There's nothing more frustrating than not being able to watch your favorite show or program just because your Verizon router keeps disconnecting and then reconnecting.
I often hear this complaint from my readers and decided to look into the matter. Keep reading to find out what I found.
Why does the Verizon Fios router keep disconnecting?
The most common reason for bypassing your router is an incorrect cable connection. If the cable leading to your router box is not inserted correctly, the router will continue to disconnect.
The second reason is a software glitch that may occur in your router and prevent it from keeping the connection stable. This can usually be fixed with a simple router reset.
Your router may be missing an important software/firmware update. This can also cause problems.
Other reasons may include weak Wi-Fi signal, too many devices connected to the same Wi-Fi network, signal path obstructions, inappropriate router resources, internal programming issues.
The final reason is that you simply have a faulty router or there is a problem with the Verizon service itself.
In this case, there is obviously nothing you can do other than call Verizon and ask for help.
How do I stop a Verizon router from going offline?
Now you know some of the possible reasons why your router keeps disconnecting. Here are the most effective ways I have found to help you fix this problem and get a stable internet connection.
1. Disconnect/reconnect the cable
As mentioned earlier, this is the most common Wi-Fi disconnection issue. Sometimes cables plugged into your router can come loose or become dirty or dusty.
This will prevent the router from booting up and transmitting signals correctly.
To check the cables:
- Disconnect all cables, check if they are damaged or dirty.
- Blow into the router port to remove dust.
- Clean or replace the cable if you detect a broken or burnt cable.
- Gently put it back in place, then turn on your router and see if the connection becomes stable.
If you have a backup Ethernet, coaxial ou power cable at home, you can try swapping them out and see if that helps with the red globe problem.
You can even try borrowing one from a friend or neighbor to test the theory.
2. Restart the router
Then try restarting the device. I highly recommend this method because chances are you won't have to do anything other than check the cable to get the router to stop disconnecting.
To restart your Verizon router:
- Switch off ce routers unplugging it from Resource.
- Wait around 30-60 s.
- Plug routers come back Resource.
- Wait for the router to boot.
A solid white light will indicate there is a connection and everything is working properly.
3. Use an Ethernet cable
In this step, you need to use an Ethernet cable to connect directly to the Internet. This method is good for two reasons.
First, you will most likely get a stable internet connection because Ethernet cables are the most reliable way to transfer signals.
Second, you will be able to find out if your router is the problem by following this step. If you can access the Internet via an Ethernet cable, it means that your router is faulty and cannot transmit wireless signals correctly.
Contact Verizon to diagnose the problem and repair your router.
I also recommend testing your Wi-Fi signal strength and trying to move the router closer to your other devices.
4. Overloaded Wi-Fi channels
This is especially true for those of you who live in densely populated areas or apartment buildings where Wi-Fi signals can easily overlap and cause connection drops.
To fix this, go to your router and change your Wi-Fi channel to see if that fixes your disconnected internet connection. You can usually find this setting under the tab titled "Wireless" ou"Wireless."
Use any channel other than the default or "auto" channel and try setting a higher channel (if it's 1, change it to 2, and so on), and if that doesn't work, try another channel. Play by channel and find the channel that suits you best.
5. Free up bandwidth
If you have multiple devices connected to your router, try temporarily disconnecting some of them from the Wi-Fi network to stabilize your Wi-Fi connection.
This way, you will be able to see if the situation is improving. If so, you may need to consider upgrading your internet plan.
I would also suggest reconnecting your devices to the router one at a time, as either can cause connection issues as well.
6. Check for software updates
If your router still disconnects, the next step is to check the firmware of the router. It is possible that the firmware update was not installed correctly.
To check for software updates on your Verizon router:
- Enter the router Web admin GUI.
- Click on System settings.
- Click on Check for software updates.
- If a new firmware version is available, download and install it.
Once the firmware is updated, restart your router and check if it works as it should.
7. Check Power
If that doesn't work, check that the power supply is plugged in and working properly.
Your router may not be getting enough power, causing it to disconnect.
Try using a different power outlet. If you are using a surge protector, plug the router into a power outlet.
8. Troubleshoot streaming devices
We have provided you with some steps to troubleshoot the Verizon router itself. Before moving on to factory reset, there is one last thing I want you to try.
You need to reset the device on which you are trying to use the internet. Chances are it's your PC, TV, or smartphone. Turn it off, wait about a minute, then turn it back on.
Just like routers, check for pending software/firmware updates and make sure your streaming device is properly updated.
If you are having the problem only on your PC/laptop, update your antivirus software or disable it temporarily, update the network card driver, remove and re-add the wireless network, and reset the network settings.
9. Reset the router to factory settings
If you have tried all the above and still facing this problem with Verizon router, the last step is to reset the router to factory settings.
This will remove all of your custom settings, so be sure to back up any important data before proceeding.
Verizon routers usually have a one-click factory reset button.
To reset your Verizon router via pinhole reset:
- Find a paper clip or similar object.
- Press and hold the reset button on the back of the router for about 10-15 seconds.
- After a few minutes, your router will reboot and reestablish your connection.
After the router resets, try connecting to the internet again.
10. Call Verizon
If a factory reset doesn't stop your router from shutting down, the only thing you can do is contact Verizon to clarify the situation. You can call 1-800-VERIZON to contact them.
They can do some testing on their end to further determine what the problem is and send one of their engineers to you for further examination.
Conclusion
In short, I have listed the most effective tips to help you if your Verizon router keeps disconnecting and disconnecting frequently.
Check the cables first, then restart your router, check for software/firmware updates, make sure the Wi-Fi channel is not too congested, reset your streaming device . If nothing else works, factory reset your router and contact Verizon for assistance.