We explore the phase -space of homogeneous and anisotropic spacetimes within symmetric teleparallel f ( Q ) gravity. Specifically, we consider the Kantowski-Sachs and locally rotational Bianchi III geometries to describe the physical space. By analyzing the phase -space, we reconstruct the cosmological history dictated by f ( Q ) gravity and comment about the theory 's viability. Our findings suggest that the free parameters of the connection must be constrained to eliminate nonlinear terms in the field equations. Consequently, new stationary points emerge, rendering the theory cosmologically viable. We identify the existence of anisotropic accelerated universes, which may correspond to the preinflationary epoch.