Orbi RBS20 Satellite Not Connecting? Here’s How to Fix It Fast

If you have got an Orbi RBS20 satellite with its light blinking and refuse to connect, you are not the only one. This happens more often but don’t panic, it is usually a small glitch. In this guide we will go through the exact steps that can save you from these occurring errors. Let’s break it down and fix this mess.

Check the Basics First

This is skipped by many people. Before thinking that your satellite is broken, do the basic checks.

• Is the satellite powered on? The LED should light up. If it is dark, it is not even getting power.
• Is it too far from the main Orbi router? These satellites are picky. These are to be placed closer during the time of initial setup.
• Ethernet cable handy? Sometimes you need to connect it by cable first just to force the sync.

This basic check helps to remove the silly mistakes. If the Orbi RBS20 not connecting issue is still there then it is the time to look for other things.  

Sync Button Routine

The sync button is the important thing here. You will see this on both the router and the satellite.

1. Place the satellite close to the main Orbi router.
2. Hit the sync button on the router first.
3. Within two minutes, press the sync button on the RBS20 satellite.

Watch the light. If it goes solid blue, then it is connected. Amber light means that the connection is weak (move it closer) and magenta means it flat-out failed. When you see magenta, you are still stuck with the Orbi RBS20 not connecting issue.

Reboot Everything

Sometimes a simple reboot helps to fix issues in a way that you had not expected.

·         Unplug the router.

• Unplug the satellite.
• Wait about a minute.
• Power up the router first, let it boot up completely.
• Then power up the satellite.

Sometimes this simple reboot helps to fix things back into shape.

Firmware Update

Outdated firmware is one of the biggest reasons you will find your Orbi RBS20 not connecting. Netgear sends updates but they don’t always install automatically.

Here is what to do:

1. Connect to your Orbi router (you can use the Orbi app or log in from a browser).
2. Make sure to enter the firmware update section.
3. Check if both router and satellite are running the latest version.
4. If not then update them.

Important: Always update the router first, then the satellites. Mixing old and new firmware can cause connection issues.

Try Wired Backhaul

This one is more like a temporarily fix. If wireless syncing just refuses to work, connect the satellite to the router with an Ethernet cable. This sets up a wired backhaul. Once it is connected and stable, you can usually move it back to wireless mode later.

Placement Matters

Even when you get it to connect, placement can make or break performance. Orbi satellites don’t like walls, metal objects, or being crammed behind furniture. Keep it in the open, about halfway between your router and the spot you want coverage.

App vs. Web Login

If the Orbi app doesn’t detect your satellite then you can log in through a browser. Go to the Orbi login page, check the connected devices list and see if the satellite shows up. If it does there you go. If it doesn’t, you are still in Orbi RBS20 not connecting issue, which means reset and retry.

Reset the Satellite

If nothing else works, a factory reset usually help to solve the issue. It can be annoying because you have to set it up again but much better than looking at a useless satellite.

• Look for the tiny reset hole on the RBS20.
• Use a paperclip and hold it down for about 10 seconds until the light flashes amber.
• Once it reboots, try syncing again with the router.

A reset often clears whatever glitch is keeping the Orbi RBS20 not connecting problem alive.

Final Thoughts

The Orbi RBS20 not connecting problem is frustrating, but most of the times it is something simple like Power, distance, firmware or just a satellite that needs a reset. Work through these steps in order, and you will usually have it up and running again within an hour.