If your Verizon internet is slow, dropping connection, or not working at all, knowing how to properly reset your Verizon Fios router can be the key to getting back online. The factory reset button on a Verizon Fios router is a small, recessed button, typically found on the back of the device. Performing a hard reset on your Verizon router involves pressing this button with a paperclip for about 10-15 seconds, which erases all custom settings and restores the device to its original state.
However, the term “reset” can mean two very different things. This definitive guide will explain everything you need to know about how to reset your Verizon router. We’ll cover the crucial difference between a simple reboot and a full factory reset, provide step-by-step instructions for both, and walk you through getting your network back up and running, ensuring you can solve your internet problems quickly and without hassle.
Reboot vs. Factory Reset: What’s the Difference?
Before you reset your Fios router, it’s critical to understand the difference between a reboot (or soft reset) and a factory reset (or hard reset). Choosing the wrong one can mean the difference between a quick 2-minute fix and a much longer process of reconfiguring your entire home network.
The Simple Reboot (Soft Reset)
A reboot, also called a power cycle or a soft reset, is simply turning your router off and then on again. This action clears the router’s temporary memory (RAM), which can fix a host of common problems like slow Wi-Fi, random disconnects, or a single device that won’t connect. A reboot is your safest first step in troubleshooting.
Crucially, a simple reboot does not erase any of your settings. Your Wi-Fi network name (SSID), password, and any custom configurations like parental controls or port forwarding will remain completely intact. This is the best place to start when you need to restart your Verizon Fios router.
The Factory Reset (Hard Reset)
A factory reset on a Verizon router is the “nuclear option.” This process completely wipes all your personalized settings and restores the router to the exact state it was in when it came out of the box. A hard reset of your Verizon router should only be performed for persistent, serious issues that a reboot can’t fix, or if you’ve forgotten the administrator password and can no longer access the router’s settings.
Performing a Verizon Fios router reset of this kind means you will lose:
- Your custom Wi-Fi Name (SSID) and Password
- The administrator password used to log into the router’s settings
- Any advanced configurations you have set up
After a factory reset, you will have to set up your network from scratch and reconnect every single device in your home. This is why it should always be your last resort.
The Definitive Guide: How to Reset a Verizon Fios Router
When a reset is necessary, you have two main options. The first method, using the physical button, works for all models.
Method 1: Using the Physical Verizon Router Reset Button
This is the universal method for a Verizon wireless router reset and is your only option if you’ve forgotten your admin password.
- Step 1: Find the Reset Button. First, you need to know where the factory reset button is on your Verizon Fios router. Look on the back or bottom panel for a small pinhole. The button is recessed inside to prevent you from pressing it by accident. You will need a paperclip or a similar thin object to press it.
- Step 2: Press and Hold the Button. With the router powered on, insert the paperclip into the pinhole and press and hold the button. You must hold it for 10 to 15 seconds to trigger the factory reset. Be precise—on some newer models, holding it for only 3 seconds will just perform a simple reboot.
- Step 3: Wait for the Router to Restart. After holding the button for the correct duration, release it. The router’s lights will flash, and the device will begin its reboot sequence. This process can take anywhere from 3 to 10 minutes. Do not unplug the router during this time. The resetting of your Verizon router is complete when the main status light turns solid white or green.
Method 2: Resetting Through the Admin Interface
For some newer models, you can initiate a Fios router reset from the web interface, but you must know the admin password to log in.
- Step 1: Log In. Connect a computer to your network and open a web browser. Go to 192.168.1.1 or myfiosgateway.com. Log in with your administrator password (this is on the sticker on your router if you haven’t changed it).
- Step 2: Find the Reset Option. Once logged in, navigate to the “Advanced” or “Administration” section. Look for a submenu called “Utilities” or “System.”
- Step 3: Initiate the Factory Reset. Click on the option labeled “Factory Reset” or “Restore Factory Defaults.” Confirm your choice, and the router will begin the reset process automatically.
What to Do After a Factory Reset
Successfully resetting your Verizon Fios router is only half the battle. Now you need to reconfigure your network.
- Connect with an Ethernet Cable: Since your Wi-Fi network is gone, plug a laptop directly into one of the yellow LAN ports on the back of the router.
- Find Your Default Credentials: Look at the sticker on your router. It will list the Default Wi-Fi Name (SSID) and Default Wi-Fi Password. It will also have the Admin Password you need for the next step.
- Log In and Set Up Your New Network: In your web browser, go to 192.168.1.1. Log in using the default admin password from the sticker. The setup wizard should start automatically. Follow the prompts to create a new, secure Wi-Fi name and password. This is also the perfect time to change your admin password for better security.
- Reconnect All Your Devices: Once your new Wi-Fi network is active, you must go to every wireless device in your home—phones, laptops, smart TVs, cameras, etc.—and connect them to the new network using the new password you just created.
How to Reset Your Verizon Router Password
Forgetting a password is a common issue. The solution depends on which password you forgot.
If You Forgot Your Wi-Fi Password
If you need to perform a Verizon Fios password reset for your Wi-Fi, you do not need to reset the whole router. You can easily view or change your Wi-Fi password using:
- The My Fios App on your smartphone.
- The My Verizon website by logging into your account.
- Your Fios TV box, which can display your Wi-Fi info on the screen.
If You Forgot Your Router’s Admin Password
If you’ve forgotten the password to log into the router’s settings at 192.168.1.1, you have only one option. For security reasons, there is no way to recover a lost custom admin password. You must perform a factory reset using the physical reset button. This will revert the admin password to the default one printed on the sticker, allowing you to log in and set up the router again.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Question 1: How do you reset a Verizon router? To perform a simple reboot, just unplug the router’s power cord for 60 seconds and plug it back in. For a full factory reset, press and hold the recessed reset button on the back of the router with a paperclip for 10-15 seconds until the lights flash.
Question 2: How long does it take to reset a Verizon router? A simple reboot takes about 2-5 minutes. A full factory reset takes 5-10 minutes for the device to restart, plus an additional 15-30 minutes or more to reconfigure your network settings and reconnect all of your devices.
Question 3: What is the default password after a Verizon router reset? After a factory reset, both the Wi-Fi password and the admin password revert to the defaults printed on the sticker on the back or bottom of your router. The default username is typically “admin.”
Question 4: Will resetting my router affect my Fios TV service? Yes, temporarily. Your Fios TV set-top boxes need an internet connection to download guide data and access on-demand content. Service will be interrupted during the reset but should return automatically once the internet is back online. If a TV box doesn’t reconnect, simply rebooting the box itself usually fixes the issue.
Conclusion
Troubleshooting your Verizon Fios router doesn’t have to be a headache. For most everyday issues like slow speeds or connection drops, a simple reboot is the quickest and easiest solution. You should only perform a full factory reset of your Verizon router as a last resort for more severe problems or when you’re locked out of the admin settings. By understanding the difference and following these steps, you can confidently manage your home network and resolve most internet issues on your own.
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