Breaking free from a Verizon family plan can feel like navigating a maze, but don't worry, you're not alone in this journey! Many people eventually find themselves in a situation where they need their own independent mobile plan. Whether it's for financial independence, moving out, or simply wanting more control over your services, this comprehensive guide will walk you through every step to ensure a smooth transition.
So, are you ready to take charge of your mobile destiny? Let's dive in!
How to Leave a Verizon Family Plan: Your Comprehensive Guide
Leaving a Verizon family plan isn't just about disconnecting a line; it often involves a "Transfer of Service" (TOS), where the responsibility for your line moves from the current account owner to you (or another person/account). This process requires careful planning and communication to avoid any hiccups.
Step 1: Communicate with the Account Owner (Crucial First Step!)
This is perhaps the most important step in the entire process. Before you do anything else, you absolutely must talk to the current Verizon family plan account owner.
Sub-heading: Why Communication is Key
Permission is paramount: In most cases, you cannot simply remove yourself or your line from a family plan without the account owner's explicit permission. They are the financially responsible party and have ultimate control over all lines on the account.
Keeping your number and device: If you wish to keep your current phone number and/or device, the account owner's cooperation is essential. They will need to initiate or authorize a "Transfer of Service."
Avoiding unexpected charges: Discussing your intentions upfront can help prevent any surprises, such as early termination fees (ETFs) or remaining device payment balances that might become your responsibility.
Sub-heading: What to Discuss
Your intention to leave: Clearly state your desire to move to your own individual plan.
Keeping your number: Confirm if the account owner is willing to release your phone number for transfer.
Device payment status: Inquire about any outstanding balances on your current device. If the device is not fully paid off, you might need to pay it off to unlock it or transfer it to a new plan/carrier.
Timing: Coordinate a timeframe that works for both of you to minimize service disruption.
Step 2: Determine Your Desired Outcome and Plan
Before initiating any changes with Verizon, figure out what you want your mobile situation to look like after you leave the family plan.
Sub-heading: Option A: Staying with Verizon (Individual Account)
If you're happy with Verizon's service and coverage but just want your own separate account, this is generally the smoothest option.
Research individual Verizon plans: Explore Verizon's current individual plans. Consider your data usage, talk, and text needs.
Credit check: Be prepared for a credit check, as you will be establishing your own financial responsibility with Verizon. A security deposit might be required depending on your credit history.
Device compatibility: If you're keeping your current device, it will be compatible. If you plan to get a new device, research Verizon's offerings.
Sub-heading: Option B: Switching to a Different Carrier
If you're looking for a fresh start with a new provider, this path involves "porting" your number.
Research new carriers and plans: Compare different carriers (AT&T, T-Mobile, smaller MVNOs like Mint Mobile, Visible, etc.) based on their plans, pricing, coverage in your area, and any deals they offer for new customers.
Device unlocking: If you plan to keep your current Verizon phone and use it with a new carrier, it must be unlocked. Verizon typically unlocks devices after they are fully paid off and meet certain requirements. Confirm your device's unlock status with Verizon.
Number Portability: Most carriers make it easy to port your existing number. You'll need specific information from your Verizon account (account number, Number Transfer PIN).
Step 3: Gather Necessary Information
Once you've had the conversation with the account owner and decided on your next steps, gather all the critical information you'll need.
From the Verizon Account Owner:
Verizon Account Number: This is essential for any transfer or porting.
Account PIN or Last 4 Digits of Account Owner's SSN: This is crucial for verifying identity and authorizing changes.
Number Transfer PIN (if porting out): If you are moving your number to a new carrier, the account owner will need to generate a Number Transfer PIN. This can usually be done by dialing *#PORT from the phone, through My Verizon online, or via the My Verizon app. This PIN is only valid for 7 days.
Your Information:
Your mobile number.
Your email address.
Your full name.
Billing address.
Payment method for your new plan.
Step 4: Initiate the Transfer of Service (TOS) or Port-Out
This is where the actual action happens. The steps vary slightly depending on whether you're staying with Verizon or moving to a new carrier.
Sub-heading: If Staying with Verizon (Transfer of Service within Verizon)
The current account owner usually initiates this process, or you, as the line holder, can request a release if the account owner has set up the account in a way that allows it.
Account Owner Initiates Transfer (Most Common):
The Account Owner signs into My Verizon (website or app).
They navigate to "Account" > "My devices" > "Transfer your service."
They select the line(s) to transfer.
They provide your full name and email address as the new account holder.
Verizon will send you an email with instructions to complete the transfer.
You Accept the Transfer:
You will receive an email from Verizon (to the email address provided by the account owner) with a link to complete the transfer.
