How to Reset a Verizon Router

Now that the pandemic has reduced us to working from home, a stable internet connection is vital. That’s where internet routers come in. Verizon routers are known to be the best in dispensing Wi-Fi and are highly recommended for that reason.

However, Verizon routers face problems at times. Their performance may drop a little bit, calling for troubleshooting or repair. In other instances, the problem might be something like a forgotten password, which means you may have to reset it.

If you’d wish to reset your FiOS router to correct performance and connectivity, this article has all the information you need.

Rebooting Vs. resetting; what is the Difference?

There’s a thin line between the meanings of these two terms when it comes to routers.

Rebooting can be thought of as turning your router off, then turning it back on. The router needs to be wholly disconnected from its power source in rebooting. On most occasions, rebooting changes nothing to your router. Rebooting is also known as soft resetting.

Resetting, on the other hand, involves erasing. When you’re erasing your router, you’re simply taking it back to the original state with which you purchased it. Therefore, you expect your network name and password to switch back to their defaults. Resetting your router mostly comes with a loss of information, especially on essential software updates. It would be best if you were sure of resetting your FiOS router when it’s a must that you do it.

If that’s the case, then when should you consider resetting your router?

When should I reset my Verizon Router?

Here are the most common reasons for resetting your FiOS router.

When you’re experiencing consistent connection problems even after troubleshooting and software updates.
When you can’t remember the password to your network
In the event of a malware attack, it is crucial to consider resetting your router.

How to Reset Verizon Router

There are two methods of resetting your Verizon router. They are;

Resetting through the Admin Interface
Resetting by pressing the Reset Button

Resetting your FiOS Router via the Admin Interface

This method is only helpful when you have the password to the admin interface on your router’s network. You also need to know the IP address of the router. Here’s the procedure;

Open your favorite internet browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, etc.)
Navigate to the common IPS site for Verizon routers (http://192.168.1.1)
Log in to your FiOS router using your username and password.
From the interface that shows after logging in, move to the Settings tab. From there, locate the Backup and Restore, then find the Restore Factory Settings section.
You’ll be asked to confirm the Factory reset/restore action. Confirm as needed.
Wait for a while as the router resets and reboots.

The above procedure is only applicable if you have access to your password. If you can’t remember your password, then it’s time to try the other method.

Resetting your FiOS Router via Pressing the Reset Button

This is a pretty straightforward procedure, as you only need to have access to the reset button. You will need a paper clip or any other similar sharp object. However, you might not need these as some Verizon router models have their reset buttons popped up like regular buttons.

Here’s the procedure for performing the reset.

Locate the position of the reset button. In several Verizon routers, the reset button is hidden inside a small hole in the back of the router. However, on others, it comes out like a standard button.

NB: If you can’t seem to find such a button on your Verizon Router, then it might be that the WPS button plays the same role when pressed and held long enough.

Ensure a stable power source powers on your router. Power losses during the reset process may be harmful, though not catastrophic.
Afterward, press the reset/WPS button for around 10 seconds. Let go of the reset button when the LED lights start blinking.
Wait for around a minute or two for the lights to turn on as usual.

After everything comes back to normal, your Verizon router should have undergone a successful reset, back to its factory defaults.

What happens after I reset my Verizon FiOS router?

Few things happen after you reset your Verizon router. They include;

Router Administrator Login – Your previous Username and Password that you used to log in to the router management interface will go back to the default. Therefore, you’ll have to use the original credentials to log in to your admin page.

Wi-Fi Username and Password – Again, both your Wi-Fi ID and Password will be reset. You’ll now have to access the settings panel to rename your Verizon network’s ID and create a new personalized password.

Firewall settings – Any previously modified Firewall settings will be erased. You have to re-configure them according to your choice.

After performing a new settings-personalization, then your Verizon configurations will match those of a new router.

Summary

That’s the general procedure of resetting your Verizon FiOS router. However, there are few things you need to put into mind. One, it’s not healthy to reset your router frequently. It slowly interferes with the overall software configuration of your router. Again, resetting should be done only when necessary. Why? You risk losing a lot of information, especially with the features that come along with software updates. Some problems only require a reboot, so assess if it’s a worthy cause before you reset your router.

Moreover, the cause for a reboot might be solvable through a software update. Constantly check for software updates on your Verizon FiOS router, and install them when possible. If the problem persists, then you may safely result in a reset.

Lastly, always consult your manual for troubleshooting purposes before performing a reset. The manual also outlines the procedure for performing a successful reset.