MicroCell Troubleshooting and LED Guide

MicroCell LED Guide

Power LED

• Off – No power to MicroCell.
• Solid Green – Microcell has power.
• Solid Red – MicroCell is either still powering up or is in an error state. Please unplug the MicroCell from power and plug it back in. If the LED remains red, please try an alternate power outlet or alternate power cable. You can also test the ac adapter with a voltmeter. It should read 16VDC ± 0.5. If not, replace the adapter with one of the exact same power rating.

Ethernet LED

• Off – No Ethernet cable connected. Please make sure both sides of the Ethernet cable are firmly attached. One side should be plugged into the Ethernet port on the MicroCell and one side should be plugged into an Ethernet port on the modem or router. Ethernet cables should click when inserted into an Ethernet port. If the LED does not light when both sides are firmly attached, please try an alternate Ethernet cable. The MicroCell has been tested and works with Ethernet cables up to 15 feet long.
• Solid Green – The Ethernet cable is connected and the MicroCell has been assigned a valid IP address.
• Flashing Green – The Ethernet cable is connected but the MicroCell has not been assigned a valid IP address. Please power cycle the modem, then router, then MicroCell in that order. If the Ethernet LED continues to flash, please ensure DHCP is enabled on the modem or router. The MicroCell requires DHCP to work.

GPS LED

• Off – No location check is being performed at this time. The MicroCell is either unplugged or is going through activation.
• Flashing Green – The MicroCell is performing a location check. It is scanning both for GPS satellites and for local cell sites.
• Solid Green – The MicroCell has completed the location check.

Computer LED (only on white model MicroCells)

• Off – Nothing is plugged into the computer port.
• Flashing Green – Traffic is passing through the MicroCell.
• Solid Green – No traffic is passing through the MicroCell.
• If continued issues occur, it is recommended to not use the Computer Port because of potential issues with the connected computer’s internet settings.

Network or 3G LED

• Off – The MicroCell is not activated. It is either powered off or going through activation.
• Flashing Green – The MicroCell is not activated. It is going through activation or is experiencing a connectivity issue. Please wait 90 minutes after registration. If the 3G LED continues to flash after 90 minutes, please review the Firewall & Router settings and make sure the modem or router are appropriately configured for use with a MicroCell.
• Flashing Red – The MicroCell has failed the location check. Please ensure the MicroCell is registered to the correct address. Please power cycle the MicroCell to trigger a new location check. It may also help to relocate the MicroCell to a location with a clear view of the sky. If the MicroCell fails the second location check, please contact AT&T Customer Care.
• Solid Green – The MicroCell is fully activated and is broadcasting signal.

We also have comprehensive Video content to help you navigate any issues you might be having:

• Microcell Activation
• Firewall and Router Settings
• Microcell and Linksys Router Support

Note: A failing AC adapter can affect any of the LED lights so it’s always a good idea to check the adapter with a voltmeter, especially if the MicroCell is a few years old or you have experienced numerous or unexpected power outages.

You can also find a full list of Microcell support by visiting our Microcell support site! 

Thanks again for all your fantastic questions and support, and please comment below if there is anything we’ve missed!

Katie, Community Specialist

For those interested, I will update my Tech Guide to include the new information about the red 3G light. AT&T has made some changes to the light pattern now so I will incorporate that, with a little more detail, in my update.

@Munie12 - which light? Usually an LED will briefly flash yellow and then go to green or red. Are you experiencing any problems?