Orbi Voice Setup

Orbi Voice can extend your Orbi coverage and add Alexa voice controls. The setup is straightforward once you know which mode the RBS40V needs to be in.

Check compatibility and firmware first

This guide is specifically for Orbi Voice RBS40V and RBS40V-200, an Orbi Voice satellite from the WiFi 5 generation. Do not assume it will join every newer Orbi WiFi 6, 6E or WiFi 7 system. Confirm that RBS40V appears in the compatibility information for your router model before changing modes or resetting it.

If RBS40V is already connected, check for available firmware through the Orbi interface before you remove or reset it. Mode-switching and Alexa behaviour can depend on firmware and current app/service availability.

What you need before you start

• Orbi Voice RBS40V
• The supplied power adapter
• A working Orbi router
• The NETGEAR Orbi app
• An Amazon account if you want to use Alexa

1. Put Orbi Voice near the router

For the initial setup, put the Orbi Voice close to your main Orbi router and connect it to power. Once it has synced successfully, you can move it to its permanent location.

2. Switch Orbi Voice to Orbi mode

1. Turn the Orbi Voice off.
2. Press and hold the Sync button.
3. While holding Sync, press and release the Power On/Off button.
4. Keep holding Sync until the ring LED pulses blue and white.
5. Release Sync.
6. Wait for the LED to pulse white and then become solid white.

Solid white indicates that the RBS40V has entered Orbi mode and is ready to sync with an Orbi router.

3. Add Orbi Voice in the Orbi app

1. Open the NETGEAR Orbi app.
2. Open the dashboard.
3. Select Add Satellite.
4. Follow the prompts to find and sync the Orbi Voice.

Or sync it manually

If the app does not discover RBS40V, use the hardware Sync buttons:

1. Make sure the Orbi router and Orbi Voice are powered on.
2. Press the Sync button on the Orbi router.
3. Within two minutes, press the Sync button on Orbi Voice.
4. Wait up to three minutes for the ring to report the result.

4. Check the ring light

5. Set up Alexa

Orbi Voice includes Alexa functionality. If Alexa wasn't connected during setup, open the Orbi app, select the Orbi router, open the network map, select Orbi Voice, and choose the Amazon Alexa connection option. Follow the prompts to connect your Amazon account.

If Alexa does not respond, confirm that the microphone is not muted, raise the speaker volume, check that Orbi Voice still has an internet connection and reopen its Alexa/account-linking option in the app. App menus and Alexa availability can change, so use the current NETGEAR and Amazon prompts if they differ from this guide.

Using Orbi Voice with a non-Orbi router

You can also use the RBS40V in Extender mode with a non-Orbi router or gateway. Connect your phone to the NETGEAR_EXT network, open the NETGEAR Nighthawk app and follow the setup process. When asked for the product type, choose Range Extender.

If NETGEAR_EXT does not appear, restart RBS40V and wait for startup to finish. Confirm that it is in Extender mode. A factory reset may be necessary if it is still configured for a previous network, but resetting should remain the last step because it removes the saved configuration.

Orbi Voice isn't syncing?

1. Move it close to the main Orbi router.
2. Make sure both devices are powered on.
3. Confirm that RBS40V is in Orbi mode and compatible with the router.
4. Restart Orbi Voice and repeat the manual Sync-button process.
5. If the ring is amber, the connection is fair; move it closer.
6. If the ring turns magenta, synchronization failed. Move it closer and try once more.
7. Check for current firmware and model-specific support instructions before resetting.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to switch Orbi Voice to Orbi mode?

Yes. If you're adding the RBS40V to an existing Orbi system, switch it from its default Extender mode to Orbi mode first.

Why is my Orbi Voice magenta?

A magenta synchronization light means the sync failed. Move Orbi Voice closer to the router and retry the setup.

Can Orbi Voice work with a non-Orbi router?

Yes. Use Extender mode and complete the setup through the NETGEAR Nighthawk app.

Is RBS40V compatible with every Orbi router?

No. RBS40V is an older WiFi 5 Orbi Voice satellite, and satellite compatibility varies by Orbi family. Check compatibility for your exact router model before attempting setup.

Why doesn't NETGEAR_EXT appear?

RBS40V may still be in Orbi mode or saved to a previous network. Restart it, confirm Extender mode and wait for startup. Reset it only if the normal mode and restart checks fail.