Why Are My Ubiquiti UniFi Access Points Flashing?

Are you seeing flashing lights? There’s nothing more infuriating than getting lights flashing on your device and not knowing what it means.

If you’re experiencing flashing lights on a UniFi device then read on to find out why, and what you need to do about it.

The images below show blue and white LED’s flashing in different formats depending on the status they are showing. Each type of flashing applies to all of the following UniFi devices:

  • Access points
  • routers
  • switches
  • UDM base model

My UniFi AP is flashing white and then off every few seconds

If your Ubiquiti UniFi device is flashing white/off every 1 or 2 seconds, it means that the device is intialising and starting up.

Why does my UniFi AP have a steady white light?

If you UniFi AP (or other listed device) is exhibiting a steady white light, it means it is ready for adoption. This means it is ready to begin the process of connecting to the UniFi application that will manage it.

Why is my UniFi UDM flashing blue?

This applies to UDM units only. If you see a flashing blue light, it means that a client device is connected to the network via Bluetooth.

Why is my UniFi UDM flashing blue and then off?

Again, this flashing only applies to the UDM units. If it is lighting up blue and then going off after 5 seconds, then back to blue, then off, it means it is not connected to the internet.

What does a constant blue light mean on my UniFi access point?

A steady blue light means that the UniFi device is adopted (connected to the UniFi application managing it) and is in normal operating mode. The Access Point (AP) is broadcasting SSIDs (Service Set Identifier – Typically a network name).

Why is my UniFi AP rapidly flashing white and off?

If you UniFi access point is strobing white/off then you will need to power cycle it. If that doesn’t work, then you will have to get in touch with Ubiquiti’s customer support team for further help.

Help – Why is my Ubiquiti UniFi Access Point flashing white then blue?

If your UniFi AP is quickly flashing white then blue, it means the device firmware is being upgraded. It’s important you do not interrupt this process.

On a UDM unit, it will flash only white during this upgrade.

Why has my UniFi AP got a blue steady light that goes off every 5 seconds?

If your UniFi AP is blue but flashing off every 5 seconds, it means the AP has lost connectivity and is looking for a wireless uplink.

I have a rapidly flashing blue light on my UniFi AP – What does it mean?

If your UniFi AP is rapidly flashing blue and then off, it means the device “Locate” feature was activated in the UniFi Network application.

Why is my UniFi AP flashing white, blue and then off?

The device is in TFTP mode (Trivial File Transfer Protocol is a simple lockstep File Transfer Protocol which allows a client to get a file from or put a file onto a remote host).

To enable this mode:

  1. Hold the reset button before powering on.
  2. Continue to hold the reset button until this LED sequence appears.

If you haven’t intentionally put your AP into TFTP mode, make sure that the reset button on the device isn’t jammed. It should click when pushed.

There is no LED / light visible on my UniFi Access Point?

If you can’t see any light on your AP device and the LED is completely off, then it means the device is offline. To try and resolve the problem:

  • Check it has a power supply
  • Check POE (power over ethernet) cables
  • Check Ethernet cables

Ubiquiti UniFi Bridge to Bridge Devices

If you have a UniFi Bridge to Bridge device, then there are two more statuses to look out for in addition to those above.

My UniFi Bridge has a red light with circulating blue light

If your UniFi Bridge device is showing a red with circulating blue LED, it means the 60 GHz link cannot be established or has dropped due to bad weather.

If the UBB fails over to 5 GHz, the LED will remain red. When the 60 GHz link is re-established, the LED will turn blue (or the custom colour selected in the UniFi Network application).

It’s worth noting that if the other bridge device is within range and the UBB LED is red, Uniquiti recommend adjusting the UBB’s position to enhance the signal strength.

Why does my UniFi bridge have a green light?

If your UniFi Bridge is showing a green light, it means that the Alignment Tool is enabled in the UniFi Network application and the UBB devices are aligned properly.

If the other bridge device is within range and the UBB LED is green and red, Ubiquiti recommend adjusting the UBB’s position until the LED is green.

