How to tell if Verizon is down or if the problem is on your end
The fastest way to know whether Verizon Wireless Internet is down is to check Verizon's official status page or call their support line. If you can't reach either one, start by testing your own equipment — restart your router, check that cables are plugged in firmly, and see if the problem affects all your devices or just one. Most internet problems are local to your home, not a widespread outage.
If your internet stopped working suddenly and restarting didn't help, the next step is to rule out your own setup before assuming Verizon is down. A single device losing connection usually points to that device, not the network. Multiple devices losing connection at the same time points to your router or modem, or to Verizon's service in your area.
Key Takeaways
- Check Verizon's official status page at verizon.com/status or call 611 from a Verizon phone to hear current outage information for your area.
- Restart your modem and router by unplugging them for 30 seconds, then plugging them back in — this fixes most connection problems.
- If only one device is disconnected, the problem is usually that device, not Verizon; try forgetting the network and reconnecting.
- Verizon's outage map shows whether service is down in your specific neighborhood, not just your city.
- If you see an outage confirmed in your area, Verizon will text you an estimated repair time once they have one.
Check Verizon's official outage status page
Go to verizon.com/status in a web browser on any device that has internet — a phone on cellular data, a neighbor's WiFi, or a mobile hotspot. Enter your phone number or service address. Verizon will show you whether there is a confirmed outage affecting your location, when it started, and an estimated time for repair.
The status page is more reliable than calling because it shows real-time data and does not depend on reaching a person. If the page itself is down or unreachable, that is itself a sign that Verizon's service in your area may be affected. In that case, try calling 611 from any Verizon phone, or call Verizon customer service at 908-559-4899 from any phone.
Restart your modem and router
Before you assume Verizon is down, restart both pieces of equipment. Unplug your modem (the device that connects to the wall outlet and the cable coming from outside) and your router (the device that broadcasts WiFi) for at least 30 seconds. Plug the modem back in first, wait for all its lights to stop blinking and settle into a steady pattern, then plug the router back in.
This process clears temporary errors that can make it seem like you have no connection when the real problem is a stuck connection state. Most internet problems that look like an outage are actually fixed by this single step. The whole process takes about two minutes and works whether Verizon is down or not.
Test whether the problem is your device or your network
If restarting did not work, check whether the problem affects all your devices or just one. Try connecting a different phone, tablet, or laptop to your WiFi. If the other device connects and works normally, the problem is the first device, not Verizon. If no devices can connect, or if they connect but have no internet, the problem is your router, modem, or Verizon's service.
For a device that will not connect, try "forgetting" the network and reconnecting. On an iPhone, go to Settings > WiFi, tap the network name, and tap "Forget This Network", then select it again and enter the password. On Android, go to Settings > Network & Internet > WiFi, long-press the network name, and tap "Forget". Then reconnect. This clears old connection data that sometimes prevents a device from joining the network.
Check for service alerts in your specific area
Verizon's outage map shows problems down to the neighborhood level, not just the city. When you check verizon.com/status, you will see whether an outage is confirmed in your zip code. If Verizon has identified a problem, they will also show you an estimated repair time and may send you a text message with updates.
If no outage is showing on the status page but you still have no internet, the problem is almost certainly your modem, router, or the line coming into your home. In that case, you will need to contact Verizon support to have a technician check the line or replace equipment. Call 611 from a Verizon phone or 908-559-4899 from any phone.
What to do while you wait for Verizon to fix an outage
If Verizon's status page confirms an outage in your area, there is nothing you can do to restore service yourself — the problem is on Verizon's network, not in your home. The status page will show an estimated repair time. Verizon typically sends text updates as the repair progresses, so check your messages for their updates.
If you need internet while waiting, use cellular data on your phone if you have it, or ask a neighbor or nearby business if you can use their WiFi. Some libraries and coffee shops offer free WiFi and may be open depending on the time of day. If the outage lasts more than a few hours and you are a Verizon customer, you may be able to request a credit to your account after service is restored.
Troubleshooting steps if nothing is working
If you have restarted your equipment, confirmed no outage on Verizon's status page, and still have no internet, check the physical connections. Make sure the cable from the wall outlet is plugged firmly into the back of your modem. Check that the power cable is plugged in and the modem has power (look for lights on the front). If the modem has no lights at all, try plugging it into a different outlet to rule out a dead power outlet.
If the modem has power and lights but you still cannot connect, the modem itself may have failed. Contact Verizon at 611 or 908-559-4899 to report the problem. They can send a replacement modem or schedule a technician visit. If you are renting the modem from Verizon, replacement is usually free. If you own your own modem, you may need to buy a replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if Verizon is down in my area without internet?
Use cellular data on your phone to visit verizon.com/status, or call 611 from any Verizon phone. If you have no cellular data and no other internet source, call Verizon customer service at 908-559-4899 from a landline or ask a neighbor to check the status page for you.
Will Verizon tell me when the outage is fixed?
Verizon sends text messages to customers in the affected area with updates as repairs progress. You will receive a final message when service is restored. You can also check verizon.com/status at any time to see the current status.
What should I do if my modem keeps losing connection even when there is no outage?
Restart the modem by unplugging it for 30 seconds. If it keeps disconnecting after that, the modem may be failing. Contact Verizon to report the issue — they can replace it if it is a rental, or help you troubleshoot if you own it.
Can I get a refund if Verizon is down for several hours?
Verizon does not automatically refund service for outages, but you can request a credit to your account after service is restored. Call customer service or log into your account online to request the credit. The amount varies depending on how long the outage lasted.
Why does my internet work on one device but not another?
The device without internet may have forgotten the WiFi network or have an old password saved. Try forgetting the network and reconnecting with the correct password. If that does not work, restart that device. If only one device is affected, the problem is that device, not Verizon or your router.