How to tell if Fidelity is actually down or if it's a problem on your end
Fidelity's website and mobile app go offline occasionally for maintenance, updates, or technical issues. Before you assume the whole system is down, check whether the problem is on your device or network. Try opening Fidelity in a different web browser, restart your phone or computer, or switch from WiFi to mobile data (or vice versa). If Fidelity loads in a different browser or on a different device, the issue is local to your setup, not Fidelity's servers.
If Fidelity still won't load after you've tried those steps, move to checking Fidelity's official status page and social media accounts. Fidelity posts outage notices on its website homepage, Twitter/X account (@Fidelity and @FidelitySupport), and sometimes in the app itself when service is interrupted. You can also call Fidelity's customer service line — if the phone system is working, the representative can tell you whether an outage is happening and when service is expected to return.
Key Takeaways
- Test Fidelity on a different browser, device, or network connection before assuming an outage — most "down" reports are actually local connection problems.
- Fidelity's official status updates appear on its homepage, @Fidelity on social media, and sometimes in the app notification area during outages.
- Fidelity's customer service phone line often works even when the website is down, so calling can confirm whether an outage is real and how long it's expected to last.
- Planned maintenance windows are usually announced in advance through email and the Fidelity website, so check your email if you see an outage notice.
Where to find Fidelity's official outage information
Fidelity maintains a status page that shows real-time information about service interruptions. Go to Fidelity.com and look for a banner at the top of the page or a link labeled "System Status" or "Service Status." This page lists which services are affected (trading, account access, mobile app, etc.), when the outage started, and an estimated time for restoration.
If the website itself is completely inaccessible, check Fidelity's social media accounts. @Fidelity and @FidelitySupport on Twitter/X post updates during outages within minutes of a problem being detected. You can also search "Fidelity down" on Twitter to see whether other users are reporting the same issue — if hundreds of people are posting about it at the same time, it's a widespread outage, not a personal connection problem.
Fidelity also sends email notifications to account holders when planned maintenance is scheduled. Check your email inbox and spam folder for messages from Fidelity that mention "maintenance window" or "scheduled downtime." These emails usually include the date, time, and expected duration of the outage.
What to do while Fidelity is down
If Fidelity is down and you need to make a time-sensitive trade or check your account balance, call Fidelity's phone line. The automated system and customer service representatives can often access your account information and process trades even when the website and app are offline. Have your account number and PIN ready before you call.
If you're trying to move money out of Fidelity or need to contact your financial advisor, email is usually a faster option than waiting for the website to come back. Fidelity's email support team can respond within a few hours during business hours, and you'll have a written record of your request. Look for the contact email address on any previous statements or correspondence from Fidelity.
For non-urgent matters — checking historical statements, reviewing performance, or updating contact information — wait for the website to come back online. These tasks don't require phone or email support and will be faster once service is restored.
Planned maintenance versus unexpected outages
Fidelity schedules maintenance windows regularly, usually on weekends or after market hours. During these windows, the website and app are intentionally taken offline for updates and system improvements. Planned maintenance is announced at least a week in advance through email, the Fidelity homepage, and sometimes through in-app notifications.
Unexpected outages happen without warning and are usually resolved within a few hours. If Fidelity goes down without any prior announcement, it's an unplanned outage. Fidelity's engineering team prioritizes restoring service as quickly as possible, and they post updates on the status page every 15 to 30 minutes during an active outage.
Common reasons Fidelity experiences downtime
Fidelity performs regular system maintenance to add new features, patch security vulnerabilities, and upgrade infrastructure. These maintenance windows are scheduled during low-traffic periods — typically late evening or early morning — to minimize disruption to active traders and investors.
Unexpected outages can result from hardware failures, network issues, or software bugs that weren't caught during testing. High trading volume during market volatility can also strain Fidelity's servers, though this rarely causes a complete outage. When the market opens after a major news event or economic announcement, Fidelity's systems may experience slowness rather than a full shutdown.
Third-party service failures can also affect Fidelity. If a data center provider, internet backbone company, or external payment processor experiences an outage, it can cascade to Fidelity's services. Fidelity's status page will specify whether the issue is on their end or with a third-party vendor.
How long outages typically last
Planned maintenance usually lasts between 2 and 8 hours, depending on the scope of updates. Fidelity schedules these windows during weekends or after 8 p.m. Eastern Time on weekdays to avoid disrupting market hours. The company publishes the expected duration in advance, so you'll know how long to expect service to be unavailable.
Unexpected outages vary widely. Minor issues might be resolved in 15 to 30 minutes. More serious problems can take 2 to 4 hours. In rare cases, a major system failure might require 6 to 12 hours to fully resolve. Fidelity updates its status page every 15 to 30 minutes during an active outage, so check back periodically for the latest estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I trade during a Fidelity outage?
You cannot trade through the website or app during an outage, but you can call Fidelity's phone line to place trades with a representative. Phone trading is available during market hours and may have higher fees than online trades. Have your account number and PIN ready before calling.
Will I lose money if Fidelity is down during market hours?
No. Your account and holdings are protected even if you can't access them. Fidelity's servers store your account data separately from the website and app, so an outage doesn't affect your positions or balances. You may miss an opportunity to trade during the outage, but your existing investments are safe.
How do I know if it's my internet or Fidelity that's down?
Try opening a different website — Google, your bank, or any major site. If other websites load normally, your internet is working and the problem is with Fidelity. If nothing loads, restart your router and check your internet connection. You can also ask someone else to try opening Fidelity on their device to see if they have the same problem.
What if Fidelity is down and I have a deadline to meet?
Call Fidelity's customer service line immediately. Representatives can often access your account and help you meet deadlines even when the website is offline. If you need to move money or make a trade before a specific time, explain the deadline to the representative and they can prioritize your request.
Does Fidelity compensate customers for outages?
Fidelity does not automatically compensate customers for service outages. If an outage causes you a direct financial loss — for example, you missed a time-sensitive trade — you can contact Fidelity's customer service to file a complaint and request consideration. Compensation is not may provide and depends on the circumstances.