How to Disable Device LEDs

Did you know that you can disable device LED’s? Using the UniFi Network application, you can choose specific device status LED’s or the whole site’s to be disabled.

To disable (or re-enable) status LED’s:

  • Open the UniFi Network Application
  • Go to Settings
  • Go to Site
  • Go to the Services section
  • Edit the LED feature

If you want to specifically configure individual devices:

  • Open the UniFi Network application
  • Go to the Devices section
  • Click on the device you wish to edit to bring up the Properties panel
  • Go to Config, then General, then LED
  • Switch the Site Settings to On or Off

Ubiquiti UniFi Fault Finding

For more information on any of the above, or to find LED patterns for specific ports, head to the Ubiquiti website here.

Is Ubiquiti UniFi right for your business Wi-Fi?

If you’re wondering if Ubiquiti UniFi is the best option for the Wi-Fi needs of your business, then get in touch with our Wi-Fi Experts today. We can advise what the best network options would be for your premises, and take you from the site survey stage, through to design and deployment. No one should have to tolerate bad broadband or slow Wi-Fi at work.

All imagery from ui.com/wi-fi with thanks.

Our Top Wi-Fi Blogs of 2021

A new year has begun, and no doubt it will bring new technology and wireless improvements with it!

Here at Geekabit, we covered a lot of different Wi-Fi topics last year here on the blog, many of which were steered by the enquiries we were receiving to our Wi-Fi Experts across Winchester, London and Cardiff. We saw a big increase in demand for 4G broadband, particularly for homes in rural areas. Hybrid broadband has also soared in popularity!

We’ve also talked a lot about 5G and Wi-Fi 6 and a few of the products already available on the market. With there still being a heavy focus on working from home throughout 2021, it’s no surprise that reliable broadband and internet speeds at home were still crucial. We even launched our own product – SpeedScore – A great way for estate agents and landlords to accurately identify their broadband speeds.

With all of this in mind, we thought we would take a look back on the last year and see what blogs were most popular with you – Our readers!

#10 – Just making the top 10 reads from 2021 is a blog on the 4G Broadband Teltonika RUT950 router. This device was out top product for 4G broadband installations during 2021 – Click the blog to find out why.

4G Broadband and the Teltonika RUT950 Industrial Cellular Router

#9 – Continuing on the 4G broadband theme, in at number 9 is why 4G broadband could be the answer for all your rural Wi-Fi woes. 2021 brought us many clients desperate for a quicker Wi-Fi service in rural areas, particularly those who had moved out of London but expected the same internet connectivity. If you’re sticking with more working-from-home as we move into 2022, then have a read of this blog to see if 4G broadband could bring you a better connection.

4G Broadband – The Answer to Your Rural Wi-Fi Woes?

#8 – Last year we saw a big buzz around 5G. This blog was all about the Robustel R5020 router – An exciting product offering 5G connectivity at a competitive price.

The Robustel R5020 5G Router

#7 – We can’t talk about 4G broadband without talking about data plans. Joining in on the blog popularity of 4G/5G broadband and pieces of kit was this blog on Unlimited 4G broadband data plans. well worth a read if you’re going down the 4G broadband route.

The Best Unlimited 4G Data Plans for Broadband

#6 – Which brings us nicely to hybrid broadband. This has seen a soar in popularity, and we’re expecting to see a lot more of this in client enquiries over this coming year. But what is hybrid broadband? If you’re wanted unbreakable Wi-Fi for your home or business then this could well be the solution you’ve been searching for.

 

What is Hybrid Broadband?

#5 – 2021 saw Facebook launch it’s own Wi-Fi – But what is it? Hundreds of thousands of businesses are already using it, but if you’re not yet one of them then click the blog below to see what you need to know.

What is Facebook Wi-Fi?

#4 – Anything to do with Ubiquiti always proves a popular blog topic. And with good reason – These devices are one of the staple pieces of kit here at Geekabit. The Ubiquiti UniFi range of access points are always easy to match to our clients needs.

How Do I Choose The Right Ubiquiti UniFi Access Point?

