Putting Your Verizon Account on Hold: A Comprehensive Guide
Hey there, Verizon customer! Ever found yourself in a situation where you need to temporarily put your mobile service on pause? Maybe you're embarking on an extended vacation, facing military deployment, dealing with a lost or stolen device, or simply need to reduce your expenses for a while. Whatever the reason, knowing how to put your Verizon account on hold can be a lifesaver. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring you understand your options and can make the best decision for your needs.
Let's dive in and get your Verizon account squared away!
Step 1: Understand Why You Need to Suspend Service and Your Options
Before you even log into your My Verizon account or pick up the phone, it's crucial to understand why you're considering a suspension. Verizon offers different types of suspensions, each with its own terms, maximum durations, and billing implications.
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| How To Put Verizon Account On Hold |
Sub-heading 1.1: Common Reasons for Suspension
Lost or Stolen Device: This is a common and urgent reason. Suspending your line immediately prevents unauthorized usage and charges.
Military Deployment: Verizon has specific programs for service members, offering more flexible and often longer suspension periods, sometimes with no billing.
Extended Travel/Vacation: If you're going to be out of the country or simply won't be using your phone for an extended period, a temporary suspension can save you money.
Financial Hardship/Other Reasons: While not explicitly a "hold" program in the same vein as military or lost/stolen, if you're facing financial difficulties, Verizon offers payment arrangements. It's not a service suspension, but it's a way to manage your account during tough times. For true temporary suspensions for "other" reasons (like just not needing the service for a bit), you'll typically fall under a general temporary suspension policy.
Sub-heading 1.2: Key Suspension Types and Their Characteristics
Verizon primarily offers these types of temporary suspensions for mobile service:
Lost or Stolen Device Suspension:
Purpose: To prevent unauthorized use.
Maximum Duration: Up to 30 days.
Billing: Your mobile number will not be charged for voice, data, or feature subscriptions. However, monthly device payment charges or any recurring subscription charges (e.g., Media Center) associated with the suspended line will continue to bill. Device protection coverage and billing, if applicable, will be suspended.
Important Note: If you don't reconnect service within 30 days, your number may be automatically disconnected, and you could incur early termination fees or device payment balances becoming due. You can usually only use this option once every 12 months.
Military Suspension:
Purpose: For service members deployed.
Maximum Duration: Up to 3 years and 90 days for standard military suspension, with new short-term options for deployments less than 90 days.
Billing: For long-term deployments, your line generally wouldn't be billed any charges, including device payment agreements. For short-term deployments, you might be charged a reduced monthly fee (e.g., $10/month or your monthly service price, whichever is lower).
Eligibility: Requires military deployment orders to an area outside Verizon's coverage (for standard long-term suspension) or for a certain duration. This is designed to comply with the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA).
Important Note: This suspension is typically only available for voice devices. Non-voice devices (like tablets or hotspots) generally cannot have their numbers held this way.
General Temporary Suspension (often labeled "Other" or "Vacation"):
Purpose: For personal reasons, such as extended travel, or simply not needing the service for a period.
Maximum Duration: Up to 180 days in any rolling 12-month period.
Billing: You can often choose whether or not to be billed. If suspended without billing, this typically lasts for a limited period (e.g., up to 30 days for some types). After that, you will be billed even if the line remains inoperable.
Important Note: You can suspend and re-suspend as often as you want as long as no single suspension lasts longer than 90 consecutive days and you don't exceed the 180-day total limit within that rolling 12-month period. After 90 consecutive days or 180 total days, your line may be automatically reconnected.
Always review the specific terms and conditions for each suspension type, as they can impact your billing, contract, and device payment agreements.
Step 2: Access Your Verizon Account
Now that you know your "why," it's time to get into your account. There are a few convenient ways to do this.
Sub-heading 2.1: Through My Verizon Online
This is often the most comprehensive and easiest way to manage your account.
Open your web browser and navigate to the official Verizon website (verizon.com).
Click on "My Verizon" or "Sign In" usually located in the top right corner of the page.
