Ever find yourself away from home, maybe on vacation, at a friend's house, or just commuting, and suddenly a show you love is on Fios TV? Or perhaps you realize you forgot to record that crucial episode? Don't despair! Verizon Fios understands the need for entertainment on the go, and with the right tools and knowledge, you can absolutely watch your Fios TV content even when you're away from your living room.
Are you ready to unlock the freedom of watching Fios TV wherever you are? Let's dive into the step-by-step guide!
How to Watch Verizon Fios Away From Home: Your Complete Guide
Watching Fios TV outside your home is primarily made possible through the Fios TV Mobile app. This app transforms your smartphone, tablet, or even certain streaming devices into a portable Fios TV viewer, giving you access to live channels, On Demand content, and even your DVR recordings.
Step 1: Get Ready to Stream – Download the Fios TV Mobile App!
First things first, you need the right tool for the job!
Sub-heading: Check Device Compatibility
Before you download, ensure your device is compatible. The Fios TV Mobile app generally supports:
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.
Note: Some older devices or those with Intel processors on Android might not be supported. Also, emulators, simulators, Android TV, Fire TV, Chromebooks, and Smart TVs are generally not supported for direct app use, though some streaming devices can be used with specific Fios TV apps for in-home viewing (more on that later).
Sub-heading: Where to Download
Head over to your device's app store:
For Apple devices (iPhone, iPad): Search for "Fios TV Mobile" in the App Store.
For Android devices: Search for "Fios TV Mobile" in the Google Play Store.
For Amazon devices: Search for "Fios TV Mobile" in the Amazon Appstore.
Download and install the app. You might be prompted to allow the app to access photos, media, and files; it primarily uses file storage for security certificates, licenses, and downloaded video content for offline viewing.
Step 2: Establish Your Connection – Log In and Pair (If Necessary)
Once the app is installed, it's time to connect it to your Fios service.
Sub-heading: Initial Log-in
Open the Fios TV Mobile app.
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 Fios account.
Sub-heading: In-Home Pairing for Full Access (Crucial for DVR)
For the most comprehensive "away from home" experience, especially if you want to stream your DVR recordings, your mobile device needs to be "paired" with your Fios TV Media Server (VMS) or Fios TV One set-top box. This is typically an automatic process that happens when you first use the app at home.
Ensure your Fios Router is powered on.
Connect your mobile device to your home Fios Wi-Fi network. This is a critical step for initial pairing and for the app to recognize your "in-home" status.
Ensure your Fios set-top box (VMS or Fios TV One) is powered on.
Open and log in to the Fios TV Mobile app while connected to your Fios home Wi-Fi. The app should automatically "auto-pair" with your VMS. You may need to refresh your library or re-enter the app for the full features to appear.
Important Note: Each device you want to use for streaming Fios TV away from home will need to complete this in-home pairing process at least once. If you encounter issues later and the app thinks you're "Out of Home" even when you're at home, ensure your device is connected to your Fios Wi-Fi router, location services are enabled for the app, and try rebooting your router and device.
Step 3: Explore Your Viewing Options Away From Home
Now that you're set up, let's explore what you can watch when you're not at your Fios home.
Sub-heading: Live TV Streaming
The Fios TV Mobile app allows you to stream a significant number of live TV channels even when you're away from home. While you can watch virtually all your subscribed channels at home, the selection available out of home is often a subset due to programming rights and restrictions. However, it typically includes many popular channels.
To access live TV: Navigate to the "TV Listings" tab or the "Watch Now" section within the app.
Sub-heading: On Demand Content
Verizon Fios offers a vast library of On Demand titles, and a large portion of these are accessible through the Fios TV Mobile app. This includes:
Thousands of free On Demand titles included with your Fios TV package.
Access to content from premium channels (like HBO, Showtime, Cinemax) if you're subscribed to them.
The ability to rent or purchase movies and shows.
To find On Demand content: Look for the "On Demand" section, the "Browse" sections, or use the search function within the app. Purchased or rented content can usually be found under "My Stuff > Purchased."
Sub-heading: DVR Recordings (Enhanced/Premium DVR Required)
This is where the true freedom of "away from home" viewing shines! If you have Fios Multi-Room DVR Enhanced or Premium Service, you can stream most of your recorded shows directly from your Fios DVR to your mobile device.
To stream DVR recordings:
Open the Fios TV Mobile app.
Go to the "DVR" section.
Select "Filter" or "DVR location" to find your recorded programs.
Important Considerations for DVR Streaming:
Not all recorded content may be available for streaming away from home due to programming contract restrictions.
Your Fios Media Server needs to be online and accessible for streaming recordings.
You need an active Internet connection (Wi-Fi or cellular data) to stream recordings.
Sub-heading: Downloading Content for Offline Viewing
One of the most convenient features for travel is the ability to download select content to your device for offline viewing. This is perfect for flights, areas with no internet, or to save on mobile data. Look for a download icon next to eligible content.