#3 – Wi-Fi 6 was another topic on everyone’s lips last year. This blog on the Amplifi Alien Wi-Fi 6 router was a big favourite of our readers – Could that be because of the ongoing need to work and learn from home?

Amplifi Alien – The New Wi-Fi 6 Router from Ubiquiti

#2 – How do you choose the right wireless product for your home or business? It’s a question often asked so no wonder this blog looking at 3 top wireless products almost made the top spot. If you want to compare UniFi, Meraki and Aruba bits of wireless kit then this is the blog for you.

UniFi vs Meraki vs Aruba

#1 – And here we are at number one. The most popular blog last year was this one on Starlink and what it meant for broadband here in the UK. another interesting read, particularly those living and working in more rural areas, struggling with connectivity.

What is Starlink and what does it mean for UK broadband?

So there you go – Our top ten Wi-Fi blogs of 2021. We’re excited to see what 2022 will bring!

 

Ubiquiti Wi-Fi Expert Help

Here at Geekabit, we love Ubiquiti – It’s no secret. We’re often asked what bits of Wi-Fi kit are our favourites, and Ubiquiti is definitely one of them. We use Ubiquiti wireless devices so much that we consider ourselves a bit of an expert when it comes to Ubiquiti Wi-Fi installations. We’ve done quite a few blogs sharing our expert knowledge of Ubiquiti Wi-Fi devices, so this week we thought we’d do a quick round-up on some of the things we’ve touched on.

Let’s start with how Ubiquiti UniFi could help your business. This blog was the first in a series of three looking at the benefits of Ubiquiti UniFi in a business setting. If excellent, reliable Wi-Fi is critical to your business operations, then this is well worth a read.

[Part 1] What is Ubiquiti UniFi and How Could It Help Your Business?

In the above blog, we looked at what Ubiquiti UniFi actually was and how it could function as a network in your business. This next one focuses in on the Controller and UniFi Cloud Key and their expert Wi-Fi function within an effective wireless network.

[Part 2] Ubiquiti UniFi – The Brains

The third in that series of blogs looked at the elements that complete the Ubiquiti UniFi network and how they could provide you with a better connected business. After the last 18 months, we’ve all seen how vital it is to have a reliable connection. This series of 3 blogs on Ubiquiti UniFi highlights how these interconnected devices could be the ideal solution for keeping your business well connected.

[Part 3] Ubiquiti UniFi – The Elements

Ubiquiti Access Points are a staple in our Wi-Fi toolkit. We’re confident that their selection of access points are straightforward to match to our clients needs and satisfy your end users. For a blog that takes you through choosing the right Ubiquiti access point for your business, check out the link below.

How Do I Choose The Right Ubiquiti UniFi Access Point?

Of course, Ubiquiti isn’t the only provider out there. How does it compare to some other top options on the wireless device market? See how it stacks up against popular choices from Meraki and Aruba.

UniFi vs Meraki vs Aruba

With all the Wi-Fi 6 hype, you might be wondering what the choices are in terms of Ubiquiti Wi-Fi 6 products. In that case, you’ll probably want to have a read about the Amplifi Alien – The new Wi-Fi 6 router from Ubiquiti.

Amplifi Alien – The New Wi-Fi 6 Router from Ubiquiti

If you have a large area to cover with your network range, then mesh could be the right option for you. Mesh is essentially like a interconnected grid or net of access points that all communicate with each other, ensuring that even if one goes down you don’t drop your connection. If this sounds like something that could work for your business Wi-Fi network, have a read of the blog below explaining Ubiquiti UniFi Mesh models.

Ubiquiti UniFi – What are Mesh and Mesh Pro Models?

The latest from our Ubiquiti blogs is the range of Ubiquiti airMAX products. With something to match every business Wi-Fi need – from a functional perspective to design aesthetics – This blog will take you through the Ubiquiti airMAX device choices.

Which Ubiquiti airMAX product should I choose?

If you need Ubiquiti Wi-Fi expert help then give us a call here at Geekabit. Our Wi-Fi experts operate out of London, Hampshire and Cardiff and are all competent in Ubiquiti wireless devices.

To get in touch, give us a call or drop us a message.