Fios Home Router FAQs and Troubleshooting

1. My Wi-Fi is On, why doesn't my device see the Wi-Fi network (SSID's)?

Some devices may require updated Wi-Fi drivers to support routers using Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax). Additionally, some devices, like TVs and laptops, might not support the latest Wi-Fi technology used by advanced routers and may need to be disabled. Intel Wireless adapters supporting 802.11ac with older drivers might not display Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) networks. Please visit the following link to verify/update your Wi-Fi drivers: Intel Wireless Driver Support.

2. Do my Wi-Fi drivers on Windows need to be updated to see Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) networks?

Yes, Wi-Fi drivers should always be updated for optimal Wi-Fi performance. In many cases, Wi-Fi drivers are updated automatically with auto updates enabled. Similar to the previous point, Intel Wireless adapters supporting 802.11ac with older drivers might not show Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) networks. Please refer to the Intel support link for driver updates: Intel Wireless Driver Support.

3. What do the Unified Button LED light colors represent?

4. Where can I find my Wi-Fi Name/Password or Admin Name/Password?

Your Wi-Fi name/password or Admin name/password can be found on the rear label of your Fios Home Router. The label typically includes the Wi-Fi Name (SSID), Wi-Fi Password, Admin URL (e.g., myfiosgateway.com), Admin password, Model Number (e.g., G3100), Serial #, WAN MAC address, and hardware revision.

5. Does my Fios Home Router support Self-Organizing Network (SON)?

Yes, SON is supported by default and can be managed within the My Fios app, My Verizon, or directly on the router's interface.

6. What is Self-Organizing Networks (SON)?

Self-Organizing Networks (SON) significantly improves Wi-Fi performance by automatically identifying and resolving Wi-Fi issues. Connected devices will seamlessly switch between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi signals, and between access points if a Fios Home Wi-Fi Extender is added to your network. This technology aims to provide a more stable and efficient Wi-Fi experience.

7. How will SON improve Wi-Fi?

SON improves Wi-Fi by enabling connected devices to seamlessly move between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi signals. If a Fios Home Wi-Fi Extender is paired with a Fios Home Router, devices can also seamlessly transition between access points, ensuring a stronger and more consistent connection throughout your home.

8. Do I have the ability to turn SON off?

Yes, the Wi-Fi SON feature can be disabled. You can manage this setting through the router's GUI or the MyFios App. To disable SON via the MyFios App: Open the MyFios App, navigate to Wi-Fi settings, select Self Organizing Network, and turn SON "Off".

9. Do I have the ability to turn SON on?

Yes, SON can be enabled using the MyFios App. To enable SON via the MyFios App: Open the MyFios App, navigate to Wi-Fi settings, select Self Organizing Network, and turn SON "On".

10. What security modes are supported?

WPA2 is the only encryption mode supported by SON.

11. If I have a 3rd party router (non-Verizon router), can I have SON enabled?

No, SON is exclusively supported on Fios Home Router (G3100) and Fios Home Wi-Fi Extender (E3200). While other extenders might connect to the same network, only Verizon's Fios Home Wi-Fi Extender will support the SON algorithms configured in the Fios Home Router/Fios Home Wi-Fi Extender for Wi-Fi optimization. Other router providers may offer their own SON versions, but these are not compatible with Verizon devices.

12. How do I connect a wireless device to my Fios Home Router?

On your wireless device, access its Wi-Fi settings. Select your Fios Home Router using the Wi-Fi name (also known as wireless network name or ESSID) found on the label on the back panel of your router. Enter the Wi-Fi password (also known as WPA2 key), which is also located on the label. Verizon recommends using a strong, unique password for your Wi-Fi. Instructions on how to change your Wi-Fi password can be found in the "Change Wi-Fi Password" section.

13. How do I set up Guest Wi-Fi on my Fios Home Router?

Set up in the My Fios app: Open the My Fios app, select 'Internet', then under 'My Networks', select your 'Guest Network', and finally select 'Enable Guest Wi-Fi Access'. If you do not have the My Fios app, you can download it.

Set up in My Verizon: Sign in to My Verizon. Hover over 'Services', select 'Internet', then under 'My Networks', select your 'Guest Network', and finally select 'Enable Guest Wi-Fi Access'. If you do not have a My Verizon account, you can register for one.

14. Where can I find the Wi-Fi name and password for my Fios Home Router?

Find in the My Fios App: Open the My Fios app, select 'Internet', then under 'My Networks', the password is listed below each network name. If you do not have the My Fios app, you can download it.

Find in My Verizon: Sign in to My Verizon. Hover over 'Services', select 'Internet', then under 'My Network', the password is listed below each network name. If you do not have an account, you can register for one.

Find on your router: The Wi-Fi password is shown on the label located on the back of your Fios Home Router.

