AirPort Extreme blinking yellow

One of the most popular networking devices, AirPort Extreme is a residential gateway which can work as a router, switch, access point, and NAS. While the device is consistently getting numerous applauds due to its unique features, instances like AirPort Extreme blinking yellow might often restrict you from fulfilling your networking requirements. Ranging from device startup issues to undergoing the firmware upgrade process, several factors can lead to a blinking yellow light on your AirPort Extreme. However, you can follow some simple troubleshooting methods to get rid of the issue and ensure continued services from the device.

Read on to explore why a yellow light blinks on AirPort Extreme and how you can troubleshoot it in no time.

Apple AirPort Blinking Yellow Light? Here’s Why!

Before we start discussing how to resolve AirPort Extreme flashing amber or yellow light, let’s understand why this occurs. It will help you resolve the issue both effectively and quickly. In most of the cases, AirPort Extreme flashing amber or yellow indicates that the firmware update process is in process. A few other reasons which triggers the blinking of yellow or amber light on the AirPort Extreme includes the following:

  • Your newly purchased base station has not been configured yet
  • The AirPort base station has been reset
  • A firmware update is available for the AirPort base station
  • The AirPort base station is out-of-network WiFi range of a primary base station
  • The Ethernet cable is not connected to the WiFi base station
  • There’s a problem at your Internet Service Provider’s end

In most of the cases, you can reset AirPort Extreme to resolve such issues. However, it is always recommended that you perform a reset only when no other option is left.

How To Resolve If Your AirPort Extreme Blinking Yellow?

Now that you have read about the various factors that trigger the blinking of yellow light in AirPort Extreme, read on to explore how to resolve the issue. First, ensure that you have set up the router network properly. Here’s how to ensure this:

  1. Turn on your Mac and ensure that it is connected to the AirPort.
  2. Click on the WiFi icon at the upper-right corner of the screen.
  3. Click on Go and select “Applications”.
  4. Double-click the Utilities folder under the Applications folder, and then open the AirPort Utility application.
  5. Check the name of the base station when the Utility opens up and follow the on-screen instructions to set up the network properly.

Another way to resolve the Apple Router blinking yellow issue is to reset the AirPort device. If you are unable to resolve the blinking of yellow or amber light on AirPort Extreme or the Apple Router, reset the device and then set it up again. Here’s how you can do it:

  1. Press the reset button of the device for one second and release it.
  2. After releasing the reset button, the status light on the device will flash.
  3. Open the AirPort Utility and then select the base station you want to configure.
  4. Click on Edit, change the settings, and then click on the “Update” option.
  5. Once the router restarts, open the AirPort Utility on your computer and select Edit.
  6. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the configuration settings; click on Done to complete the setup.

After completing the steps mentioned above, if you notice that the yellow light doesn’t stop flashing, do a factory reset of the base station. This will remove all the previously configured settings and change it to the default state. First, remove the power adapter of the base station and then connect the power adapter to the electrical outlet while holding the reset button for about six seconds. Once the base station restarts, you can configure the settings and save them. Lastly, check if the Apple Router blinking yellow light issue is resolved.

Tips To Resolve If Your Apple Router is Blinking Orange

One of the most common issues of Apple Router, Apple Router blinking orange occurs when the router is connected to power and the base station starts up. In case you aren’t able to connect the router to the internet, the router’s LED will flash orange light. Besides, any hardware-related issues can also trigger the flashing of orange light. In such cases, you can use the AirPort Utility tool to configure the Apple Router. Alternatively, you can contact your ISP and solve the issue. Apart from these, follow the below-mentioned steps to resolve the apple router blinking orange issues:

  1. Check if the internet connection in your area is down.
  2. Check if there is any physical damage (s) to the Ethernet cable used to connect the router and your computer.
  3. Eliminate the Ethernet connection issues by switching to wireless connection mode.
  4. Move your Apple Router closer to the primary base station.
  5. Update the Apple Router firmware and check if the issue persists.
  6. If the issue persists, click on the “Edit” option to make the required changes to the router settings.

Time Capsule Flashing Yellow? Here’s What It Means!

If you have a Time capsule and notice that the Time Capsule flashing yellow, it indicates that a firmware update is available for installation on the AirPort hardware. The flashing yellow light can also indicate an internal hard drive error. Similar to issues like airport express blinking orange, time machine blinking yellow, time capsule flashing orange, etc., the flashing yellow can often be resolved by a simple restart of the device. All you need to do is switch off the device first and disconnect the power adapter from the electric socket. After waiting for about two minutes, reconnect the power adapter and turn the device on  to check if the issue is resolved. In addition, you should ensure that the setup Airport Time Capsule is properly done otherwise you might encounter multiple issues with the Time Capsule.

Apple AirPort Extreme is among the most renowned networking devices today. However, issues like the blinking of yellow or amber light often restricts you from fulfilling the required tasks online. You can follow the various troubleshooting methods mentioned here and ensure continued services from the device.

Leave a Comment