You'll be prompted to enter a Transfer Request PIN (included in the email).
You will then either set up a new Verizon mobile account or add the line to an existing Verizon mobile account.
Be prepared to undergo a soft credit check and choose your new individual Verizon plan.
Review and accept the Verizon Wireless Customer Agreement and other terms.
Sub-heading: If Switching to a Different Carrier (Porting Out)
This process is initiated by the new carrier you are switching to.
Contact Your New Carrier: Inform them you want to transfer your existing Verizon number.
Provide Verizon Account Information: Give your new carrier your Verizon account number and the Number Transfer PIN (obtained in Step 3).
New Carrier Handles the Port: Your new carrier will contact Verizon to port your number over. Do NOT cancel your Verizon service yourself at this point. If you cancel too early, you risk losing your phone number. Your Verizon line will automatically disconnect once the port is complete.
Confirm Port Completion: The porting process can take anywhere from a few hours to a few business days. Once your new carrier confirms the number has been successfully ported, you can verify it by making and receiving calls on your new service.
Step 5: Address Financial Loose Ends
Leaving a family plan often comes with financial considerations.
Sub-heading: Device Payments
If your device on the family plan has an outstanding device payment balance, this balance will typically become due in full on the next Verizon bill after your line is transferred or disconnected.
Discuss with the Account Owner: Clarify who is responsible for this balance. Ideally, this was part of your initial conversation in Step 1. You may need to pay it off directly to Verizon or reimburse the account owner.
Sub-heading: Final Bill
The Verizon account owner will receive a final bill that includes any prorated charges up to the date your line was transferred/disconnected, along with any outstanding device balances.
Ensure all remaining charges are settled to avoid collection issues or impact on the account owner's credit.
Step 6: Verify and Monitor
After the transfer or port is complete, take a few days to verify everything is working as expected.
Test your service: Make calls, send texts, and use data on your new individual plan/carrier.
Check your new bill: Once your first bill arrives for your new individual Verizon account or with your new carrier, review it carefully to ensure the plan and charges are correct.
Confirm disconnection (if applicable): If you moved to a new carrier, the Verizon line associated with your number should now be disconnected. The original account owner can confirm this on their My Verizon account.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some common questions that arise when leaving a Verizon family plan, with quick answers:
How to keep my phone number when leaving a Verizon family plan?
To keep your number, the Verizon account owner must initiate a "Transfer of Service" (if staying with Verizon) or you'll need the account number and a generated "Number Transfer PIN" from the account owner to port it to a new carrier. Do not cancel your line before porting.
How to find my Verizon account number and PIN for transfer?
The account owner can find the account number on their Verizon bill or by logging into My Verizon. The Account PIN is set by the account owner. The "Number Transfer PIN" (different from the Account PIN) is generated by dialing #PORT from the phone, or through My Verizon, specifically for porting to a new carrier.
How to unlock my Verizon phone to use with a new carrier?
Verizon typically unlocks devices automatically after they are fully paid off. If your device isn't unlocked, contact Verizon Customer Service to request an unlock once your device payment agreement is satisfied.
How to tell if my device has an outstanding payment balance?
The Verizon account owner can check the device payment status for all lines by logging into My Verizon online or through the My Verizon app under the "Devices" or "Bill" section.
How to switch from a Verizon family plan to a Verizon individual plan?
The Verizon account owner needs to initiate a "Transfer of Service" (TOS) through My Verizon, specifying your line and your new details. You will then accept the transfer and set up your new individual Verizon account and plan.
How to know if I'm the Verizon account owner or an account manager?
The Account Owner is the financially responsible party and has full control over the account. Account Managers can manage most aspects of the lines but cannot change the Account PIN or add/remove other Account Managers. You can check your role by logging into My Verizon and looking at your profile settings.
How to avoid early termination fees (ETFs) when leaving Verizon?
Verizon generally does not have ETFs for service anymore, but you will be responsible for any outstanding device payment balances. Ensure your device is paid off or prepare to pay the remaining balance.
How to ensure my old Verizon family plan members are not affected?
If you perform a proper "Transfer of Service" or "port out" your number, only your specific line will be affected. The remaining lines on the original family plan will continue service under the account owner.
How to set up a new Verizon account after leaving a family plan?
During the "Transfer of Service" acceptance process (initiated by the original account owner), you will be prompted to either link your line to an existing Verizon account or create a new one. You'll go through a credit check and select your new individual plan.
How to get help from Verizon during the transfer process?
You can contact Verizon Customer Service by dialing *611 from a Verizon phone, calling 1-800-922-0204, or visiting a Verizon store. Be sure to have all your account details and the account owner's authorization (if needed) ready.
