Deciding to cancel a service like Verizon can be a big step, whether you're looking for a better deal, moving to an area not covered, or simply no longer need the service. This guide will walk you through every step of the process, ensuring you're prepared and can navigate the cancellation with as little stress as possible.
Ready to say goodbye to your Verizon plan? Let's get started!
Before you even think about picking up the phone or logging in, it's crucial to understand a few key things about your current Verizon plan. This preparation will save you a lot of time and potential headaches.
Step 1: Gather Your Intel – Know Before You Go
This initial stage is all about becoming an informed consumer. The more you know about your current contract and usage, the smoother your cancellation process will be.
Sub-heading: Digging into Your Account Details
Identify the Account Owner: Only the account owner can initiate the cancellation. Make sure you are, or can get in touch with, the primary account holder.
Locate Your Account Number and PIN: You'll definitely need these for verification when you contact Verizon. Your account number is usually on your bill, and your PIN is a security code you set up. If you don't know your PIN, you might be able to reset it through the My Verizon app or website.
Check Your Contract End Date: This is critical. Many Verizon plans come with a contract, and canceling before the end date can trigger an early termination fee (ETF). Knowing this date will help you decide the best time to cancel.
Review Your Device Payment Agreements: Do you have any phones or other devices financed through Verizon? If so, be aware that the outstanding balance on these devices will likely become due immediately upon cancellation. This can be a significant cost.
Understand Your Billing Cycle: Verizon's cancellations are typically effective on the last day of your billing period. This means you'll be responsible for charges through that date, even if you stop using the service earlier in the cycle. Knowing your billing cycle can help you time your cancellation to minimize wasted service.
Any Bundle Deals or Promotions? If your Verizon plan is part of a bundle (e.g., mobile + home internet), canceling one service might affect discounts or promotions on the remaining services. Be aware of these potential changes.
Sub-heading: What Services Are You Canceling?
Mobile Phone Service: This is the most common reason for cancellation.
Home Internet (Fios, LTE Home Internet, 5G Home Internet): Cancellation procedures can vary slightly for home services.
Prepaid Mobile Service: Prepaid services often have different cancellation policies, typically with no refunds after activation or after 30 days.
+play Subscriptions: If you have any subscriptions managed through Verizon's +play platform, you can often cancel these directly through the My Verizon website.
Step 2: Choosing Your Cancellation Path – How to Reach Verizon
Verizon offers a few avenues for cancellation, though some are more direct than others, especially for mobile plans.
Sub-heading: The Most Direct Route: Calling Customer Service
For mobile phone service cancellations, calling customer service is generally the most effective and often the only way to fully cancel your account.
Phone Number: Dial (800) 922-0204 or (844) 837-2262 for Verizon customer service.
Operating Hours: Be prepared to call during their business hours. For mobile, it's generally Monday – Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm ET. For Fios, it might be slightly different. Calling outside these hours will be fruitless for a full cancellation.
Be Prepared to Wait: Customer service lines can be busy. Have your account information ready and be patient.
State Your Intention Clearly: When you connect with a representative, clearly state that you wish to cancel your Verizon plan entirely.
Sub-heading: Online Options (Limited for Full Account Cancellation)
While you can manage some aspects of your account online, fully canceling your mobile Verizon plan cannot typically be done entirely online or via email.
My Verizon Website: You can often initiate a disconnect request through the My Verizon website, especially for individual lines or Fios home services. However, for a complete mobile account closure, you'll likely still get a call from a Verizon representative to finalize the process.
Chat with Us: The "Chat with us" feature on the My Verizon website or app (look for the "snowflake" icon in the app) can be used to type "Cancel" and follow prompts. This might lead you to a live agent, but again, a phone call is often the final step for full account closure.
Sub-heading: In-Person (Less Common for Full Cancellation)
While you can visit a Verizon store for some account needs, they generally direct you to call customer service for full account cancellations. It's usually not the most efficient method for this specific task.
Step 3: Navigating the Cancellation Call – What to Expect
This is where the rubber meets the road. Verizon representatives are trained to retain customers, so be prepared for their retention efforts.
Sub-heading: Verification and Initial Discussion
Account Verification: The representative will ask for your account owner's name, phone number, and your account PIN or the last four digits of the account owner's Social Security Number.
Reason for Cancellation: They will definitely ask why you're canceling. Have a clear, concise reason ready. Some common reasons that may lead to less pushback include:
Moving to an area with no Verizon coverage.
Experiencing financial hardship.
A new provider offers a specific service or feature Verizon doesn't (be vague if you don't have a specific offer).
You simply no longer need the service.
Be Firm, Yet Polite: While you need to be firm in your decision to cancel, always remain polite. Rudeness won't speed up the process.
Sub-heading: The Retention Game – Offers and Counter-Offers
Verizon's goal is to keep you as a customer. They will likely try to sway your decision with various offers:
Cheaper Plans: They might offer to switch you to a lower-cost plan.
Discounts: You might be offered a monthly discount for a certain period.
Service Suspensions: For temporary needs (like extended travel), they might suggest suspending your service instead of canceling it.
"Free" Device Upgrades: Be wary of offers that tie you into a new contract or device payment plan, as this defeats the purpose of canceling.
Prorated Charges Explained: They might reiterate that you'll be charged until the end of your billing cycle. This is standard policy.
Your Strategy: Listen to their offers, but do not feel pressured to accept them if your mind is made up. Reiterate your decision to cancel. If you are genuinely considering an offer, ask for all the details in writing or summarized in an email.
