Do you ever find yourself away from your comfy couch, missing out on your favorite Fios TV shows, live sports, or that movie you've been wanting to watch? It's a common dilemma in our on-the-go world! But what if I told you that with a few simple steps, you can take your Verizon Fios TV experience with you, almost anywhere? Yes, it's absolutely possible! This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to watch Verizon Fios away from home, ensuring you never miss a beat. Let's dive in!
Step 1: Get Ready – Your Fios TV Mobile App is Your Best Friend!
First things first, let's get you acquainted with the star of the show: the Verizon Fios TV Mobile app. This isn't just another app; it's your portable Fios TV control center.
Sub-heading 1.1: Why the Fios TV Mobile App?
The Fios TV Mobile app is designed specifically for Fios TV subscribers to extend their home entertainment experience to their mobile devices. It offers a wealth of features, including:
Streaming Live TV: Access a vast selection of your subscribed channels, even when you're not at home.
On Demand Content: Dive into thousands of movies and TV shows from the On Demand library.
DVR Access: Watch your recorded shows from your Multi-Room DVR Enhanced or Premium service. You can even manage your recordings!
Personalized Recommendations: Get suggestions based on your viewing habits.
Intuitive Navigation: Easily find what you want to watch with smart search and categories.
Data-Free Streaming (for Verizon Wireless customers): If you're also a Verizon Wireless postpay 4G LTE customer, you can stream most content data-free (check for state-specific exclusions like California).
Sub-heading 1.2: Checking Device Compatibility
Before you proceed, ensure your device is compatible. The Fios TV Mobile app supports a wide range of mobile devices:
iOS devices: Running iOS 12 and higher.
Android devices: Running Android 5.0 and higher.
Amazon Kindle and Fire devices: Running Android 5.0 and higher.
Chromecast: First Generation, Second Generation, Third Generation, and Ultra
.
Note: Some Android devices with Intel Processors, Blackberry 1, Kindle Gen 1-4, Emulators/Simulators, Android TV, Fire TV, Chromebooks, and Smart TVs are not supported.
Step 2: The Essential Setup – Downloading and Logging In
Now that you know what to expect and have checked compatibility, let's get the app installed and running.
Sub-heading 2.1: Downloading the App
Find your App Store:
For Apple devices, open the App Store.
For Android devices, open the Google Play Store.
For Amazon devices, open the Amazon Appstore.
Search for "Fios TV Mobile": Use the search bar to locate the official Verizon Fios TV Mobile app.
Download and Install: Tap on the "Get" or "Install" button. The app is free to download.
Sub-heading 2.2: Initial Login and Pairing (Important for In-Home Features)
While you can technically log in and start streaming some content right away, to unlock the full potential of the app, especially for accessing your DVR and a wider range of channels, you'll need to do an initial setup while connected to your home Fios Wi-Fi network.
Connect to your Home Fios Wi-Fi: Ensure your mobile device is connected to the Wi-Fi network provided by your Fios Router at home.
Power On Your Set-Top Box: Make sure your Fios TV set-top box is powered on.
Open the Fios TV Mobile App: Launch the app you just downloaded.
Log In: You will be prompted to log in using your Verizon.com username and password. This is the same login you use to manage your Verizon account online.
Allow Permissions: When prompted, allow the Fios TV Mobile app to access your device's photos, media, and files. This is primarily for security certificates, licenses, and downloaded video content for offline viewing.
This initial in-home login helps the app auto-pair with your Fios TV service and enables features like DVR streaming and access to virtually all your channels at home.
Step 3: Unleashing the Power – Watching Away From Home
Once you've completed the initial setup (or even if you're skipping it for now, you'll still have access to many features), you're ready to watch Verizon Fios away from home!
Sub-heading 3.1: Streaming Live TV On-the-Go
Open the Fios TV Mobile App: Launch the app on your mobile device.
Navigate to the "Guide" or "Watch Now" Section:
The "Guide" section provides a familiar TV guide channel lineup, showing what's currently airing and what's coming up. You can often filter by mobile-friendly channels.
