Verizon FiOS uses fiber optic internet, which means your setup has two key devices: the ONT (Optical Network Terminal — converts fiber to Ethernet) and the router (G3100, G1100, or your own). When FiOS stops working, you need to check both.
Fix 1: Restart the ONT First
- Find your ONT box (basement, garage, or outside on the wall)
- Unplug ONT power cord
- Wait 30 seconds
- Plug back in — wait 3-5 minutes
- Then restart router — wait 2 minutes
- Test internet
Fix 2: Check ONT-to-Router Cable
Make sure the Ethernet cable from ONT → router's WAN port is secure on both ends. FiOS typically uses a Cat5e or Cat6 Ethernet cable. Try a different cable if available. If the ONT uses coax instead of Ethernet, your setup may be older — call Verizon to switch to Ethernet output.
Fix 3: Check for Verizon Outage
Check the My Verizon app or visit verizon.com/support on your phone. Also check downdetector.com/status/verizon-fios. If there's an outage in your area, wait for Verizon to fix it.
Fix 4: Reset the Router
Factory reset: hold the red reset button on the back of the G3100 for 10 seconds. Reconfigure via My Verizon app or log into 192.168.1.1 (admin / password on label). This clears corrupted settings.
Fix 5: Update Firmware
Verizon pushes firmware updates automatically, but sometimes they get stuck. In router admin (192.168.1.1), check for firmware updates. You can also force a firmware check via the My Verizon app → Manage Router.
Fix 6: Change DNS
On your device, set DNS to 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 to bypass Verizon's DNS. This fixes "connected but nothing loads" issues.
Fix 7: Contact Verizon Support
Call 1-800-VERIZON (1-800-837-4966). They can: reset your ONT remotely, check fiber signal levels, reprovision your router, and schedule a technician if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Verizon FiOS router not working?
Top causes: (1) ONT (Optical Network Terminal) needs restarting, (2) Ethernet cable from ONT to router loose, (3) Router firmware needs update, (4) Verizon outage, (5) Router overheating, (6) DNS issue. Always restart the ONT first before troubleshooting the router.
How do I restart my Verizon FiOS ONT?
Find the ONT box (usually in basement, garage, or outside). Unplug the power cord from the ONT. Wait 30 seconds. Plug it back in. Wait 3-5 minutes for all lights to come on. Then restart your router. The ONT is the device that converts fiber optic to Ethernet.
What do the lights on Verizon G3100 router mean?
Solid White: connected and working. Blinking White: booting up. Solid Blue: WPS pairing mode. Solid Yellow: no internet. Blinking Yellow: starting up / connecting. Solid Red: hardware error. If stuck on yellow, restart ONT first, then router.
Verizon FiOS internet but no WiFi — how to fix?
If Ethernet works but WiFi doesn't: (1) Check if WiFi is enabled in My Verizon app or router admin, (2) Restart the router, (3) Check if WiFi bands are disabled (separate 2.4GHz and 5GHz may be individually off), (4) Factory reset router and set up WiFi again, (5) Check for interference.
How do I use my own router with Verizon FiOS?
Connect your router's WAN port directly to the ONT via Ethernet. Set DHCP/Automatic IP. Release and renew IP from your router's WAN settings. You may need to call Verizon to switch the ONT from coax to Ethernet output if it was configured for the old setup. Your own router bypasses the G3100.
FiOS Still Down?
Our technicians can help troubleshoot Verizon FiOS remotely.