Enter your User ID or Mobile Number and your password. If you don't have an account or have forgotten your credentials, follow the prompts to register or reset them.
Tip: Look for small cues in wording.
Sub-heading 2.2: Using the My Verizon App
The My Verizon app provides a convenient way to manage your account on the go.
Download the My Verizon App from your device's app store (Google Play Store for Android, Apple App Store for iOS).
Open the app and sign in with your My Verizon credentials.
Sub-heading 2.3: Contacting Verizon Customer Service
If you prefer speaking to a representative or are having trouble with the online/app methods, you can call Verizon Customer Service.
Dial 1-800-922-0204 from your Verizon phone or any other phone.
Be prepared to verify your identity with your account PIN, password, or by answering security questions.
Explain your reason for wanting to put your account on hold. They will guide you through the available options and policies.
Sub-heading 2.4: Visiting a Verizon Store (Less Common for Holds)
While you can visit a Verizon store for account assistance, it's generally not the most efficient method for simply putting your account on hold, as the online or app methods are designed for this. However, if you need in-person assistance, you can:
Use the Verizon Store Locator on their website to find a store near you.
Consider scheduling an appointment online to avoid long wait times.
Be sure to bring a government-issued photo ID.
Step 3: Navigating the Suspension Process Online/App
This section focuses on the self-service methods, which are usually the quickest.
Sub-heading 3.1: Locating the "Suspend Service" Option
Once logged into My Verizon (either online or via the app):
Look for a section related to "Devices," "Plans," or "Account Management." The exact wording might vary slightly.
Search for an option like "Suspend or Reconnect Service," "Manage My Lines," or "Suspend My Device." It's often found under a general "Support" or "Account" menu.
Sub-heading 3.2: Selecting the Line(s) to Suspend
If you have multiple lines on your account, you'll be prompted to choose which one(s) you wish to suspend.
Select the specific line number(s) you want to put on hold. You might have the option to select multiple or all lines.
Double-check that you've selected the correct line to avoid unintended service interruptions.
Sub-heading 3.3: Choosing Your Suspension Reason and Duration
QuickTip: Slow down if the pace feels too fast.
This is where the information from Step 1 becomes critical.
You will be presented with various reasons for suspension. Choose the one that best fits your situation (e.g., "Lost/Stolen," "Military," or "Other").
If choosing "Other" or "Vacation," you might be asked to specify a desired duration for the suspension or acknowledge the maximum suspension periods.
Read any pop-up messages or disclaimers carefully regarding billing, contract extensions, and device payment agreements during the suspension.
Sub-heading 3.4: Reviewing and Confirming
Before finalizing the suspension, Verizon will typically provide a summary.
Review all the details: the line(s) being suspended, the reason, the expected duration, and especially the billing implications.
Confirm that you understand any charges that will continue to accrue (e.g., device payments).
Click "Submit," "Confirm," or a similar button to finalize the suspension. You should receive a confirmation message or email.
Step 4: Important Considerations During and After Suspension
Putting your account on hold isn't a "set it and forget it" task. There are important things to keep in mind.
Sub-heading 4.1: Billing During Suspension
Device Payment Agreements: This is a critical point! For most temporary suspensions (lost/stolen, general "other"), your monthly device payment charges will continue to bill. Suspending your service does not pause your device financing.
Recurring Features/Subscriptions: Some recurring features or subscriptions may continue to bill, especially if they are account-level rather than line-specific. Always verify this during the suspension process.
Military Suspension Exception: For eligible military deployments (especially long-term), Verizon may suspend all charges, including device payments. Confirm this directly with Verizon if this applies to you.
Partial Bills: You might receive a partial bill for the duration of the month your line was active prior to the suspension.
Sub-heading 4.2: Contract and Upgrade Eligibility
If your line is under a two-year contract for service, your upgrade eligibility and contract end dates will automatically be extended for the suspension duration. This means the "hold" time doesn't count towards fulfilling your contract.
Sub-heading 4.3: Reconnecting Your Service
Automatic Reconnection: For general temporary suspensions, your line may automatically reconnect after the maximum allowed period (e.g., 90 consecutive days or 180 total days within a rolling 12-month period). You'll typically receive a notification before this happens.