The "Watch Now" tab might showcase your favorite shows airing presently.
Select a Channel/Program: Browse through the available channels. Note that while at home you can watch virtually all your channels, away from home, the selection of live channels might be more limited due to content licensing agreements.
Tap to Watch: Simply tap on the program you want to view, and it should begin streaming.
Sub-heading 3.2: Enjoying On Demand Content
Access the "Browse" Section: This section typically organizes content by categories like "Featured," "Shows," "Movies," and "Networks."
Explore or Search: You can browse through the vast On Demand library or use the search function to find a specific title.
Select and Play: Choose your desired movie or show and press the play icon to start watching.
Sub-heading 3.3: Accessing Your DVR Recordings (Requires Multi-Room DVR Enhanced or Premium)
If you have Verizon's Multi-Room DVR Enhanced or Premium service, you're in luck! You can stream your recorded content.
Go to "My Stuff": Within the Fios TV Mobile app, locate the "My Stuff" section.
Select "DVR": Here, you'll see a list of your recorded shows.
Choose a Recording: Select the recording you wish to watch.
Stream: The app will stream the recording to your device.
Important Note on DVR Streaming: There's typically a maximum of 5 combined simultaneous Live TV and/or DVR streams per media server. This means if multiple people are trying to stream from your Fios account at the same time, you might hit a limit.
Sub-heading 3.4: Downloading Content for Offline Viewing
Some On Demand and purchased content can be downloaded to your device for offline viewing. This is perfect for long flights or areas with unreliable internet!
Find Downloadable Content: Look for a download icon (often an arrow pointing down) next to the content title. Not all content is available for download.
Initiate Download: Tap the download icon.
Access Downloads: Once downloaded, you can find this content in the "Downloaded" section within "My Stuff."
Watch Offline: Enjoy your shows even without an internet connection!
Step 4: Troubleshooting Common Issues and Enhancing Your Experience
Even with the best technology, sometimes things don't go as planned. Here are some tips and considerations to ensure a smooth viewing experience away from home.
Sub-heading 4.1: General Troubleshooting Tips
Check Your Internet Connection: A stable internet connection (Wi-Fi or cellular data) is crucial for streaming. If you're on cellular data, ensure you have sufficient data allowance.
Update the App: Make sure your Fios TV Mobile app is updated to the latest version. App updates often include bug fixes and performance improvements.
Restart the App/Device: Sometimes, simply closing and reopening the app, or even restarting your mobile device, can resolve minor glitches.
Clear App Cache/Data: For Android devices, you can try clearing the app's cache or data in your device settings. Be aware that clearing data will require you to log in again.
Verify Login Credentials: Double-check that you're using the correct Verizon.com username and password.
Geographic Restrictions: Remember that some channels and content might have geographic restrictions, meaning they can only be streamed while you are within your home Fios network or within the U.S.
Sub-heading 4.2: Data Usage Considerations
Cellular Data: Streaming video consumes a significant amount of data. If you're not a Verizon Wireless customer with data-free streaming, keep an eye on your data usage to avoid overage charges.
Wi-Fi When Available: Whenever possible, connect to a reliable Wi-Fi network to save your cellular data.
Data-Free Streaming (Verizon Wireless Customers): As mentioned, Verizon Wireless postpay 4G LTE customers often get data-free streaming with the Fios TV Mobile app. However, non-streaming activities (like app downloads, starting the app, or transitioning from Wi-Fi to cellular) will still incur data charges.
Sub-heading 4.3: Understanding the Limitations – What You Might Not Get
While the Fios TV Mobile app is fantastic, it's important to be aware of some limitations when streaming away from home:
Channel Availability: Not all channels available on your home Fios TV service can be streamed away from home due to content rights.
Pay-Per-View (PPV): At this time, PPV events generally cannot be streamed via the Fios TV Mobile app or other mobile devices. They are usually limited to your set-top box.
Sports Blackouts: Due to broadcasting agreements and league rules, certain sporting events may be blacked out in your area, even when using the app.