15. How do I connect my Fios Home Router via WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup)?

Your Fios Home Router features a WPS button that allows connection to your Wi-Fi network without manual password entry. If your wireless device supports WPS, consult its manufacturer's user guide for setup and connection instructions. You can manage Wi-Fi settings via the My Fios app or My Verizon.

16. How and where can I manage my Fios Home Router?

Manage your settings in the My Fios App: Open the My Fios app and select 'Internet' from the dashboard. If you do not have the My Fios app, you can download it. Advanced settings can also be managed through the router's interface via your browser.

Manage your settings in My Verizon: Sign in to My Verizon. Hover over 'Services', select 'Internet'. If you do not have an account, you can register for one.

17. What parental controls are available on the Fios Home Router?

Parental controls can be managed through the My Fios App or My Verizon. These features allow you to block Wi-Fi access and schedule when Wi-Fi is available for selected devices. This functionality is also accessible via the router interface. Verizon offers an advanced parental control solution with enhanced security features for your home or business. Learn more and get started using it today on the My Fios app.

Manage your settings in the My Fios App: Open the My Fios app, select 'Internet', then under 'My Networks', select 'Devices & Parental Controls'. If you do not have the My Fios app, you can download it.

Manage your settings in My Verizon: Sign in to My Verizon. Hover over 'Services', select 'Internet', then under 'Manage My Devices', select 'Devices & Parental Controls'. If you do not have an account, you can register for one.

18. How do I connect a device to an Ethernet port on the Fios Home Router?

Connect one end of an Ethernet cable to one of the four yellow Ethernet ports on the back of your router. Connect the other end of the cable to the Ethernet port on your network device.

19. How do I manage my Fios Home Router advanced settings?

Open your web browser and navigate to "myfiosgateway.com" or "192.168.1.1". You will be prompted to enter your username and administrator password. The default username is "admin". The unique default password is provided on the label located on the back of the router.

20. How do I test my internet speed?

Use the Verizon Speed Test tool to test your router and device speeds, and to learn how to optimize your connection. This tool also allows you to measure your network's upload and download speeds.

Test your speed in the My Fios app: Open the My Fios app, select 'Internet', then under 'Wi-Fi Health Check', select 'Speed Test'. If you do not have the My Fios app, you can download it.

Test your speed in My Verizon: Sign in to My Verizon. Select 'Begin Speed Test'. If you do not have an account, you can register for one.

21. Is my Fios Home Router encrypted?

For your protection, your router is factory-preset to use WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access) encryption for your wireless network. This is the strongest setting for most users, providing maximum security. However, it may prevent older devices from connecting. Verizon recommends establishing a strong, unique password for your router. You can change your default password using the My Fios app or by visiting My Verizon.

22. How can I reboot my Fios Home Router?

Press and hold the Unified button on the front of the router for 10 seconds. Allow the router time to connect to the Internet and wait until the Internet light is steady white.

23. How do I reset my Fios Home Router to its factory default settings?

To restore the router to its factory default settings, press and hold the red reset button located on the back of the Fios Home Router for 15 seconds using the pointed end of a paperclip. This action resets your router's username and password to the factory defaults and deletes all custom home network settings, including the ESSID and network encryption key. After resetting, you will need to reconfigure your router and update all network devices with the new settings to regain network access.

24. Do I need to upgrade my Coax wiring in my Home?

The necessity of upgrading your coax wiring depends on the age and condition of the cables. Verizon's Fios Home Router and Fios Home Wi-Fi Extender utilize the latest Coax/MoCA standards, supporting theoretical speeds up to 2.5 Gbps between compatible devices. Outdated or damaged cabling can prevent these higher speeds from being achieved, potentially leading to inferior performance. If your cabling is old or has been used with multiple providers, upgrading your home cabling is recommended for optimal performance.

25. Are there any limitations on what other routers work with the new extender?

Yes, compatibility is limited. Only the Fios Home Wi-Fi Extender (E3200) is compatible with the Fios Home Router (G3100). While other extenders can be added to the same network, only the Fios Home Wi-Fi Extender will support the SON (Self-Organizing Network) algorithms configured in the Fios Home Router/Fios Home Wi-Fi Extender for Wi-Fi network optimization. Other extender brands may offer their own SON features, but these are not compatible with Verizon devices.

26. Does the Unified light on the front of Fios Home Router/ Fios Home Wi-Fi Extender shut off?

No, the router or extender's Unified light never completely shuts off. The LED on the front dims after 20 minutes to minimize lighting but remains on. To restore the light to normal brightness, press the unified button on the front of the device for 2 seconds.

27. Why are my LEDs on the WAN/LAN Ethernet ports off when an Ethernet cable is connected?

After 20 minutes of inactivity, the transmit/receive LEDs on the WAN/LAN Ethernet ports turn off to conserve power and minimize lighting. To turn these lights back on, press the unified button on the front of the device for 2 seconds.