It appears there might be a slight misunderstanding regarding "sleep mode" on Verizon Fios. Verizon Fios typically doesn't have a user-facing "sleep mode" feature that you can directly turn off on the router or set-top box in the same way you would on a computer or smartphone.
However, what users often perceive as "sleep mode" on Verizon Fios usually relates to one of two things:
Power Saving Features on Connected Devices (TVs, Gaming Consoles, Computers): Your television, gaming console, or computer might be going into a low-power state or "sleep mode," which can make it seem like your Fios service is "sleeping."
STB (Set-Top Box) Power Management/Idle Standby: Fios set-top boxes do have power-saving features that can put them into a low-power state after a period of inactivity. This is designed to save energy.
This lengthy guide will address both scenarios, helping you troubleshoot and "turn off" what you're experiencing as sleep mode, ensuring your Fios experience is always ready when you are.
Understanding and "Turning Off" Sleep Mode on Verizon Fios
Are you tired of your TV screen going blank, your internet connection seemingly dropping, or your Fios set-top box appearing unresponsive after a period of inactivity? You're not alone! Many Verizon Fios users encounter what they perceive as a "sleep mode," but the solution often lies not directly with Fios itself, but with the devices connected to it or the set-top box's power-saving features. Let's dive in and get you back to seamless entertainment and connectivity!
Step 1: Identify the "Sleeper" - Is it Your Fios Box or a Connected Device?
Before we start tinkering with settings, let's play detective. This is crucial for solving your "sleep mode" mystery.
Ask yourself:
When does the "sleep mode" occur?
Is it only when watching TV through your Fios set-top box?
Is it when you're using a streaming app on your smart TV?
Is it when your computer connected to Fios goes idle?
Does your internet connection seem to drop even when no one is actively using it?
What device seems to be "sleeping"?
Is it your TV screen turning off or dimming?
Is it your Fios set-top box displaying a different light or turning off entirely?
Is it your gaming console going into a low-power state?
Is your computer's screen going black or the computer itself going to sleep?
Your answers here will guide us to the correct solution. For instance, if your TV is turning off, the issue is likely with your TV's power-saving settings, not Fios. If your Fios set-top box seems to power down, we'll focus on its power management.
Step 2: Disabling Power Saving/Sleep Mode on Your Connected Devices
If you've identified your TV, computer, gaming console, or other connected device as the culprit, this section is for you. These devices are designed with energy efficiency in mind, and "sleep mode" is a common feature.
Sub-heading 2.1: For Your Television (Smart TVs, HDTVs)
Your TV is often the primary suspect when it comes to perceived "sleep mode." Most modern TVs have various power-saving features.
Access TV Settings:
Grab your TV's remote control (not your Fios remote, unless it's a universal remote programmed for your TV).
Press the "Menu," "Settings," or "Gear" icon button on your remote.
Navigate to Power Options:
Look for sections like "Picture," "Eco Settings," "Power," "System," or "Energy Saving."
Common options include:
Sleep Timer: This will turn off your TV after a set period (e.g., 30 minutes, 1 hour). Disable this or set it to "Off."
Auto Power Off/Auto Standby: Similar to a sleep timer but often triggers after a period of no input or no activity. Disable this.
No Signal Power Off: Your TV might turn off if it doesn't detect a signal from an input (like your Fios box) for a certain time. While usually not the cause if you're actively watching, it's good to be aware of.
Eco Mode/Energy Saving Mode: These modes often dim the screen or adjust other settings. While not "sleep mode," they can affect your viewing experience. You can often adjust their intensity or turn them off.
Save Changes:
Always remember to save your changes before exiting the settings menu, if prompted.
Sub-heading 2.2: For Your Gaming Consoles (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch Dock)
Gaming consoles are notorious for their power-saving features, especially when left idle.
Access System Settings:
PlayStation (PS4/PS5): Go to "Settings" from the home screen. Look for "Power Saving Settings."
Xbox (One/Series X|S): Go to "Settings," then "General," and "Power options" or "Power mode & startup."
Nintendo Switch: Access "System Settings" from the Home menu.
Adjust Power Options:
Look for settings like:
Rest Mode/Standby Mode (PlayStation): You can configure what happens in Rest Mode, but more importantly, look for options like "Set time until PS5 enters Rest Mode." Set this to "Don't Put into Rest Mode" or a very long duration.
Power Mode (Xbox): Choose "Instant-on" if you want the console to always be ready, or "Energy-saving" if you prefer it to fully shut down. While "Instant-on" keeps it ready, ensure other auto-off features are disabled. Look for "Turn off after" settings. Set this to "Don't turn off automatically" or a very long time.
Sleep Mode (Nintendo Switch): On the Switch, this is more about the handheld. For the dock, ensure your TV's settings aren't turning off due to the Switch going to sleep.
Sub-heading 2.3: For Your Computer (Windows PC, Mac)
Computers are classic examples of devices with robust sleep and power management settings.
