How to check if Fios is down in your area

The fastest way to know if Fios Internet is down is to check Verizon's status page directly. Go to verizon.com/support/status and enter your zip code or phone number. The page will tell you whether there is an outage affecting your address, how many customers are affected, and when service is expected to return.

If the status page shows no outage but your internet is still not working, the problem is likely with your equipment or connection rather than Verizon's network. You can also call Verizon at 1-908-559-4899 to speak with someone who can check your account and run a remote test on your router.

Third-party outage trackers like Downdetector also show real-time reports from Fios users in your area, though these are crowdsourced and sometimes lag behind official information. They are useful for confirming that other people nearby are experiencing the same problem.

Key Takeaways

  • Verizon's official status page at verizon.com/support/status is the most reliable source for outage information in your specific location.
  • If no outage is reported but your internet is down, restart your router and modem before calling support, as this fixes most connection problems.
  • Verizon can run a remote diagnostic on your equipment and tell you whether the issue is on their network or in your home.
  • Outages typically last from a few minutes to several hours, and Verizon updates the status page as service is restored.

What causes Fios outages

Fios outages happen for several reasons. Weather — particularly heavy rain, lightning, or ice storms — can damage cables and equipment. Construction work, whether by Verizon or another utility company digging nearby, sometimes cuts fiber lines. Equipment failures at local network hubs or switching stations also cause outages affecting entire neighborhoods.

Planned maintenance is another source. Verizon schedules maintenance windows, usually at night or early morning, to upgrade equipment or repair infrastructure. These are announced in advance, and the status page will show them as scheduled maintenance rather than an unplanned outage.

Less commonly, a widespread outage affects multiple cities or regions at once. These are usually caused by major equipment failures or damage to trunk lines that carry traffic between regions. Verizon typically prioritizes restoring these because they affect thousands of customers.

What to do while waiting for service to return

If Verizon confirms an outage in your area, there is no fix you can make on your end. Restarting your router will not help because the problem is upstream in Verizon's network, not in your home. The best use of your time is to note the outage start time and expected restoration time from the status page.

If you need internet urgently, mobile hotspot from your phone is usually the fastest option. Most phone plans include hotspot data, though using it heavily may count against your monthly limit. If you have a neighbor with a different internet provider, asking to use their connection briefly is another option.

For work or school that cannot be delayed, a public library, coffee shop, or coworking space with WiFi can get you online. Many libraries offer free WiFi even when the building is closed, accessible from the parking lot.

Restarting your router and modem correctly

Before assuming Fios is down, restart both your modem and router in the correct order. Unplug the modem first and wait 30 seconds. Then unplug the router and wait another 30 seconds. Plug the modem back in and wait for all lights to stabilize — this usually takes two to three minutes. Then plug the router back in and wait another two to three minutes for it to fully boot.

The reason for this order matters: the modem connects to Verizon's network, and the router connects to the modem. If you restart them in reverse order, the router may try to connect before the modem is ready, and the connection can fail. Waiting for lights to stabilize ensures each device has fully booted before the next one starts.

After both devices are fully restarted, try opening a website or running a speed test. If you still have no connection and Verizon's status page shows no outage, the problem is likely a configuration issue or a failed device. At that point, calling Verizon support is the next step.

Understanding Fios equipment and connection types

Fios uses fiber-optic cables to deliver internet, which is different from cable or DSL. The fiber line runs from Verizon's network to an optical network terminal (ONT) in or near your home. The ONT converts the fiber signal into electrical signals that your router can use. Your router then broadcasts WiFi to your devices.

If the outage is between Verizon's network and your ONT, you will have no internet at all. If the problem is between your ONT and router, or in the router itself, you may see lights on the ONT but no connection to devices. Verizon support can tell you which part of the chain is failing by looking at the ONT's lights and running tests.

Fios also offers a gateway device that combines the ONT and router into one unit. If you have a gateway, the same restart process applies — unplug it, wait 30 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for lights to stabilize.

When to contact Verizon support

Contact Verizon if the status page shows no outage but your internet is still down after restarting your equipment. Have your account number or phone number ready, and be prepared to describe what you see: whether lights are on the modem or router, whether you can see your WiFi network, and whether you can connect to it but have no internet.

Verizon support can run a line test to check whether the fiber connection from their network to your home is working. They can also push a restart command to your modem remotely, which sometimes fixes issues that a manual restart does not. If they find a hardware failure, they can schedule a technician visit or send a replacement device.

If you are in the middle of an outage, support wait times are usually longer because many customers are calling at once. Checking back on the status page every 15 minutes is often faster than waiting on hold, since the page updates as service is restored.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do Fios outages usually last?

Most outages last between 30 minutes and two hours. Severe weather or major equipment failures can extend outages to four to six hours or longer. Verizon updates the estimated restoration time on the status page as they learn more about the cause.

Will Fios credit my account for an outage?

Verizon offers service credits for outages lasting more than four hours, though you usually have to request it. Contact support after service is restored and ask about a credit. The amount varies but is typically a few dollars per day of outage.

Can I check Fios status without going to the website?

Yes, you can call Verizon at 1-908-559-4899 and speak with support, or text your zip code to 611611 from a Verizon phone. The website is usually faster, but calling works if you do not have internet access.

What if my router has power but shows no connection to the modem?

Check that the cable from your modem to your router is plugged in firmly on both ends. If it is, try a different ethernet cable if you have one. If the router still will not connect after restarting both devices, the router may have failed and needs replacement.

Does Fios go down more often than other internet providers?

Fiber-based internet like Fios is generally more reliable than cable or DSL because fiber is less affected by weather and electrical interference. Outages happen with all providers, but Fios tends to have fewer of them and shorter restoration times.