Is Your FiOS Streaming Buffering? Do You Have Connection Problems?
You are using Verizon FiOS as your Internet provider – good for you. They have… an average score on Trustpilot. Naturally, there have been a lot of negative reviews for all providers since the coronavirus pandemic. And that’s because as more people work from home, they consume the same bandwidth they previously were using for work as well.
Anyway, when it comes to FiOS streaming problems, the most common symptom is buffering. And, of course, getting a very poor video quality. Even Netflix and YouTube reduced the quality of streaming videos so that Internet bandwidth could be conserved during the Covid-19 outbreak.
So how to fix Verizon FiOS streaming problems? Read this article and find out how to get the best quality videos even on slow and unstable Internet connections.
Should you have a backup 4G, 5G, Starlink, or cable internet connection?
Yes — every internet connection goes down, including Starlink, which drops for ~34 minutes a day on average. A backup connection from a different provider means one outage never takes you fully offline. The most common options are a 4G/5G cellular hotspot, a cable or DSL line, or a second satellite dish.
4G/5G cellular
Works anywhere. Just a SIM or hotspot — no installation needed.
Learn more →Cable / DSL
Best for fixed locations. Different network, so outages rarely overlap.
Learn more →Second Starlink
Adds redundancy and throughput for remote sites or heavy usage.
Learn more →Speedify bonds any two connections into one — automatic failover, more speed, no dropped calls.
Try Speedify free →Why FiOS Streaming Problems Happen
Before we start troubleshooting streaming issues with Verizon FiOS, there are two things you need to check:
- The origin for the FiOS streaming problems. The streaming platform of your choice should be up and running without issues. Check and see if there’s any news of issues for Netflix, Hulu, HBO, Disney+, BBC, etc. If it’s not them, then it’s you.
- The speed of your connection – just run a speed test. Is your Internet bandwidth fast enough, within these recommendations: at least 5 Mbps for a HD quality video / 25 Mbps for an Ultra HD video?
All good with number 1 above? Then it’s you – start troubleshooting.
Solving FiOS Streaming Problems and Avoiding Future Occurences
If your Verizon Internet is to blame about your streaming problems, try using their troubleshooter first. Below is a list of things you should definitely try:
- Reboot your router and the device you’re streaming from (computer, tablet, phone, etc.). Sometimes that’s all you need to do.
- Move closer to the wireless router. Actually, use a wired connection, if available.
- Close any background programs that might be using bandwidth. These include backup programs, social networks, collaboration tools, etc.
- Check to see if there are any other devices on your home network using bandwidth. Maybe your kids are streaming something themselves. Or playing games online.
- Try disabling hardware acceleration in your browser / streaming app’s settings. Certain combinations of devices and streaming platforms may not work well together.
- Do you have a second Internet connection available (e.g. public WiFi, mobile data, backup connection)? Just use that extra connection along with your home Internet simultaneously for faster, more stable Internet. All you need is a channel bonding service like Speedify.
Avoid Verizon FiOS Streaming Issues with Speedify
As a fast bonding VPN, Speedify allows you to combine multiple Internet connections at once. This happens through a VPN-grade encrypted tunnel, so your privacy and data security is protected.
If one of the connections you’re using becomes slower or even disconnects, Speedify will automatically start moving traffic to the other working connection(s). When the initial connection is back, it starts using it again.
And don’t worry – just because it’s also a VPN doesn’t mean you can’t access your favorite streaming platforms. Speedify’s bypass feature allows only trusted traffic from Netflix, HBO, Hulu, Disney+ and more to go around the encrypted tunnel.
We hope to have answered your question on fixing FiOS streaming problems. Next step is for you to try Speedify for free.
Alex and the Speedify team are always exploring the latest in networking and security technology—like 5G, 6G, WiFi 7, laser and satellite internet—and sharing it in new discussion content across YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and LinkedIn every week.
Got a tech question? Let's go deeper! Pop into Speedify Office Hours live every Wednesday at 10 AM Eastern. Speedify CEO Alex Gizis and our network engineers are standing by to break down your questions about networks, tech updates, and Speedify features.
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