Windows PC:
Power & Sleep Settings:
Right-click on the Start button and select "Power Options" or go to Settings > System > Power & sleep.
Under "Screen," set "When plugged in, turn off after" to "Never."
Under "Sleep," set "When plugged in, PC goes to sleep after" to "Never."
Screen Saver Settings:
Search for "Change screen saver" in the Windows search bar.
Ensure "Screen saver" is set to "(None)" or configured as desired, and "On resume, display logon screen" is unchecked if you don't want to log back in.
Advanced Power Options:
In "Power & sleep" settings, click on "Additional power settings" or "Related settings" > "Additional power settings" (right-hand side).
Click on "Change plan settings" next to your selected power plan.
Click on "Change advanced power settings."
Expand options like "Hard disk," "Sleep," "Display," and "Multimedia settings."
Set all relevant "Turn off" or "Sleep after" options to "Never" or a very high number (e.g., 9999 minutes). Be careful here, as some settings can impact battery life on laptops.
Mac:
Energy Saver Settings:
Go to System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS).
Click on "Energy Saver" (or "Battery" if on a laptop, then "Power Adapter" tab).
For a desktop Mac: Drag the "Turn display off after" slider to "Never."
For a laptop Mac (Power Adapter tab): Drag the "Turn display off after" slider to "Never," and uncheck "Put hard disks to sleep when possible."
Disable "Prevent computer from sleeping automatically when the display is off" if you want the Mac to stay awake even with the display off.
Step 3: Managing Verizon Fios Set-Top Box Power Management (Idle Standby)
If you suspect your Fios set-top box (STB) is the one "sleeping," you'll need to adjust its internal settings. Verizon Fios STBs have power-saving features to comply with energy efficiency standards.
Sub-heading 3.1: Accessing STB Settings
Use Your Fios Remote:
Ensure your Fios remote is controlling your Fios set-top box.
Press the "Menu" button on your Fios remote.
Navigate to Settings:
Scroll through the on-screen menu and select "Settings."
Then navigate to "System" or "System Information." (The exact path might vary slightly depending on your Fios STB model – e.g., Fios One, older models).
Sub-heading 3.2: Adjusting Power Saving Options
Look for "Power Savings" or "Idle Standby":
Within the "System" or "System Information" menu, search for options related to "Power Savings," "Idle Standby," "Sleep Timer," or "Auto Power Off."
Disable or Extend:
You will likely find an option like "Auto Standby/Sleep Mode Timer" with a set duration (e.g., 4 hours, 8 hours, Disabled).
Select "Disabled" or the longest available duration. Some Fios STBs might not allow complete disabling due to energy regulations, but you can usually set it to the maximum time before it goes into a low-power state.
Confirm and Exit:
Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm your changes.
Exit the settings menu.
Important Note: Even with these settings adjusted, the Fios STB might still enter a very low-power state (deep sleep) overnight or after an extremely long period of inactivity. This is often an unchangeable, built-in energy-saving feature. However, it should wake up quickly when you press a button on the remote.
Step 4: Checking Fios Router Settings (Less Common, But Worth a Look)
It's highly unlikely that your Verizon Fios router is going into a "sleep mode" that affects your internet connectivity in the way you're describing. Routers are designed to be always on. However, if you're experiencing intermittent internet drops that feel like a sleep mode, it's worth a quick check, though solutions are usually different.
Access Router Interface:
Open a web browser on a device connected to your Fios Wi-Fi or directly via Ethernet.
Type
192.168.1.1into the address bar and press Enter.Log in with your router's credentials. The default username is usually "admin" and the password might be on a sticker on your router, or a custom one you set.
Browse Settings (No "Sleep Mode" Here):
Explore sections like "Advanced," "Networking," or "Wireless."
You will not find a "sleep mode" setting for the router itself.
If you're experiencing drops, focus on:
Wi-Fi scheduling: Ensure no Wi-Fi schedules are set to turn off your Wi-Fi at certain times.
Firmware updates: Ensure your router firmware is up to date.
Diagnostic tools: Some routers have built-in diagnostics that can help identify connectivity issues.
If your router seems to be powering down, it's likely a power issue with the outlet or the router itself, not a "sleep mode" setting. In that case, you'd want to check power cables, try a different outlet, or contact Verizon Fios support for a replacement.
Step 5: Verifying HDMI-CEC Settings (A Common Culprit!)
HDMI-CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) is a feature that allows devices connected via HDMI to communicate and control each other. While convenient, it can sometimes cause devices to turn off or go into standby unexpectedly.
Check Your TV's HDMI-CEC Settings:
Go back into your TV's settings menu (Step 2.1).
Look for a section related to "External Inputs," "HDMI Settings," or "System Control."
