If your Orbi satellite isn’t syncing with the Orbi router, it can result in poor or no Wi-Fi coverage in areas where the satellite is placed. This is a common issue that can usually be fixed with a few simple troubleshooting steps.

In this guide, we’ll go over the possible reasons why your Orbi satellite is not syncing and provide solutions to get it working again.

 

 

What Does It Mean When Your Orbi Satellite Is Not Syncing?

When your Orbi satellite isn't syncing with the router, it means that the satellite is unable to establish a stable connection with the Orbi router to extend your Wi-Fi signal. This problem can occur for several reasons, including improper placement, firmware issues, or interference between devices.

You’ll typically notice that the satellite LED will be amber, white (blinking), or off, which indicates that it's not properly connected.

Common Causes of Orbi Satellite Not Syncing

Several factors can prevent your Orbi satellite from syncing with the router:

  1. Satellite too far from the router: If the satellite is out of range, it won’t be able to connect to the router.

  2. Wi-Fi interference: Electronic devices or thick walls between the router and satellite can interfere with the signal.

  3. Outdated firmware: If the router or satellite is running outdated firmware, it can cause syncing issues.

  4. Incorrect network settings: A mismatch in the router’s settings or password could prevent the satellite from connecting.

  5. Hardware failure: If the router or satellite is malfunctioning, syncing may fail.

  6. Network congestion: Too many devices trying to connect to the Orbi system can overload it and prevent syncing.

How to Fix Orbi Satellite Not Syncing: Step-by-Step Troubleshooting

1. Ensure Proper Placement of the Orbi Satellite

The Orbi satellite needs to be within a reasonable distance from the Orbi router to sync properly. If it's too far, it may not receive a strong enough signal to establish a connection.

  • Optimal Placement: Place the satellite about halfway between your router and the area where you need coverage.

  • Avoid Obstacles: Keep the satellite away from thick walls, microwaves, and other electronics that may interfere with the signal.

  • Use the Orbi app to check the signal strength and determine the best placement.

2. Power Cycle the Orbi Router and Satellite

Sometimes a simple restart can solve syncing issues.

Steps:

  1. Unplug both the Orbi router and satellite.

  2. Wait 1-2 minutes to allow the devices to power down.

  3. Plug the modem back in first and wait for it to stabilize.

  4. Next, plug in the Orbi router and wait until the router's LED turns blue.

  5. Plug in the Orbi satellite and wait for the satellite to sync with the router (LED should turn blue once synced).

3. Sync the Orbi Router and Satellite Manually

If the satellite is still not syncing automatically, you can try syncing it manually by pressing the Sync button on both the router and satellite.

Steps to Sync:

  1. Press the Sync button on the Orbi router for about 10 seconds.

  2. Within 2 minutes, press the Sync button on the Orbi satellite for 10 seconds.

  3. Wait for the satellite's LED to turn blue, indicating that the satellite has successfully synced with the router.

4. Update the Orbi Firmware

Outdated firmware can cause syncing issues between the router and satellite. Check to see if there's a firmware update available.

Steps to Update:

  1. Open the Orbi app or go to orbilogin.com.

  2. Log into the admin panel of your Orbi router.

  3. Navigate to Advanced > Administration > Firmware Update.

  4. If a firmware update is available, follow the instructions to install the update on both the router and satellite.

5. Perform a Factory Reset on Both Devices

If the satellite still won’t sync after trying the above steps, you can perform a factory reset on both the router and satellite. This will erase all custom settings and restore them to their default state.

How to Factory Reset the Orbi Router and Satellite:

  1. Locate the Reset button on both the router and satellite (usually found on the back of the device).

  2. Press and hold the reset button for 10-15 seconds using a paperclip.

  3. Wait for both devices to reset and the LED to start flashing white.

  4. After resetting, reconnect the devices and attempt to sync the router and satellite again by pressing the Sync button on both.

6. Check for Wi-Fi Interference

Wi-Fi interference from other devices or networks can prevent the satellite from syncing. Try the following:

  • Move other electronics: Keep devices like microwaves, cordless phones, and baby monitors away from the Orbi router and satellite.

  • Use different Wi-Fi bands: Switch between the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands if the satellite is having trouble syncing on one band.

  • Minimize Network Congestion: Limit the number of devices connected to the Orbi network to ensure the satellite can sync properly.

Final Thoughts

Orbi satellite syncing issues are common but often easy to fix. By following the troubleshooting steps in this guide—checking placement, power cycling, manually syncing, updating firmware, or performing a factory reset—you should be able to get your Orbi satellite back online and working seamlessly with your router.

If the problem persists, contacting Netgear Support will help resolve any hardware issues and get your Orbi system up and running again.