Is Verizon Internet Down? How to Check for Outages and Get Back Online

Sam Watanuki / Updated Jan 22, 2026 | Pub. Jan 23, 2026

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When your internet connection suddenly drops, is the problem with your equipment, or is there a larger Verizon internet outage affecting your area? It’s often hard to know in the moment.

Verizon serves millions of customers across multiple service types, including Fios fiber, 5G Home Internet, LTE Home Internet, and legacy DSL connections, making it one of the largest internet providers in the United States [1]. Understanding how to quickly diagnose connection issues and determine whether you’re experiencing a localized problem or a widespread outage can save you hours of frustration.

Internet reliability has become even more important as more Americans work from home, attend virtual school, and rely on streaming services for entertainment. According to the Federal Communications Commission’s 2024 Broadband Report, the average American household now uses approximately 586 GB of data per month [2], making stable internet connectivity more essential than ever. When outages occur, they can disrupt work, education, and daily life, which is why knowing how to respond quickly matters.

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How Do I Know If Verizon Internet Is Down in My Area?

Before assuming you’re caught in a Verizon internet outage, you should first rule out issues with your home network. Start by checking your wireless gateway, which is the combined router and modem that Verizon provides for Fios and 5G Home Internet customers. A steady white light indicates normal operation, while a blinking white light means the system is initializing. An amber or red light signals a connection problem that could indicate either equipment issues or a broader outage.

Try connecting to the internet using multiple devices throughout your home. If none of your devices can connect (including smartphones, computers, tablets, and smart TVs) the problem likely extends beyond a single device. Next, unplug your gateway, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. This simple reboot resolves many temporary connectivity issues and typically takes about 10 minutes to fully complete.

If basic troubleshooting doesn’t restore your connection, check Verizon’s official outage reporting tools. For Fios customers, visit the Verizon Fios service outage page on their website [3]. For 5G and LTE Home Internet customers (which run on Verizon’s mobile network), check the network status page designed for mobile services. You can also use the My Verizon app, which often displays service alerts and outage notifications specific to your account and location.

Third-party outage tracking websites like Downdetector aggregate user reports in real-time, providing a crowdsourced view of potential service disruptions [4]. These platforms display outage maps showing the geographic concentration of reported problems, helping you determine whether issues are widespread or isolated to your neighborhood. Social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter), can also serve as valuable resources. Check Verizon’s official support accounts or search for recent mentions of outages in your city.

What Causes Verizon Internet Outages?

Internet outages stem from various sources, ranging from routine maintenance to unexpected infrastructure failures. Network maintenance is one of the most common causes of planned outages [5]. Verizon regularly upgrades its fiber-optic networks, cell towers, and switching equipment to improve performance and capacity. These scheduled maintenance windows typically occur during late-night hours to minimize customer impact, though customers should receive advance notification through email or text message.

Weather events significantly impact internet infrastructure, particularly for wireless services like Verizon’s 5G and LTE Home Internet. Severe storms can damage cell towers, while heavy rain or snow can interfere with wireless signals. Fiber-optic cables, while generally more reliable than copper lines, can be damaged by flooding, falling trees, or construction accidents. The infrastructure supporting DSL connections (Verizon’s oldest technology) is especially vulnerable to weather-related damage since it relies on aging copper telephone lines.

Equipment failures at data centers, central offices, or network hubs can affect thousands of customers simultaneously. Power outages at these facilities can disrupt service even if your home has electricity, though critical infrastructure typically includes backup generators. Cybersecurity incidents, while less common, have occasionally impacted major telecommunications providers.

The January 2026 Verizon mobile network outage [6], which affected customers for several hours nationwide, demonstrated how software glitches or configuration errors can cause widespread disruptions even without physical infrastructure damage.

How Do Different Verizon Services Compare for Reliability?

The reliability of your Verizon internet service depends significantly on which technology you’re using. Verizon Fios, the company’s fiber-optic service, consistently ranks as one of the most reliable internet options available. Fiber-optic cables transmit data using light signals, making them immune to electromagnetic interference and less susceptible to weather-related degradation than copper wiring.

