Netgear Orbi With Virgin Media: How to Set It Up Properly (and Fix Double NAT)
12 November 2026 · By Ethan Fernandes
Double NAT, strict NAT or devices dropping with Netgear Orbi and Virgin Media? The right setup for this exact combination, using the Virgin Hub's Modem mode, step by step, and what to check if it's still not right.
Quick fix
Put the Virgin Media Hub into Modem mode and let the Orbi do all the routing and Wi-Fi. This is the ideal setup: no double NAT, and every Orbi feature keeps working.
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Get help todayYou've added a Netgear Orbi mesh system to your Virgin Media broadband, and something isn't right: the Orbi app warns about double NAT, games show NAT type strict or moderate, smart devices can't be found, a work VPN keeps dropping, or phones hop between the Virgin Media Hub's Wi-Fi and the Orbi. It usually works "well enough", but it isn't set up the way it should be.
The cause is that the Virgin Media Hub and the Orbi are both acting as the router. Only one of them should. Here's the right setup for this exact combination.
The short version: Put the Virgin Media Hub into Modem mode and let the Orbi do all the routing and Wi-Fi. This is the ideal setup: no double NAT, and every Orbi feature keeps working.
The Best Setup: Virgin Hub in Modem Mode
Virgin Media's Hubs can switch into Modem mode, which turns off their routing and Wi-Fi and simply passes the internet connection to your Orbi. It's the cleanest setup there is.
- Connect the main Orbi unit to the Hub with a network cable. On a Hub 3, use port 1, as it's the only port that works in Modem mode.
- On a computer or phone connected to the Hub, open the Hub's settings, usually at 192.168.0.1, and sign in with the password on the Hub's sticker.
- Find Modem mode, switch it on and let the Hub restart. Its Wi-Fi turns off.
- Restart the main Orbi unit so it picks up the internet connection directly, then check the Orbi app shows you're online.
- If you ever need the Hub's settings again, they're at 192.168.100.1 while it's in Modem mode.
Once it's done, check your Virgin home phone still has a dial tone, and unplug any Virgin Wi-Fi pods, as they work with the Hub's Wi-Fi, which is now switched off.
If Your Hub Has No Modem Mode
If your Hub doesn't offer Modem mode, leave the Hub as the router and put the Orbi into Access Point mode instead. Sign in to the Orbi settings at orbilogin.com, go to Advanced > Router / AP Mode and choose AP Mode. The satellites keep working. Then turn off the Hub's Wi-Fi. In AP mode some Orbi features, such as parental controls and Netgear Armor, are limited because the hub is doing the routing.
Still Not Right? Quick Checks
- Two Wi-Fi networks? If the Virgin Media Hub's Wi-Fi is still on, devices may join it instead of the Orbi. Turn it off, or give it a completely different name.
- Restart in order: the Virgin Media Hub first, then the main Orbi unit once the hub is online, then the other units.
- Main unit next to the hub, connected by cable. Other units about halfway to the weak areas, not in them.
- Use cables between units where you can. Wired connections between mesh units give much better speed than wireless.
- Smart plugs and cameras won't connect? Many only use 2.4GHz. See smart device won't connect to Wi-Fi.
How We Handle It
Getting Netgear Orbi and Virgin Media working properly together is one of the most common jobs we do. We choose the right setup for your line and home phone, configure the hub and mesh, place the units for full coverage, use cables between them where possible, and make sure gaming consoles, VPNs, cameras and smart devices all work, tested in every room. See our Wi-Fi and home networking service.
Related Reading
Common questions
Yes, very well. Put the Virgin Media Hub into Modem mode, connect the main Orbi unit to it, and let the Orbi handle all routing and Wi-Fi.
Yes, most Virgin Media Hubs have Modem mode in their settings, usually at 192.168.0.1. On a Hub 3, connect your own router or mesh to port 1. In Modem mode, the Hub's settings move to 192.168.100.1.
Not with Modem mode. The Orbi stays in router mode, so all its features, including parental controls and security, keep working.
Because the Virgin Hub and the Orbi are both routing. Switch the Hub into Modem mode and the warning disappears.
Still stuck? We can fix it for you
Most problems like this can be fixed remotely today, anywhere in the UK, or with a home visit across West London. DBS checked, insured, 7 days a week until 9pm.
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