How to tell if Fios is actually down
The fastest way to know if Fios is down in your area is to check the Verizon Fios status page at verizon.com/fios/status. Enter your zip code or address, and it will show you whether there are known outages affecting your location. This page updates in real time as Verizon identifies and resolves problems.
If the status page shows no outage but your internet is still not working, the problem is likely on your end — your router, modem, or the line coming into your home. If the page confirms an outage, Verizon knows about it and is working on it; you do not need to report it yourself.
You can also call Verizon directly at 1-908-559-4899 to ask whether an outage is happening in your area. A representative can tell you how many customers are affected and when service is expected to return.
Key Takeaways
- The Verizon Fios status page at verizon.com/fios/status shows outages by zip code and updates in real time.
- If no outage appears on the status page but your internet is down, restart your router and modem before calling support.
- Verizon's phone line 1-908-559-4899 can confirm whether an outage is happening and when it should be fixed.
- During a widespread outage, calling support may have long wait times; the status page is usually faster.
What to do while waiting for service to return
If Verizon confirms an outage in your area, there is no fix you can do yourself — the problem is in Verizon's network, not your equipment. The status page will show an estimated time for restoration. Most outages last between 30 minutes and a few hours, though some can take longer.
If you need internet urgently, use your phone's mobile hotspot to connect your laptop or other devices. Most phone plans include hotspot data, though it may be slower than your home internet. If you have a neighbor with a different internet provider, that is another option while you wait.
Troubleshooting when there is no outage
If the Fios status page shows no outage but your internet is down, start by restarting your equipment. Unplug your Fios router and modem (the two boxes that came with your service), wait 30 seconds, and plug them back in. Wait two to three minutes for them to fully restart — you will see lights on the front of each box change as they boot up.
Once both boxes show a steady green light, try connecting to the internet again. This solves the problem about 70 percent of the time. If it does not work, check whether the cable running from the wall to your modem is plugged in firmly on both ends.
If restarting does not fix it, the problem may be with your specific line or equipment. At this point, contact Verizon support at 1-908-559-4899 or through your Fios account online. They can run a remote test on your modem and may send a technician if the line itself is damaged.
Why Fios goes down
Fios outages happen for several reasons. Weather — especially heavy rain, snow, or lightning — can damage the fiber-optic cables or the equipment that powers them. Construction work, car accidents, or other physical damage to lines can also cause outages. Verizon also performs maintenance on its network, which sometimes requires brief service interruptions.
Large outages affecting many customers usually get fixed faster because Verizon prioritizes them. Smaller, localized problems affecting a few homes may take longer because they are harder to locate and diagnose.
How long outages usually last
Most Fios outages are resolved within one to four hours. Weather-related outages sometimes take longer because technicians cannot safely access equipment until conditions improve. Maintenance windows, which Verizon usually schedules at night, typically last 30 minutes to two hours and are announced in advance through your account.
If an outage lasts longer than the estimated time on the status page, check back on the page — Verizon updates the estimate as they learn more. You can also call support again if you need a new estimate.
Reporting a problem Verizon does not know about
If your internet is down but the status page shows no outage in your area, you can report it to Verizon. Call 1-908-559-4899 or log into your Fios account online and use the "Report a Problem" option. Provide your address and describe what is happening — whether you have no internet at all, slow speeds, or intermittent disconnections.
When you report a problem, Verizon will ask whether you have restarted your equipment. If you have not, do that first before reporting. If you have restarted and the problem persists, the representative will either run a remote test or schedule a technician visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a credit if Fios is down for a long time?
Verizon offers service credits for outages lasting more than 24 hours. You do not have to request it — Verizon typically applies it automatically to your next bill. For shorter outages, you can contact support and ask, though credits are not may provide.
Why does my internet keep dropping even though there is no outage?
Intermittent disconnections are usually caused by a weak signal, interference from other devices, or a problem with your router. Try moving your router to a central location away from microwaves and cordless phones. If the problem continues, restart your modem and router, then contact Verizon support to check your line quality.
What if I need internet for work and Fios keeps going down?
Consider a backup internet option like a mobile hotspot plan or a second provider if available in your area. Some people use both Fios and a cable internet provider for redundancy, though this costs more. Check what other providers serve your address at broadbandmap.fcc.gov.
How do I know if the outage is affecting just my house or the whole neighborhood?
The Fios status page will tell you. If it shows an outage for your zip code, it is affecting multiple customers. If it shows no outage, the problem is isolated to your home or your specific line, and you should focus on restarting your equipment or calling for a technician.