Manual Reconnection: You can usually reconnect your service earlier than the automatic reconnection date through My Verizon online or the My Verizon app on the "Suspend or Reconnect Service" page.
Consequences of Not Reconnecting: If you don't reconnect your service before the maximum suspension period runs out (especially for lost/stolen), Verizon may automatically disconnect your line, leading to loss of your mobile number and potential early termination fees or accelerated device payment balances.
Sub-heading 4.4: Device Protection
Device protection coverage and billing, if applicable, are often suspended until your line of service is reconnected. However, if you have multi-device protection on your account, it may continue to be billed unless all lines are suspended.
Step 5: Troubleshooting and Additional Tips
Sometimes, things don't go as smoothly as planned. Here's what to do.
Tip: Reading with intent makes content stick.
Sub-heading 5.1: If You Can't Find the Option Online
Clear your browser cache and cookies or try a different browser.
Update the My Verizon app to the latest version.
Use the search bar within My Verizon and type "suspend service" or "hold account."
Contact Verizon Customer Service (phone or chat) if you're stuck. They can guide you or initiate the process for you.
Sub-heading 5.2: If Your Service Doesn't Suspend Immediately
Give it a few minutes. Sometimes there's a slight delay for the system to process the request.
Check your account status in My Verizon. It should show the line as suspended.
Restart your device.
Contact customer service if the issue persists.
Sub-heading 5.3: What if I have a different Verizon service (e.g., Fios Home Internet)?
While this guide primarily focuses on mobile service, many home internet providers, including Verizon Fios, offer "seasonal hold" or "vacation hold" options for their internet service. These typically involve a reduced monthly rate while the service is paused. You would need to check the specific Fios support pages or contact Fios customer service for details on their hold policies. The process will likely be similar: log in to your Fios account online or call their dedicated Fios support line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common questions about putting your Verizon account on hold, with quick answers:
How to suspend a lost or stolen Verizon phone?
You can suspend a lost or stolen phone for up to 30 days via My Verizon online or the My Verizon app under the "Suspend or Reconnect Service" section, choosing the "Lost/Stolen" reason.
How to put Verizon service on hold for military deployment?
Eligible military personnel can suspend their Verizon service for extended periods (up to 3 years and 90 days) by contacting Verizon Customer Service with deployment orders. New short-term options are also available.
How to temporarily suspend Verizon service for vacation or travel?
You can temporarily suspend your Verizon service for "Other" reasons (like vacation) for up to 180 days in a rolling 12-month period through My Verizon online or the app.
How to check my Verizon account's suspension status?
Tip: Absorb, don’t just glance.
Log into your My Verizon account (online or app) and navigate to the "Devices" or "Account Management" section to see the current status of your lines.
How to resume Verizon service after a suspension?
You can typically resume your Verizon service at any time before the maximum suspension period ends by logging into My Verizon online or the app and going to the "Suspend or Reconnect Service" page.
How to avoid being charged while my Verizon account is on hold?
For most temporary suspensions (lost/stolen, general), your device payment agreements and some recurring subscriptions will continue to bill. Only certain military suspensions waive all charges. Always confirm billing implications during the suspension process.
How to find the Verizon customer service number for account holds?
You can reach Verizon Customer Service at 1-800-922-0204. Be prepared to verify your account information.
How to extend a Verizon service suspension?
The ability to extend a suspension depends on the type of hold and the maximum duration allowed. For general temporary suspensions, you can re-suspend if you haven't hit the 180-day rolling limit, but individual suspensions often have a 90-day consecutive limit before automatic reconnection. Military suspensions have their own long-term limits.
How to deal with device payments during a Verizon account hold?
For most non-military suspensions, device payment charges will continue to apply to your bill. Suspending service does not pause your financing agreement.
How to put Verizon Fios Home Internet on a seasonal hold?
For Verizon Fios, you'll need to check the specific Fios support pages or contact Fios customer service directly, as their "seasonal hold" policies differ from mobile service and may involve a reduced monthly fee rather than a full suspension of charges.
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