router products
If none of these match your light
TP-Link lists its Internet light as green and red, but its table only describes the green and off states, and says LEDs differ slightly between models. If your Internet light is red or orange, or you have a Wi-Fi 7 router with a symbol display, the user manual for your exact model is the source TP-Link points to. TP-Link's powerline adapters and Deco mesh units have their own LED articles.
Source: TP-Link: the lighting rules of Wi-Fi Router products
Frequently asked questions
Why is the internet light off on my TP-Link router?
TP-Link says an Internet light that is off means there is no internet connection, or the router is in Bridge mode. Check the WAN cable is an RJ45 Ethernet cable and firmly seated, then test the modem by plugging a computer straight into it. If the computer cannot get online either, the modem or your ISP is the problem.
My TP-Link power light keeps flashing green. Is that bad?
Not by itself: TP-Link says the Power light flashes green while the router starts up. If it never settles to solid green, treat it as a fault rather than a slow boot.
What does an orange or red internet light mean on a TP-Link router?
TP-Link's general LED table lists the Internet light as green and red but does not describe what red means, and the colours vary by model. The user manual for your exact model is where TP-Link points for that.
Why is the WPS light on for a few minutes and then off?
That is normal. TP-Link says the WPS light can stay on for 5 minutes after a WPS connection is made, then turn off.