RouterLightsFixHow to Reset an AT&T Router and What the Gateway Lights Mean
AT&T gateways tell you a lot through their lights, and the right reset depends on what those lights say. This guide shows how to restart and reset an AT&T router or gateway and how to read the status lights, using AT&T's published gateway light chart as the reference. Models differ, especially between older gateways and newer fiber gateways, so confirm details against the guide for your model.
What do the lights on an AT&T gateway mean?
| Light | State | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Power | Solid green | Power is on |
| Power | Flashing green | Gateway is starting |
| Power | Solid amber | Software update in progress; do not unplug |
| Power | Solid red | Gateway or power supply may be malfunctioning |
| Broadband | Solid green | Connected to the network |
| Broadband | Flashing green | Trying to connect |
| Broadband | Flashing green and red | Tried to connect for more than 3 minutes |
| Broadband | Flashing red | Cannot connect to the network |
| Service | Solid green | Has an IP address; broadband is up |
| Service | Slow flashing green | Network not responding, misconfigured or authentication failure |
| Service | Solid red | Internet service authentication has failed |
How to restart an AT&T router
Unplug the gateway's power cord. If it has a backup battery, note that it may keep it on; remove the battery if your model allows it.
Wait about a minute.
Plug the gateway back in and wait several minutes for the Power and Broadband lights to settle.
Check whether the Broadband and Service lights turn solid green.
Do not unplug the gateway while the Power light is solid amber, because a software update is in progress.
How to factory reset an AT&T router
If a restart fails, use the recessed reset button on the gateway. Press and hold it with a paperclip for several seconds (follow your model's guide for the exact time), release, and wait for the gateway to restart. A factory reset erases your WiFi name, password and custom settings, so you will need to reconnect your devices with the defaults on the label.
What to do for red lights
A flashing red Broadband light means the gateway cannot reach the AT&T network; read our guide to an AT&T router blinking red for the fix path. A solid red Service light indicates an authentication problem that usually needs AT&T to resolve. A solid red Power light points to the gateway or its power supply.
Fiber gateways and the ONT
If you have AT&T Fiber, the equipment includes an Optical Network Terminal (ONT) as well as a gateway, and both have lights. Check whether the fiber connection light on the ONT is normal before you troubleshoot the gateway.
When to contact AT&T
Contact AT&T when a restart and reset do not clear a red Broadband or Service light, when the ONT shows a fault, or when the Power light stays red. Have your model and account details ready and list what you have tried.
The bottom line
Restart first, read the Broadband and Service lights, and reset only if the restart fails. Red lights that survive a reset usually need AT&T.
All AT&T guides
Frequently asked questions about how to reset att router
How do I reset my AT&T router?
Start with a restart: unplug the gateway, wait about a minute, plug it back in and wait for the lights to settle. If that fails, a factory reset with the reset button returns the gateway to defaults and erases your WiFi settings.
What does the Broadband light mean on an AT&T gateway?
On AT&T's published chart for its gateways, solid green means connected to the network, flashing green means trying to connect, and flashing red means it cannot connect.
What does a solid red Power light mean?
AT&T says a solid red Power light may mean the gateway or its power supply is malfunctioning.
What does a red Service light mean?
AT&T lists a solid red Service light as an internet service authentication failure, which usually needs help from AT&T.
Does AT&T Fiber use the same lights?
Fiber gateways have similar Broadband and Service style indicators, and the Optical Network Terminal has its own lights. Check the guide for your gateway model.