Troubleshooting your WiFi modem and router to fix a white blinking light

Is your Xfinity router blinking white? If this occurs while you're activating the router, everything is operational. However, if the blinking continues after activation, follow the steps in this guide to troubleshoot it. You can fix the issue by yourself, or you may need to call Xfinity for more help.

How to Fix an Xfinity Router That's Blinking White

A router that's blinking white after activation generally means it's establishing an internet connection. If the blinking persists, you need to call Xfinity to activate your router so they can assign an IP address to it.

Section 2 of 3:

Common Fixes & Troubleshooting

  1. The cables should be tightly attached to the wall and your modem; loose coaxial cables can lose data, and a loose power cable can provide insufficient power.
    • If there are any splitters between your modem, router, and the coaxial port on your wall, make sure all the cables entering and exiting the split are snugly secured.
    • Also check that the pin inside the coaxial cables is straight. A bent pin indicates damage and prevents internet connection.
    • Replace any damaged cables.
  2. A random glitch can cause the white light to blink, and restarting it can be an easy fix!
    • To restart, unplug the modem/router/gateway's power from the wall for a few minutes, then plug it back in.
  3. An overall internet outage or maintenance outage can cause your router to blink white.
    • Call the local ISP office to see if there's an outage; you can also check their website or your app for additional information.
  4. Outdated software causes many issues, like a blinking white light. You can generally update the firmware by opening the app provided to you by Xfinity. Alternatively, go to their website, log in, go to System Settings in your router/modem/gateway's admin interface, and look there for a firmware update.
  5. If you just set up the router, the blinking white light means it's setting up.
    • During this process, avoid disconnecting your router or modem until the blinking stops, which means the initialization process is finished.
  6. Doing so removes all personalized settings, like if you changed the network name/password.
    • To reset it to factory settings, look at the back of the modem and press the recessed "Reset" button for a few seconds.
  7. 7
    Check for signal issues. Sometimes the blinking white light indicates that your router or modem cannot connect with the Xfinity network.
    • Check this yourself by logging into the router or modem online, or call support for more guided help.
  8. In some cases, you can't fix the blinking white light yourself and need help from Xfinity. They should also check the coaxial lines to make sure there isn't any damage, but they can also replace any lines outside that have been compromised (think chew marks from outside critters).
    • You might not need a tech to come out and look at your lines if you just need an IP address associated with your router!
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Section 3 of 3:

Light Meanings

  1. Here's a chart of what the lights on your Xfinity devices mean:
    Understand the Lights on an Xfinity Modem
    No lights Your modem is off No action needed
    White or white/purple light - Steady The modem is on after activation No action needed
    White or white/purple light – Blinking Modem is on but not yet activated Fix: Complete new Xfinity account setup[1]
    Red light - Steady No internet Fix: Your internet service is down (contact Xfinity)
    Blue light – Blinking WPS mode is on (you pressed the WPS button) No action needed – just connect a new device to Wi-Fi if desired.
    Orange, yellow, green, and other blinking lights Your modem is trying to connect Fix: If 15 minutes pass and still no connection, power cycle your modem, then contact Xfinity if needed

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About This Article

Luigi Oppido
Reviewed by:
Computer & Tech Specialist
This article was reviewed by Luigi Oppido and by wikiHow staff writer, Darlene Antonelli, MA. Luigi Oppido is the Owner and Operator of Pleasure Point Computers in Santa Cruz, California. Luigi has over 25 years of experience in general computer repair, data recovery, virus removal, and upgrades. He is also the host of the Computer Man Show! broadcasted on KSQD covering central California for over two years. This article has been viewed 2,140 times.
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Updated: December 11, 2025
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