Is your Orbi RBS850 satellite still not connecting after a reset? Before you give up, consider this: sync issues, firmware mismatches, or a few simple setup mistakes might be the culprit. The good news? It’s an easy fix—and you don’t need to replace any gear or call in a technician. Let’s get your satellite back up and running with these simple solutions!
In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly what you need to do to get your Orbi RBS850 satellite connected again after a reset. Whether you’re facing pairing failures, firmware mismatches, or LED confusion — we’ve got your troubleshooting steps covered.
Understanding the Reset Process:
The Orbi RBS850 offers two reset methods:
- Reboot: Simply restarts the satellite without making any changes in the settings.
- Factory Reset: Wipes off all settings and returns the device to its default status.
After a factory reset, the satellite is no longer linked to the router. It must be re-added to your Orbi network through syncing.
If your satellite fails to reconnect post-reset, it’s usually because one of the following:
- Sync between the Orbi network wasn’t made properly.
- The satellite is placed too far from the router.
- Firmware versions between router and satellite are incompatible.
- Reset didn’t happen properly. Even after a reset, some corrupted data or settings remain and continue to cause issues.
Let’s fix that.
Step-by-Step Fix: Orbi RBS850 satellite Not Connecting After Reset
1. Power Cycle the Devices
Unplug both your Orbi router and RBS850 satellite. Wait for about 60 seconds and then plug them back in. First the router, then the satellite.
Sometimes post-reset glitches clear themselves up after a proper restart.
2. Check Satellite LED Behavior
The RBS850 satellite has an LED ring that indicates its status via lighting various lights, such as:
- Solid White: Booting up.
- Pulsing White: Resetting or syncing.
- Pulsing Magenta: Can’t connect to the router.
- Solid Blue: Good connection.
- Solid Amber: Connection is fair.
If your satellite is stuck pulsing magenta, it’s unable to find or pair with the router. In such cases, this issue needs to be addressed prior.
3. Re-Sync the Satellite to the Router
After a reset, the satellite is no longer paired with the router. Here’s how you can re-sync it:
- Ensure the router is powered on and fully booted.
- Place the satellite within 6–10 feet of the router.
- Press the Sync button on the router.
- Within two minutes, press the Sync button on the satellite.
The satellite’s LED ring should pulse white, then turn solid blue or amber indicating a good or fair connection. If it turns magenta again, move to the next step.
4. Update Firmware Manually
After the reset has been done and RBS850 satellite not connecting issue persists. Check for the firmware updates. Your satellite may be running an older firmware version that isn’t compatible with your router. To verify:
- In your device, open the Orbi app or type URL: “orbilogin.com” in the address bar. (The device should be already connected to the Orbi network).
- Log in and navigate to settings > firmware update > satellite.
- If the satellite shows updates available, install the updated firmware.
Alternatively, you can also download the firmware manually from Netgear’s official support page, and upload it via the router’s admin interface.
5. Try Ethernet Backhaul Sync
If wireless syncing fails, try using a wired connection for the sync process:
- Use an Ethernet cable to connect the RBS850 satellite directly to the Orbi router.
- Power on both devices.
- Wait for 5-10 minutes. The satellite should auto-sync and then display a solid blue LED.
- Once connected, unplug the cable and move the satellite to its desired location. (Midway between the router and the dead network zone)
This method is often more reliable, especially after a factory reset.
6. Ensure There Are No IP Conflicts or Router Issues
Sometimes, the issue isn’t with the satellite, it’s with the router or your network setup:
- Ensure no two devices are using the same IP address as this can create network connection problems. You can check this in router’s settings.
- Make sure DHCP is enabled on the Orbi router.
- Disable any access control settings temporarily.
- Avoid using third-party routers or extenders during setup, they can interfere with Orbi’s internal communication.
Final Thoughts
We hope the guide helped you to solve the issues with Orbi RBS850 satellite not connecting even after reset. In maximum cases, it could be a temporary pairing issue or just a firmware mismatch — both of which can be resolved with a few troubleshooting steps. Whether you’re syncing wirelessly or using an ethernet, patience and proper sequencing is the key.
If you’ve gone through all the steps above and still the issue RBS850 satellite not connecting issue persists, it is the time call our toll-free support. We are more than happy to help!