The name for HDMI-CEC varies by brand:
Samsung: Anynet+
LG: SimpLink
Sony: Bravia Sync
Panasonic: Viera Link
Philips: EasyLink
Sharp: Aquos Link
Toshiba: CE-Link or Regza Link
Adjust CEC Settings:
You can try to disable CEC entirely to see if it resolves your "sleep mode" issue.
Alternatively, look for specific CEC options that might be telling your TV or Fios box to power down (e.g., "Auto Power Off," "Device Power Sync"). You might be able to disable individual CEC commands while keeping the overall feature on.
Warning: Disabling CEC might mean your Fios remote can no longer automatically turn your TV on/off, or that your TV remote can't control basic Fios functions. It's a trade-off, but it can often resolve mysterious power-off issues.
Step 6: Power Cycle Everything (The Universal Fix!)
When in doubt, a good old power cycle can resolve many glitches. This ensures all devices reset their current states and re-establish connections cleanly.
Turn off all devices:
Unplug your Fios Router/ONT (Optical Network Terminal, if separate).
Unplug your Fios Set-Top Box.
Unplug your TV.
Unplug any other connected streaming devices, gaming consoles, etc.
Wait:
Wait for at least 60 seconds (a full minute) with everything unplugged. This allows residual power to drain.
Plug in Orderly:
First, plug in your Fios Router/ONT. Wait until all the indicator lights are solid and stable (e.g., Internet light is green). This might take 3-5 minutes.
Next, plug in your Fios Set-Top Box. Wait for it to fully boot up and display the Fios TV picture.
Finally, plug in your TV and other connected devices.
Test:
See if the "sleep mode" behavior persists.
Step 7: Contact Verizon Fios Support (When All Else Fails)
If you've meticulously followed all the steps above and your devices or Fios set-top box continue to exhibit unwanted "sleep mode" behavior, it's time to reach out to Verizon Fios support.
Gather Information:
Be ready to describe exactly what's happening.
Mention the troubleshooting steps you've already taken (e.g., "I've checked my TV's power settings, the Fios STB idle standby, and power cycled everything.").
Note your Fios STB model number and your router model number (usually found on a sticker on the device).
Contact Methods:
Phone: Call Verizon Fios customer support directly.
My Verizon App: Use the app's chat or support features.
Verizon Website: Look for online chat or support pages.
They might be able to:
Remotely diagnose your set-top box.
Push a firmware update.
Schedule a technician visit if hardware replacement is needed.
FAQs: How to...
Here are 10 related FAQ questions with quick answers to further assist you with power management and connectivity on Verizon Fios.
1. How to prevent my Fios TV from turning off automatically? * Check your TV's "Sleep Timer," "Auto Power Off," or "No Signal Power Off" settings in its main menu. Also, review HDMI-CEC settings (e.g., Anynet+, SimpLink) on your TV.
2. How to keep my Fios set-top box always on? * Access the Fios STB "Settings" > "System" > "Power Savings" or "Idle Standby" and set the auto power-off timer to "Disabled" or the longest available duration.
3. How to stop my gaming console from going into rest mode with Fios? * Go into your console's (PlayStation, Xbox) system or power settings and disable "Rest Mode," "Instant-On," or "Auto Power Off" features, or extend their timers significantly.
4. How to ensure my computer connected to Fios doesn't sleep? * In Windows, go to Settings > System > Power & Sleep and set "Screen" and "Sleep" timers to "Never" when plugged in. On Mac, go to System Settings > Energy Saver and adjust the "Turn display off after" slider to "Never."
5. How to disable HDMI-CEC on my TV to avoid power issues with Fios? * Access your TV's settings menu, look for "External Inputs," "HDMI Settings," or "System Control," and then find the specific CEC setting (e.g., Anynet+, SimpLink) and disable it.
6. How to troubleshoot intermittent Fios internet drops that feel like sleep mode? * Power cycle your Fios router and ONT (if separate). Check your router's administration page for any Wi-Fi scheduling. If problems persist, contact Verizon Fios support.
7. How to find the power saving settings on my specific Fios set-top box model? * Press "Menu" on your Fios remote, then navigate to "Settings" and look for "System" or "System Information." The power saving options are usually within these menus under "Power Savings" or "Idle Standby."
8. How to perform a power cycle on my Fios equipment? * Unplug your Fios router/ONT, Fios set-top box, and TV from their power outlets. Wait at least 60 seconds, then plug them back in in that order, waiting for each device to fully boot up before plugging in the next.
9. How to prevent my smart TV apps (like Netflix on Fios) from pausing due to "sleep"? * This is usually due to your TV's own power-saving settings. Adjust the "Sleep Timer," "Auto Power Off," or "Auto Standby" settings directly on your smart TV.
10. How to contact Verizon Fios support for persistent "sleep mode" issues? * You can call their customer support line, use the "My Verizon" app for chat or support, or visit the Verizon Fios website for online chat or support resources. Be prepared with your troubleshooting steps and device information.
