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Quick fix

How to Reset a CenturyLink Modem and Fix a Red Light

CenturyLinkStep-by-step guideIndependent
CenturyLink modem with status lights

CenturyLink, now part of Lumen, offers DSL and fiber, and the equipment and lights differ between them. This page covers the steps that apply broadly: restart the modem, check the line, and reset only as a last step. Light meanings vary by model, so check your device's guide for exact colors.

  1. Unplug the modem's power cord.

  2. Wait about a minute.

  3. Plug it back in and wait several minutes for the lights to settle.

  4. Test the internet on a device.

If a restart fails, press and hold the recessed reset button with a paperclip for the time your model specifies, then wait for the modem to reboot. This erases your WiFi name, password and custom settings. Reconnect with the defaults on the label.

As a general rule, a red or blinking red light means the modem is not connecting to the internet. Work through this list:

  1. Check for an outage using CenturyLink's app or outage page on mobile data.

  2. For DSL, confirm the phone cable is firmly connected between the wall jack and the modem, and that every phone or device on the same line has a DSL filter.

  3. For fiber, check the Optical Network Terminal for power and faults.

  4. Reseat the Ethernet cable between the modem and any router.

  5. Restart the modem, then any router behind it.

  6. Try a different wall jack if you have one.

  7. Reset the modem as a last step.

WiFi slow or dropping

Place the modem or router in an open, central spot away from cordless phones and microwaves, and keep it cool. On DSL, a failing filter or line noise can cause drops.

If there is no outage and the light stays red after a restart, line checks and filters, contact CenturyLink with your model and steps tried. Line noise and signal problems often need a technician.

The bottom line

Check for an outage and the line, restart, and reset last. A red light that survives usually needs the provider.

How do I reset my CenturyLink modem?

Unplug it for about a minute, plug it back in and wait several minutes for the lights to settle. If that fails, use the reset button with a paperclip, which erases your settings.

What does a red light on a CenturyLink modem mean?

A red light generally means the modem cannot connect to the internet. Check for an outage, the phone or fiber line and filters, then restart.

Why is my CenturyLink internet not working?

Common causes are an outage, a loose line, a missing or faulty DSL filter, a modem that needs a restart or a problem on one device.

Do CenturyLink DSL and fiber differ?

Yes. DSL uses a phone line and filters, and fiber uses an Optical Network Terminal. Check the guide for your equipment.

Will a reset erase my WiFi password?

A factory reset does. A restart does not.