So, you've decided it's time to part ways with Verizon. Whether you're seeking a better deal, improved coverage elsewhere, or simply simplifying your digital life, cancelling a service provider can sometimes feel like navigating a maze. But don't worry, I'm here to guide you through every step of how to stop your Verizon service, ensuring a smooth transition.
Let's get started, shall we?
How to Stop Verizon Service: A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Assess Your Current Situation (Engage! Are you ready to make the leap?)
Before you dive headfirst into canceling, it's crucial to understand your current Verizon setup. This proactive step will save you time, potential fees, and headaches down the line.
1.1 What services do you have with Verizon?
Are you canceling a mobile line, Fios internet, Fios TV, landline, or a combination of these? The cancellation process can vary slightly depending on the service.
Take a moment to list all the Verizon services currently active under your account. This will help you keep track and ensure nothing is overlooked.
1.2 Check your contract status and potential fees.
Are you still under a contract for any of your services? Early Termination Fees (ETFs) are a real possibility if you're canceling before your contract expires. For advanced devices, the ETF can be as high as $350 and declines over time. For other contract terms, it's typically $175, also declining monthly.
Do you have any device payment agreements outstanding? If so, the remaining balance for those devices will become due on your next bill after disconnecting. This is a crucial point to consider financially.
Locate your original service agreements or check your My Verizon account online to see your contract end dates and any outstanding device balances. Knowledge is power here!
1.3 Do you want to keep your phone number? (Porting vs. Canceling)
If you're moving to a new mobile carrier, you likely want to port your current Verizon number to your new provider. This is a separate, but often intertwined, process. Do NOT cancel your Verizon service before your number has successfully ported! If you do, you risk losing your number permanently.
If you don't care about keeping your number, then simply canceling is sufficient.
Step 2: Gather Necessary Information
Once you've assessed your situation, collect all the information Verizon will need to process your cancellation. Having this ready will make the call (or online process, where applicable) much smoother.
2.1 Account Holder Information:
Account Owner's Name: Only the account owner or an authorized account manager can cancel services.
Associated Phone Number(s): The main number on the account and any specific lines you wish to cancel.
Account PIN or Last Four Digits of Account Owner's Social Security Number (SSN): This is for security verification.
2.2 For Mobile Number Porting (If Applicable):
Verizon Account Number: This is distinct from your phone number.
Number Transfer PIN (NTP): This is a unique, temporary PIN required to authorize the transfer of your number to a new carrier.
How to get your Number Transfer PIN:
Dial #PORT (#7678) from the smartphone with the number you want to transfer. Verizon will send you a text with a link to generate the PIN in My Verizon.
Through My Verizon online or the My Verizon app: Look for "Number Transfer PIN" or "Transfer Number" in the account or security settings.
Important: This PIN is typically valid for only 7 days, so make sure you're ready to give it to your new carrier promptly.
Turn off Number Lock (if enabled): If you have Number Lock activated on your line, you'll need to disable it before you can port your number. You can usually do this through My Verizon or by dialing *611.
Step 3: Initiate the Cancellation Process (The Actual Call or Online Action)
This is where the rubber meets the road. Verizon prefers cancellations via phone for mobile services, while Fios may have online options.
3.1 For Mobile Service Cancellation (Primarily Phone Call):
Call Verizon Customer Service:
The primary number to call for mobile service cancellation is 1-800-922-0204.
Alternatively, some sources list (844) 837-2262.
Important Note: Verizon customer service for cancellations is generally available Monday-Friday during business hours (e.g., 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM ET). You cannot cancel mobile service online or via email.
Be Prepared for Retention Efforts: Verizon representatives are trained to retain customers. They may offer you:
Cheaper plans or discounts.
Service suspensions (if you're only temporarily stopping).
Other incentives.
Be firm but polite in your decision to cancel. If you've already made up your mind, reiterate your intention to disconnect service.
Provide Your Information: When prompted, provide your account owner's name, phone number, and account PIN or last four digits of your SSN.
Request a Cancellation Confirmation Number: Always ask for a cancellation ticket or confirmation number. This is your proof that you initiated the process.
3.2 For Fios Service Cancellation (Online or Phone):
Verizon Fios services (Internet, TV, Home Phone) often have more flexibility for online disconnection.
Online via My Verizon:
Sign in to your My Verizon account.
Look for options like "Disconnect Service" on your Account Dashboard or Account Settings page.
You may also be able to initiate a chat by typing "Cancel" and following the prompts.
Call Fios Customer Service:
You can call 1-800-VERIZON (1-800-837-4966) for Fios cancellations.
Note: If you have older "High Speed Internet" or "DSL" services, you will likely need to call customer service to disconnect.
Step 4: Understand the Effective Cancellation Date and Final Bill
Cancellation isn't always immediate. It's crucial to know when your service will officially end and what to expect on your final bill.
