The Clever Fix
Power cycle your Verizon router by unplugging it from its power source, letting it rest for about 30 seconds, and then plugging it back in.
Why is there a red globe on my Verizon router?
In the world of gadgets, a red light often signals a problem.
So, if you’ve deduced that a red globe indicates an issue, you’re spot on.
The red globe is essentially acting as a beacon for connectivity issues.
But here’s the twist: there are three types of red globes you might encounter on your Verizon router—flashing fast, flashing slow, or steady—and each carries its own meaning.
Understanding this can answer your question, “Why is there a red globe on my Verizon router?”
Let’s decode the three red light indicators:
1. Solid red: This points to a problem with internet connectivity.
2. Slow flashing light (2 times per second): Indicates a gateway issue.
3. Fast flashing light (4 times per second): Suggests the router is overheating.
The light indicator can be really helpful because we can easily determine the fix appropriate to the problem.
If your globe is flashing fast, you know how to handle an overheating device: unplug it, let it cool down, and ensure there are no obstructions blocking the air circulation.
But if your globe is either solid red or flashing slowly (which are the most common occurrences), dive deeper into the fixes below.
Take a minute to do this
Before you invest time and energy into troubleshooting your router, take a minute to verify the Verizon service status.
You can do this by logging into your Verizon account on this page.
If it’s down, no amount of troubleshooting will help.
Your only recourse would be to patiently await the restoration of the service.
If the service status shows no issues, it suggests the problem is unique to your household. That’s your cue to read on and tackle that pesky red globe.
How to fix a red globe on my Verizon router
1. Power cycle the Verizon router
It’s such a simple step, but often overlooked.
Trust me, sometimes all your router needs is a small power down to come back to life.
So, if you haven’t given power cycling a shot, go for it!
Unplug your router for 30 seconds, and see if this simple act brings back your internet.
And if that doesn’t work, don’t worry. We have a few more tricks ready for you!
2. Power cycle the ONT
Did you recently experience a power disruption in your area?
If yes, it might have affected your Optical Network Terminal (ONT)—the device that connects your router to your internet service provider.
The ONT is the box installed outside or inside your house (usually in the garage, closet, or basement).
As the middleman between your Wi-Fi service and the fiber network, the ONT plays a crucial role.
It’s important that the Verizon Fios network maintains steady communication with it.
Before power cycling, you might want to check the light indicators to see if it’s receiving power.
If the ONT isn’t powering up, that’s the problem!
Ensure it’s properly plugged into the power socket.
If it’s plugged in but still not powering up, it’s time to reach out to Verizon. Go straight to 4. Contact Verizon technical support for Verizon’s contact information.
However, if the ONT is powered up, give it a power cycle.
Unplug the ONT from its power source for about 3 minutes.
Alternatively, you can press the Alarm Silence button on the battery backup for 15-30 seconds until it reboots.
Usually, this alone resolves the issue. Give it a few minutes and see if the red globe on your router turns white.
3. Check the cables
It’s natural to assume that the problem is with the router since that’s what is giving you the red light.
But it’s also possible that the router is just communicating the problem and other hardware is causing the red globe.
You wouldn’t believe how many owners have discovered that simple cable placement affected the whole network.
The issue can lie with the cables rather than the router. Any damage, however slight, can affect network connectivity.
Check if the cables are damaged, loosely plugged in, or have been bent or twisted. Unplugging and replugging can also help ensure a proper connection.
If you find any damage, you might need to replace the cable or have a technician replace it for you.
4. Factory reset the Verizon router
If your cables are in good shape and the ONT refresh didn’t help, we get back to the Verizon router.
It might need more than a power refresh—like a factory reset.
Keep in mind, a factory reset will erase all existing settings, including the username, password, network name, and Wi-Fi password.
Post-reset, you’ll need to reconfigure your router using your My Verizon account or the Fios app.
To reset the router, look for a small button with “reset” on it and press it using a paperclip for 30 seconds.
Alternatively, you can reset the Verizon router through the settings. Here’s how:
- On your phone, go to your router’s GUI (go to this page or 192.168.1.1).
- Navigate to Advanced Settings > Utilities > Save & Restore > Factory Default > Restore Configuration.
This should work if the problem is with the router.
There’s nothing that a factory reset can’t clean up. All glitches and system errors that may have caused the red globe should be gone by now.
A refresher on the setup process of the Verizon router
You might have forgotten the setup process if it’s been ages since you last did it.
Let me refresh your memory with this guide.
There are three ways to set up your network: using the router label, through the My Verizon Page, or using the My Fios app.
Using the router label
- Type 192.168.1.1 in your browser.
- Sign in to your router (admin is the default username. The default password is on the router label.)
- Follow the on-screen instructions in your router’s user guide for setting up the network.
Through the My Verizon page
- Go to Verizon website and sign in to My Account.
- Change the Wi-Fi name and password by going to Services > Internet > My Network > (select the network) > Manage > (enter new credentials).
- Continue configuring your network to your preferred settings.
Using the My Fios app
- Change Wi-Fi name and password by navigating to Internet > My Network > (select the network) > Edit > (enter new credentials).
- Continue configuring your network to your preferred settings.
How to know if the Verizon router is deteriorating?
First, don’t jump to conclusions that your Verizon router is beyond repair.
Before shelling out for a replacement, it’s wise to seek Verizon’s professional opinion.
Consider these signs that your router may be on its last leg:
- Intermittent connection problems
- Slow internet speed
- Unusual light indicator behavior (constant change or flickering of light indicator)
- Overheating
5. Consult Verizon technical support
If you’ve tried everything and you’re still stuck with a red globe, it’s time to reach out to Verizon technical support.
They can check your connection on their end.
You can call them at 1-800-837-4966, message them on their facebook account (available 24/7), or request them to call you through this page.
Wrapping up
Minute-long internet downtimes are not surprising. However, when half an hour or an hour goes by, it’s worth investigating.
Seeing that red globe immediately signals a problem.
Quick tip: Check for system outages first before diving into troubleshooting.
If there’s no outage, power cycle your router.
If that doesn’t work, here are some more steps you can take:
- Power cycle the ONT.
- Check the cables.
- Factory reset the Verizon router.
- Consult Verizon technical support.
Avoid rushing into buying replacement cables or a new router unless Verizon technical support recommends it.
Sometimes, resetting the connection on Verizon’s end is all you need.