What does the orange light mean on a BT Hub?

An orange light on a BT Home Hub or Smart Hub can indicate a problem. Unhelpfully, BT can be rather vague as to what it actually means and what you need to do.

In this article we’re going to explore what flashing or solid orange light means on different versions of the BT Hubs – and what action you should take next. And, because the difference between an orange and red light can be subtle, we’re going to talk about the red light (where applicable) as well.

What does the orange light mean on a BT Home Hub 3?

Flashing Orange

Your Hub is trying to connect to the internet or is connecting via WPS.

Solid Orange

Either BT power save mode is activated or there’s a problem with your Hub.

1. Press the Restart button.
2. If you’re not set to power-save mode, there’s a problem with your internet.

Solid Red

You’re not connected to broadband.

1. Use the Power button to restart your Hub.
2. If the light doesn’t turn blue, use a paper-clip to press the Hub’s Factory Reset button.

What does the orange light mean on a BT Home Hub 4 or BT Smart Hub 5?

Power Light is Orange

This shows that there’s a problem… somewhere. Check the other lights in the silver bar at the bottom of the Hub and see the following list to interpret what it all means:

Broadband light is orange

You’re connected to broadband but your account might not be switched on yet. Wait until after midnight on the day that BT switched on your broadband. If it’s not a new connection, contact BT support.

Broadband light is red

You’ve tried to log in with the wrong username and/or password. Reset your Hub’s password by using a paper clip to press the recessed reset button on the back of your Hub for a few seconds.

Broadband light is flashing red

There’s a problem with your broadband line. Check all the cables are plugged in correctly.

Wireless light is orange

You’ve switched off wireless security for one or both wireless channels. Turn on your security in the wireless tab in your Hub Manager.

Wireless light is flashing orange

Your Hub is in WPS automatic connection mode. Click the button on your device to connect without entering a pass key. The Hub will return to normal mode after a few minutes

Power Light is Red

You’re not connected to broadband

1. Press the Restart button and release it when the Power light turns orange.
2. Your Hub will restart and the Power light will glow steady blue.
3. If it’s still red, reset your Hub using a paper clip to press the Reset button on the back of your Hub for a few seconds.

What does the orange light mean on a BT Smart Hub or BT Ultrafast Smart Hub?

Flashing Orange

The Hub is connecting to broadband.

1. Give it a minute or two to connect.
2. The light will turn steady blue when your Hub is ready

Solid Orange

The Hub is working but isn’t connected to the internet.

1. Give it 2 minutes. Otherwise…
2. Connect a device to your Hub using an Ethernet cable or Wi-Fi.
3. Open a web browser and follow the on-screen help wizard to get connected.

What does the orange light mean on a BT Smart Hub 2?

Flashing Orange

Your Hub is connecting to broadband. Give it at least three minutes to connect and, hopefully, the light will turn blue when it’s ready.

Solid Orange

Your Hub is working but isn’t connected to the internet.

1. Connect a device to your Hub.
2. Open a new web browser window and follow the on-screen help wizard to get connected.

Solid Red

1. Using the Power button, restart your Hub.
2. If the light still doesn’t turn blue, use a paper clip to press the hub’s factory reset button.
3. If this doesn’t fix your issue, you’ll need to get in touch with BT.