4.1 Cancellation Effective Date:
Typically, cancellation is effective on the last day of your current billing period. This means if you cancel on July 10th and your billing cycle ends on July 30th, your service will continue until July 30th, and you'll be billed for the entire month.
Consider canceling closer to the end of your billing cycle to maximize the service you've paid for.
4.2 Final Bill Implications:
Prorated Charges: You are responsible for all applicable usage fees, prorated access charges, taxes, and surcharges that accrued to your account through the termination date.
Device Payment Balances: Any remaining device payment balances will be charged on your next bill after disconnecting.
Promotional Credits: If you had a "Buy One, Get One" (BOGO) promotion or similar device credits, these will likely cease upon cancellation, and you'll be charged the remaining balance of the device payment agreement for both devices.
Security Deposits: If you paid a security deposit, it may take 30-60 days to process its return. Any final charges may be applied against your deposit.
You can often pay your final bill online via a "Disconnected Accounts" page on Verizon's website.
Step 5: Return Verizon Equipment
If you leased or rented any equipment from Verizon, you must return it to avoid additional charges.
5.1 Identify Renting Equipment:
This typically applies to Fios equipment like routers, set-top boxes, and optical network terminals (ONTs). For mobile, this is less common unless you rented a hotspot or similar device.
Check your service agreement or contact Verizon to confirm what equipment needs to be returned.
5.2 Understand the Return Policy:
You typically have 30 days from your disconnection date to return rented equipment.
Failure to return equipment within the specified timeframe will result in an "unreturned equipment charge" on your final bill. This can be substantial.
5.3 How to Return Equipment:
Verizon usually provides instructions and possibly a prepaid shipping label.
You might be able to drop off equipment at a Verizon store or authorized return center.
Make sure to get a receipt or tracking number as proof of return. Take photos of the equipment before packaging it, if you're concerned.
Step 6: Verify Cancellation and Monitor Your Account
The final step is to ensure everything has been processed correctly and to avoid any surprises.
6.1 Check Your Account Status:
Log in to My Verizon after your stated cancellation date to confirm that your services are indeed disconnected.
You may still be able to log in to view past bills and make final payments.
6.2 Review Your Final Bill (and any subsequent bills):
Carefully examine your final bill for accuracy. Ensure all services you requested to cancel are no longer being charged.
Verify that any device payment balances are correctly reflected.
If you were expecting a security deposit refund, track its status.
6.3 Keep Records:
Save copies of your cancellation confirmation numbers, receipts for equipment returns, and any relevant correspondence with Verizon. These can be invaluable if any discrepancies arise.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common questions related to stopping Verizon service:
How to transfer my Verizon phone number to a new carrier?
To transfer your Verizon number, you'll need your Verizon account number and a Number Transfer PIN (NTP), which you can generate by dialing #PORT from your phone or through My Verizon. Provide these to your new carrier, and they will initiate the porting process. Do NOT cancel your Verizon service until your number has successfully ported.
How to find out if I have an early termination fee with Verizon?
Check your original service contract documents or log into your My Verizon account online. You can also call Verizon customer service (1-800-922-0204) and inquire about any outstanding contract obligations or device payment balances.
How to suspend Verizon service temporarily instead of cancelling?
Yes, you can suspend Verizon service for various reasons (lost/stolen, vacation, military deployment). Suspension options and billing implications vary. You can typically suspend a line for up to 180 days in a rolling 12-month period via My Verizon or by calling customer service. This is a good option if you know you'll be back.
How to return Verizon equipment after canceling Fios?
Verizon will usually provide instructions, possibly a prepaid shipping label, or inform you of drop-off locations (e.g., Verizon stores or authorized return centers). You typically have 30 days from your disconnection date to return rented equipment to avoid unreturned equipment charges.
How to pay my final Verizon bill after cancellation?
You can usually pay your final bill online through a dedicated "Disconnected Accounts" portal on the Verizon website. They will also mail you a final bill, and you can pay by mail or phone.
How to avoid losing my phone number when switching from Verizon?
The key is to port your number to your new carrier FIRST. Do not cancel your Verizon service until you have confirmed your number is active with your new provider. Your new carrier will handle the transfer and eventual disconnection of that line from Verizon.
How to cancel only one line on a Verizon multi-line account?
You can usually do this through My Verizon online or by calling customer service. The account owner or an authorized account manager will need to select the specific line they wish to disconnect. Any device payment agreements tied to that line will become due.
How to know if my Verizon device is paid off?
You can check your My Verizon account online under your device payment agreements or call customer service. They can confirm the remaining balance and how many payments are left. Any remaining balance will be due upon cancellation.
How to get a cancellation confirmation from Verizon?
When you call to cancel, always ask for a cancellation ticket or confirmation number. For online cancellations (if available for your service), print or save a screenshot of the confirmation page.
How to appeal an early termination fee from Verizon?
If you believe an ETF has been incorrectly applied, gather all your documentation (contract, communication with Verizon, etc.) and contact Verizon customer service to explain your case. Be prepared to provide clear details and reasons for your appeal.