Verizon 5G and LTE Home Internet services offer strong reliability for fixed wireless internet, though performance varies based on your distance from cell towers and local network congestion. That said, fixed wireless internet has evolved significantly since Verizon launched its 5G Home Internet service in 2018 [7], with continuous improvements to tower infrastructure and signal processing technology enhancing reliability.

DSL service, which Verizon no longer offers to new customers, is a legacy service that runs over copper telephone lines originally designed for voice calls, not high-speed data transmission. If you’re currently using Verizon DSL and experiencing frequent problems, exploring alternative options makes practical sense.

What Should I Do During a Verizon Internet Outage?

When you’ve confirmed you’re experiencing a genuine Verizon internet outage rather than a local equipment problem, contact Verizon customer support to report the issue and receive estimated restoration times. For Fios customers, call 1-800-VERIZON (1-800-837-4966). For 5G, LTE, or mobile-related internet issues, call 1-800-922-0204. Be prepared to provide your account information and a description of the problem you’re experiencing.

Document the outage by noting the start time, duration, and any error messages you encounter. While Verizon doesn’t have a standard policy of providing refunds for service interruptions, the company has occasionally offered credits for major outages. Following the January 2026 nationwide mobile network disruption, Verizon proactively offered $20 credits to affected customers, redeemable through the My Verizon app [8].

Consider maintaining a backup internet option for critical connectivity needs. Many smartphone plans include mobile hotspot capability, allowing you to temporarily connect laptops or other devices to cellular data during home internet outages. Some professionals who work from home maintain relationships with multiple internet providers or keep a separate mobile hotspot device for emergencies.

When Should You Compare Internet Providers?

If you’re experiencing frequent Verizon internet outages or persistent reliability issues, it may be time to compare internet providers in your area. The internet service market has become increasingly competitive, with fiber providers expanding into new territories and fixed wireless options from companies like T-Mobile offering alternatives to traditional cable and DSL services.

Start your internet comparison by identifying which best internet providers serve your specific address. Availability varies dramatically even within the same city, as infrastructure deployment depends on complex economic and technical factors. When you compare internet plans, evaluate not just advertised speeds, but also reliability ratings, customer service reputation, and contract requirements.

Internet prices have remained relatively stable over the past several years, even as speeds have increased dramatically. When comparing options, calculate the true monthly cost including equipment rental fees, installation charges, and any price increases after promotional periods end.

The best internet in your area depends on your specific needs and which technologies are available at your address. Fiber-optic services like Verizon Fios typically offer the best combination of speed, reliability, and value in areas where they’re available. Cable internet provides strong performance in many markets, while 5G home internet has emerged as a competitive option for customers within range of upgraded cell towers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Verizon offer refunds for internet outages?

Verizon doesn’t maintain a standard refund policy for service outages. However, the company has provided credits following major disruptions, such as the January 2026 nationwide mobile outage when affected customers received $20 credits. For persistent issues, contact customer service to discuss potential account credits or service adjustments.

Can I use Verizon Fios internet when the power is out?

Verizon Fios requires electricity to operate, as both your home’s optical network terminal and wireless gateway need power. During electrical outages, Fios internet service will not function unless you have a backup battery system or generator. Verizon previously provided backup batteries for voice service but has largely phased out this program.

How long do Verizon internet outages typically last?

Most Verizon outages resolve within one to four hours. Brief interruptions lasting just minutes often result from automatic network switching or minor equipment resets. Extended outages from severe weather or infrastructure damage can last 12-48 hours, though Verizon typically provides estimated restoration times through its customer service channels and outage reporting systems.

Is Verizon 5G Home Internet reliable enough for working from home?

Verizon 5G Home Internet provides sufficient reliability for most remote work applications, with approximately 84% of customers reporting satisfactory performance. However, reliability depends heavily on signal strength at your location and local network congestion. If you require mission-critical connectivity, consider fiber-optic service or maintaining a backup connection option through a mobile hotspot.