A firmware or boot problem is probably indicated if the power LED on your Wavlink router is flashing and your internet is down. Using ap.setup or 192.168.10.1, this guide clarifies the frequent causes and offers easy solutions to the issue.
What the Blinking Power LED Actually Means
A blinking power LED on a Wavlink router usually indicates damaged firmware, device boot mode freeze, or some interference with a firmware upgrade.
Occasionally, following a power loss or unexpected reboot, it’s only a transient problem. At other instances, it is more significant & major.
If the router keeps blinking and never fully boots (no stable WiFi signal, and the network names don’t show up), you’re likely looking at a firmware or hardware issue.
Common Reasons
Here’s what typically causes the blinking power LED:
1. Interrupted Firmware Update
If the power went out or you unplugged the router during an update, it can corrupt the firmware.
2. Failed Reset
Trying to reset the router improperly or too many times can confuse it. It might get stuck in recovery mode.
3. Faulty Power Supply
Sometimes it’s not the router. A bad adapter or unstable power supply can cause the router to reboot constantly, leading to a blinking power light.
4. Outdated Firmware or a Bug
Old firmware can fail to boot properly, especially if there’s a bug or conflict with newer devices on your network.
Quick Checklist Before You Dive into Fixes
- Check if the WiFi network is showing up (Wavlink_2.4G / Wavlink_5G)
- Try connecting to ap.setup or 192.168.10.1 in a browser
- Confirm if only the power light is blinking or if others are as well
- Try a different power adapter if you have one that matches
Let’s Fix It – Step by Step
1. Try a Simple Reboot First
- Unplug the router from the power outlet. Wait 30 seconds. Plug it back in. Let it boot for 2–3 minutes.
- If the power light stops blinking and stabilizes, great. If not, keep going.
2. Check Access via ap.setup or 192.168.10.1
- Connect your phone or laptop to the router’s default WiFi (you’ll see it as Wavlink_XXXX).
Open a browser and type ap.setup or 192.168.10.1. - If the router’s firmware is okay, this will take you to the login screen. If you get in, try resetting the settings from the interface.
- Can’t access it? Move to the recovery method.
3. Perform a Hard Reset the Right Way
Here’s how you properly reset a Wavlink router:
- Keep the router powered ON.
- Use a pin to press and hold the reset button (located on the back) for 10–15 seconds.
- Watch the lights. The router should reboot and try to reload its firmware.
Still blinking after this? Then you’re likely dealing with corrupted firmware.
4. Manually Reinstall the Firmware
This is the advanced fix, and it usually works when the router is stuck in boot mode.
- Connect the PC directly to the router using an Ethernet cable.
- Set your PC’s IP address to 192.168.10.2.
- Start the router in recovery mode by pressing and holding the reset button while plugging in the power (keep holding for ~15 seconds).
- Use the recovery tool or TFTP client to send the firmware file to the router.
This may take a few minutes. If it works, the router will reboot normally, and the power LED will stop blinking.
When to Replace the Router
If none of the steps work and the router doesn’t respond to firmware recovery, it might be a hardware issue faulty memory or motherboard. At that point, it’s cheaper to replace the unit than attempt deeper repair.
Final Thoughts
A blinking power LED on a Wavlink router is frustrating, but not hopeless. Most of the time, it’s either a firmware hiccup or a power issue. Start simple: reboot, reset, and see if you can get into ap.setup or 192.168.10.1. If not, firmware recovery is best option.