Sub-heading: Data-Free Streaming (Verizon Wireless Customers)
If you are a Verizon Wireless customer with a postpay 4G LTE service (and not in California), you can often stream content through the Fios TV Mobile app data-free. This means it won't count against your mobile data allowance. However, non-streaming activity and app diagnostics (like app downloads, starting/restarting the app, transitioning from Wi-Fi to 4G LTE) may still incur data charges.
Step 4: Troubleshooting Tips for Smooth Streaming
Even with the best setup, sometimes you might encounter a hitch. Here are some common troubleshooting tips:
Sub-heading: "Out of Home" Error
If the app tells you you're "Out of Home" even when you believe you should have full access (especially for in-home channels or DVR), try these:
Verify Wi-Fi Connection: Ensure your device is truly connected to your Fios home Wi-Fi network (the one from your Fios router).
Location Services: Check that location services are enabled for the Fios TV Mobile app on your device.
Reboot: Try rebooting your Fios router and then your mobile device.
Reinstall App: As a last resort, try deleting and reinstalling the Fios TV Mobile app, then go through the in-home pairing process again.
VPN: If you're using a VPN on your device or network, it might interfere. Try temporarily disabling it.
Sub-heading: Streaming Quality Issues
Internet Speed: Ensure you have a stable and fast internet connection (Wi-Fi or cellular data) wherever you are. A weak signal will lead to buffering or lower quality.
Close Other Apps: Close any other apps running in the background on your device that might be consuming bandwidth.
Device Performance: Older devices might struggle with high-definition streaming.
Sub-heading: Missing Channels or Content
In-Home vs. Out-of-Home Rights: Remember that not all channels available at home are available for out-of-home streaming due to content licensing agreements.
DVR Service Tier: Ensure you have Fios Multi-Room DVR Enhanced or Premium Service for DVR streaming.
Content Restrictions: Some individual shows or movies may have specific streaming restrictions.
Step 5: Maximize Your Experience – Tips and Tricks
Manage Your DVR Remotely: Beyond just watching, you can also use the Fios TV Mobile app to schedule new recordings, manage existing series, and even delete old shows from your DVR, all from afar.
Personalized Recommendations: The app often provides recommendations based on your viewing history, helping you discover new content.
Parental Controls: Utilize the parental control features within the app to manage what content your children can access, especially when they're using the app away from your direct supervision.
Search Smarter: Use the intuitive search features to filter by genre, ratings, favorite channels, actors, and more to quickly find what you want.
With these steps and tips, you're well on your way to enjoying your Verizon Fios TV experience from virtually anywhere! The freedom to catch up on your favorite shows, watch live events, or simply browse On Demand content makes your Fios subscription even more valuable.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 frequently asked questions about watching Fios TV away from home, with quick answers:
How to access the Fios TV Mobile app?
You can access the Fios TV Mobile app by downloading it from your device's app store (Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or Amazon Appstore) and logging in with your Verizon.com username and password.
How to watch live TV channels away from home on Fios?
Open the Fios TV Mobile app, log in, and navigate to the "TV Listings" or "Watch Now" section. You'll have access to a selection of live channels that are permitted for out-of-home streaming.
How to stream DVR recordings on the Fios TV Mobile app?
You need Fios Multi-Room DVR Enhanced or Premium Service. Open the app, go to the "DVR" section, and select your recorded programs. Ensure your main DVR box at home is powered on and your mobile device was previously paired while connected to your home Fios Wi-Fi.
How to download Fios content for offline viewing?
Look for a download icon next to eligible On Demand titles or recorded shows within the Fios TV Mobile app. Tap it to download the content to your device for watching without an internet connection.
How to know if my device is compatible with the Fios TV Mobile app?
The app generally supports iOS 12+, Android 5.0+, and Amazon Kindle/Fire devices running Android 5.0+. Check the app store listing for the most up-to-date compatibility requirements.
How to resolve "Out of Home" errors on the Fios TV Mobile app?
Ensure your device is connected to your home Fios Wi-Fi for initial pairing, enable location services for the app, reboot your router and device, or try reinstalling the app and re-pairing.
How to stream Fios TV data-free on mobile?
If you are a Verizon Wireless postpay 4G LTE customer (excluding California), streaming through the Fios TV Mobile app typically won't count against your mobile data allowance.
How to manage my Fios DVR remotely?
Use the Fios TV Mobile app's "DVR" section. You can schedule new recordings, modify series recordings, and delete shows from your DVR even when you're away from home.
How to access On Demand movies and shows away from home?
Within the Fios TV Mobile app, navigate to the "On Demand" or "Browse" sections. You'll find a wide variety of free, rented, and purchased On Demand content available for streaming.
How to use the Fios TV Mobile app as a remote control?
While typically used in-home, the Fios TV Mobile app has a remote control icon that allows you to control your Fios set-top box. This feature requires your device to be connected to your Fios home Wi-Fi network.