I’ve had Verizon FIOS (the gaming package with the highest speeds) for 5 years now, and it’s very rare my Internet goes out. But every once in a while, the router needs to be reset. Usually, it disconnects for a few minutes but comes right back.
But sometimes, although rare, the outages can last hours. When your Verizon Fios Internet stops working, it can be frustrating, especially when you’re mid-task.
Your Verizon Fios Internet will not work if the router is too far away from your workspace or if the Ethernet cables are not properly connected to the router. Limited data plans and outdated router firmware and software can prevent your Fios Internet from working correctly. In some cases, area-wide outages could interrupt your Fios Internet connection.
Sometimes, simple troubleshooting techniques like relocating or restarting the router to prompt a firmware update can quickly resolve your internet connectivity issue. In other cases, the issue is with your data plan, preventing increased data usage.
Why Isn’t My Fios Internet Working?
While Fios usually is very reliable, several reasons can cause the Fios WiFi to stop working. Some common problems include:
- Weak Router Signal – The router’s location may cause a weak signal.
- Connection Disruption – Connection issues could be due to the router or your device.
- Slow Internet – Slow internet can cause your Verizon Fios Internet to stop working.
- Power Surge – The fiber optic cables used for Fios Internet are prone to power surges.
- No Internet Connection Error Message – There may be a disruption in your internet provider plan or an issue impacting your entire area.
- Failed Login Attempt – Your network name or password could be incorrect.
You’ll also want to verify whether all of your internet-enabled devices are having an issue connecting or just one device. If one device is in question, the problem may be related to the device itself and not Fios Internet.
Understand Your Router LED Lights
Looking at your Fios router will give you a great deal of information about the problem. On the front panel of the router, there is an LED light. Different colors and flashes will correspond to different router issues.
- Solid Green – The router has a solid internet connection.
- Blinking Green – The router is attempting to connect to the internet.
- Blinking Red – The router is trying to re-establish the internet connection.
- Solid Red – The router is experiencing a problem.
- No Light – The router does not have power.
Not only will this LED light indicator help you troubleshoot your connectivity problem, but it can also help give a Verizon Customer Care service technician more information about your potential router issue.
Try To Relocate the Router
A router can only project a wireless internet signal 325 feet. Basement locations, or areas far from where you are working could create a problem projecting a solid signal. If you consistently lose your Fios Internet connection, you can try to relocate your router.
You’ll want to find a good location for your new router. Ensure the router is close to your workspace, without heavy structural interference, such as cinder blocks or metal beams. You’ll also need a location that is reachable by broadband wires and Ethernet cables. Make sure the wires reach comfortably and aren’t pulled too tight.
Most Fios Internet cables begin outside your home. You’ll want to unplug these cables before you move the router. Once you find a secure location for your new router, plug the outdoor cables back in. You may have to reroute the external lines so they can reach the router. After all the wires have been reconnected to the new router location, try to turn on the device and check if the internet signal is stronger.
Update the Router Firmware
Like many devices in our home, routers rely on software and firmware to keep them running effectively. If you are experiencing problems with your Fios Internet, there could be a chance your router is outdated. Updating the firmware for the router can help improve connectivity issues. Updating your router with the most recent firmware will also help keep your router secure and safe.
In most cases, you can search for downloadable online updates for your router. Or, sometimes, simply restarting your router will trigger a device update. The restarted router will find the Verizon Network and update any needed firmware to keep your Fios Internet connected and secure.
Are You Over Your Data Limit?
Most Verizon Fios Internet plans have a data limit for how much data you can use at any given time. If you have exhausted your data limit, it may prevent your Fios Internet from working correctly. The amount of allowed data will vary depending on the individual plan you have for your Verizon internet plan.
Streaming videos simultaneously or downloading heavy content can cause your data usage to spike, especially if multiple people in your home are streaming simultaneously. Downloading apps can also use a significant amount of data.
If you exceed your data limit, Verizon Fios Internet does not automatically expand to allow more data. Instead, Fios will disconnect your internet completely, causing your internet not to work. If limited data is causing your Fios trouble, you can quickly fix this problem by updating to a larger data plan.
Check Ethernet Cables and Broadband Connections
A common reason Verizon Fios Internet isn’t working is an error with the cables. The cables could be incorrect from the initial setup, or a cable could have become loose over time. Checking the cable connections is an easy way to troubleshoot issues with the internet connection.
Between two and three cables usually connect to your Fios router. These cables include:
- USB 3.0 Cable
- Ethernet Cable
- Coaxial Cable (only used for a cable modem)
If you have fiber optic Verizon Fios cables, you might also see a unit called an ONT connected to your router. This unit is a particular device that helps translate the internet connection from the provider.
Ensure that the cables are inserted into the correct ports on the back of the router. Cables should be inserted securely and shouldn’t be loose. At this time, you’ll always want to inspect every cable to make sure it is intact. Chewed or frayed cables can prevent your Fios Internet from working properly and can be dangerous. Replace any visibly damaged cables at this time.
Next, make sure the router is connected to the ONT correctly. The ethernet cable should have one end inserted into the LAN port on the ONT. The other end of the ethernet cable will go into the LAN port on the router. Once the wires are secure and properly connected, test your wireless internet again.
Do You Have a Virus?
The issue may be with your device if everything seems to be in good working order with the router and the cables. A virus on your computer can cause the internet connection to slow down or fail to connect.
Try to run a virus scan on your computer. If there is a virus, your virus scan software will catch and quarantine the virus so you can successfully eliminate it from your computer. Having a routine virus scan enabled in the future will help prevent viruses from infecting and interrupting your Fios Internet connection.
Could There be an Outage?
Unfortunately, sometimes Verizon has an outage that can impact an entire area. Usually, an outage will cause the internet connection to drop suddenly. Verizon has an Outage tool that will allow you to check any potential reported network problems in your immediate area.
If you don’t see an outage reported in your area and you have tried the troubleshooting tricks and tips to reset the wireless internet router, it may be time to call a service professional at Verizon.
Contact Customer Care
If you have tried troubleshooting your router with the suggested steps and are still having issues connecting to Verizon Fios Internet, it may be time to contact Verizon’s Customer Care team. A Verizon professional will walk you through more advanced troubleshooting and may come to your home to examine the router in person.
You can schedule an appointment by calling Verizon Support. Or, use the Verizon app on your smartphone to set up a call or appointment with Customer Care. Be sure to explain your issue in as much detail as possible so the agent can best assist you.