Sub-heading 4.4: VPNs and Verizon Fios Streaming
While a VPN (Virtual Private Network) can help bypass geo-restrictions for some streaming services and potentially prevent ISP throttling, it's not strictly needed to use the Fios TV Mobile app within the U.S. for its intended out-of-home streaming.
If you are traveling internationally and wish to access your Fios TV content, a VPN could potentially help by making it appear as if you are still in the U.S. However, Verizon might have measures in place to detect and block VPN usage.
For general privacy and security, especially on public Wi-Fi, using a reputable VPN is always a good idea. Some VPNs are known to work well with Verizon Fios to prevent potential throttling.
Step 5: Beyond the App – Other Considerations
While the Fios TV Mobile app is the primary tool, there are other aspects to consider for a complete "away from home" viewing experience.
Sub-heading 5.1: Managing Your Account and Devices
My Verizon App: The My Verizon app (separate from the Fios TV Mobile app) allows you to manage your Verizon account, including viewing data usage, managing your plan, and contacting support. This can be helpful for monitoring your cellular data if you're streaming over it.
Device Management: Within the Fios TV Mobile app's settings, you can often manage your registered devices. This is useful if you hit a device limit or want to transfer viewing rights for purchased content.
Sub-heading 5.2: Casting to a Larger Screen (with Chromecast)
If you're away from home but have access to a TV with a Chromecast, you can cast content from your Fios TV Mobile app to the bigger screen.
Ensure Chromecast Setup: Make sure your Chromecast is set up and connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your mobile device.
Open Fios TV Mobile App: Start playing the content you want to cast.
Tap the Cast Icon: Look for the cast icon (a small rectangle with a Wi-Fi signal) in the app's player.
Select Your Chromecast: Choose your Chromecast device from the list, and your content should begin playing on the TV.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common questions about watching Verizon Fios away from home, with quick answers:
How to watch Fios TV on my laptop or computer away from home?
Currently, the primary way to watch Fios TV away from home is through the Fios TV Mobile app on compatible smartphones and tablets. Direct web browser streaming for out-of-home viewing might be limited or not available for all content.
How to stream recorded Fios TV shows outside my house?
You can stream recorded shows outside your house using the Fios TV Mobile app, provided you have the Multi-Room DVR Enhanced or Premium service. Navigate to the "My Stuff" section and then "DVR" to access your recordings.
How to know which Fios channels I can watch away from home?
The Fios TV Mobile app's guide will typically only display the channels available for out-of-home streaming when you are connected to a network other than your home Fios Wi-Fi. The selection will generally be a subset of your full channel lineup.
How to download Fios content for offline viewing?
Look for a download icon (usually a down arrow) next to On Demand or purchased content within the Fios TV Mobile app. Tap it to download, and then find your downloaded content in the "My Stuff" > "Downloaded" section.
How to avoid data charges while streaming Fios away from home?
If you are a Verizon Wireless postpay 4G LTE customer, much of the streaming on the Fios TV Mobile app is data-free. Otherwise, connect to a Wi-Fi network whenever possible to avoid using your cellular data allowance.
How to troubleshoot Fios TV Mobile app not working away from home?
Check your internet connection, ensure the app is updated, try restarting the app or your device, and verify your Verizon.com login credentials. Some content may have geographic restrictions.
How to use Chromecast with the Fios TV Mobile app away from home?
If you're in a location with a Chromecast device connected to Wi-Fi, open the Fios TV Mobile app, start playing content, and tap the cast icon in the player. Select your Chromecast to send the stream to the TV.
How to manage devices registered to my Fios TV Mobile app?
You can usually manage registered devices and their viewing permissions within the settings section of the Fios TV Mobile app itself.
How to get more channels on the Fios TV Mobile app when away from home?
The availability of channels away from home is determined by content licensing agreements and your Fios TV subscription package. There isn't a direct way to "get more" channels beyond what's offered for out-of-home streaming.
How to watch Fios TV if I'm traveling internationally?
The Fios TV Mobile app is primarily designed for use within the United States. While a VPN might potentially help you access it from international locations by masking your IP address, its effectiveness can vary, and it's not officially supported.