Sub-heading: Early Termination Fees (ETFs) and Device Balances
Confirming ETFs: The representative will inform you if you are subject to an Early Termination Fee. Understand the amount and how it's calculated. For advanced devices, the ETF can be up to $350, declining monthly. For other contract terms, it's typically $175, also declining monthly.
Device Payoff: They will also confirm any outstanding balances on devices. Be prepared for these to be charged on your final bill.
Promotional Credits: If you were receiving promotional credits for a "free" device (like a BOGO offer), these credits will likely cease upon cancellation, and you'll be responsible for the remaining balance of both devices.
Sub-heading: Getting Your Cancellation Confirmation
Request a Confirmation Number: This is essential. Ask for a cancellation ticket number or a confirmation number for your request. This is your proof that you initiated the cancellation.
Ask About Your Final Bill: Inquire when you can expect your final bill and what it will include (outstanding device balances, prorated service charges, ETFs, etc.).
Equipment Return (for Home Services): If you're canceling Fios or other home internet services, ask about the process for returning equipment (routers, set-top boxes, etc.) to avoid unreturned equipment charges. You usually have 30 days to return equipment.
Step 4: Post-Cancellation Actions – Tying Up Loose Ends
Your call with Verizon is just one part of the process. There are a few important things to do afterward.
Sub-heading: Porting Your Number (If Applicable)
Do NOT Cancel Before Porting! If you want to keep your current phone number and transfer it to a new carrier, do not cancel your Verizon service first. Your new carrier will handle the porting process, and this action automatically cancels that specific line with Verizon.
Number Transfer PIN: You'll need a Number Transfer PIN from Verizon to port your number. You can usually generate this in the My Verizon app or by dialing #PORT from the phone you want to transfer. This PIN is valid for 7 days.
Provide to New Carrier: Give your Verizon account number and the Number Transfer PIN to your new carrier. They will initiate the transfer.
Keep Verizon Account Open (if porting all lines): If you're porting all your numbers, keep your Verizon account open until the last line is moved and your final bill is issued. The account will then close automatically.
Sub-heading: Settling Your Final Bill
Review Your Final Bill Carefully: When your final bill arrives, meticulously check it against what you were told during your cancellation call. Look for correct prorated charges, device payoffs, and any applicable ETFs.
Pay Any Outstanding Balances: Make sure to pay your final bill on time to avoid any collection issues.
Sub-heading: Returning Equipment (for Home Services)
Follow Instructions: If you were instructed to return equipment, follow Verizon's instructions precisely. They will usually provide a prepaid shipping label.
Get Proof of Shipment: Always get a receipt or tracking number when you ship equipment back. This is your proof in case of any disputes about unreturned equipment charges.
Sub-heading: Updating Your Contacts and Online Accounts
Notify Contacts: If you get a new number, inform your important contacts of your new number.
Update Online Services: Many online accounts (banking, social media, email, two-factor authentication) are linked to your phone number. Update these services with your new number or a different verification method to avoid being locked out.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 related FAQ questions to help you further:
How to avoid early termination fees when canceling Verizon?
To avoid early termination fees (ETFs), you typically need to complete your contract term. If you're still under contract, the fee may be prorated. Exceptions sometimes include moving to an area not covered by Verizon or certain military deployments. Always confirm with customer service.
How to transfer your Verizon number to a new carrier?
To transfer your Verizon number, do NOT cancel your Verizon service first. Instead, get a Number Transfer PIN from Verizon (dial #PORT or generate in My Verizon). Provide this PIN and your Verizon account number to your new carrier, who will initiate the porting process, which automatically cancels that specific line with Verizon.
How to cancel a single line on a Verizon account?
You can often cancel a single line by calling customer service or sometimes through the My Verizon website's disconnect page. The account owner or manager needs to initiate this. Be aware of any device payment balances or promotions tied to that specific line.
How to return Verizon equipment after canceling service?
If you have Fios or other home internet services, you'll likely need to return rented equipment. Verizon usually provides a prepaid shipping label. Return the equipment within 30 days to avoid unreturned equipment charges. Always get a tracking number as proof of shipment.
How to find your Verizon account number and PIN?
Your Verizon account number is typically found on your monthly bill. Your PIN is a security code you set up. If you don't remember your PIN, you can often reset it through the My Verizon app or website, or by calling customer service for assistance with verification.
How to cancel Verizon Prepaid service?
For Verizon Prepaid service, there are generally no refunds after 30 days of activation. You can typically stop reloading your account, and the service will eventually cease. For more immediate cancellation, contact prepaid customer service.
How to check if you have an outstanding device balance with Verizon?
You can check your outstanding device balance by logging into your My Verizon account on the website or through the My Verizon app. Look for sections related to "Devices" or "Device Payment Agreements" to see your remaining balance.
How to know your Verizon billing cycle end date?
Your billing cycle end date is listed on your monthly Verizon bill. Knowing this date is helpful because cancellations are usually effective on the last day of your current billing cycle, meaning you pay for service until that date.
How to deal with Verizon retention offers during cancellation?
Listen politely to any retention offers, but be firm if you've decided to cancel. You can decline the offers by reiterating your decision or stating that the offers don't meet your current needs. Do not feel pressured to accept anything you don't want.
How to confirm your Verizon plan cancellation was successful?
After your cancellation call, request a confirmation number. You can also monitor your My Verizon account for changes in service status. Your final bill will confirm the cancellation and any remaining charges. If you ported your number, the successful activation with your new carrier confirms the line is released from Verizon.