Taking a phone off a Verizon plan can seem like a daunting task, but with a clear understanding of the process, you can navigate it smoothly. Whether you're looking to upgrade, switch carriers, or simply reduce your monthly bill, this comprehensive guide will walk you through each step.
Are you ready to take control of your mobile destiny and free your phone from its Verizon plan? Let's dive in!
Step 1: Understand Your Situation & Gather Information
Before you do anything, it's crucial to understand the specifics of your current Verizon plan and the device you wish to remove. This proactive step will save you time, potential fees, and headaches down the line.
Sub-heading: What Kind of "Off" Are We Talking About?
There are a few scenarios for "taking a phone off a Verizon plan." Knowing which one applies to you is key:
Canceling a Line: You no longer need service for that specific phone number and device, and you don't intend to use it with another carrier.
Porting a Number (Switching Carriers): You want to keep your current phone number but move it and potentially your device to a different mobile carrier.
Upgrading/Replacing a Device on the Same Line: You're getting a new phone but want to keep your existing Verizon line and number. The old phone will no longer be active on your account.
Removing a Device from a Family Plan/Account: You want to separate a phone (and its line) from a multi-line account, either to a new individual account or to be removed entirely.
Temporarily Suspending Service: Your device is lost/stolen, or you simply need to pause service for a period.
Sub-heading: Essential Information You'll Need
Gathering this information before contacting Verizon will make the process much smoother:
Account Holder's Name: This is critical as only the account owner or an authorized account manager can make changes.
Account Number: You can find this on your bill or by logging into My Verizon.
Account PIN or Last 4 Digits of Account Owner's SSN: For security verification.
The Phone Number(s) in Question: Be specific about which line(s) you want to remove.
Device Payment Agreement Status: Do you still owe money on the phone you want to remove? This is very important and will impact your options.
Contract End Date (if applicable): While most new Verizon plans are device payment agreements, older plans might still have service contracts. Early termination fees (ETFs) may apply if you cancel before the contract ends.
Number Lock Status (for porting): If you plan to port your number, check if Number Lock is enabled on your Verizon account. You'll need to disable it.
Step 2: Pay Off Your Device (If Applicable)
This is often the most significant hurdle when removing a phone from a Verizon plan. If you're on a device payment agreement, you likely have an outstanding balance.
Sub-heading: Understanding Device Payment Agreements
Most modern Verizon phones are purchased through a 24- or 36-month device payment agreement. This means you're essentially paying for the phone in installments, separate from your monthly service.
If you cancel a line of service while a device payment agreement is active, the remaining balance for that device will typically be due immediately on your next bill. This can be a substantial lump sum.
Promotional credits: Be aware that if your device purchase included promotional bill credits (e.g., "Buy One Get One" deals), these credits will stop once you remove the line or pay off the device early. This means you'll be responsible for the full remaining balance.
Sub-heading: How to Pay Off Your Device
Through My Verizon: Log into your My Verizon account online or via the app. Navigate to the "Devices" section. You should see an option to pay off a device payment agreement.
By Calling Customer Service: You can request to pay off the remaining balance when you speak with a Verizon representative.
In a Verizon Store: Visit a corporate Verizon store, and they can assist you with paying off your device.
Pro Tip: If you plan to switch carriers and keep your phone, ensure your device is unlocked. Verizon typically unlocks devices automatically after 60 days of active service, provided the device isn't flagged for fraud or reported lost/stolen.
Step 3: Choose Your Disconnection Method
Verizon offers a few ways to disconnect a line, though some methods are more suitable for certain situations.
Sub-heading: Method 1: Calling Verizon Customer Service (Recommended for Most Cases)
This is generally the most effective and straightforward way to take a phone off your plan, especially if you're canceling a line entirely or have complex account situations.
Phone Number: Dial 800-922-0204 or *611 from your Verizon mobile phone.
Hours of Operation: Typically Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM ET, and Saturday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM ET. You cannot cancel service online or via email, or outside of business hours.
What to Expect:
Verification: You'll need to provide your account information (name, phone number, PIN/SSN last 4 digits).
Reason for Cancellation: Be prepared to explain why you're canceling. Verizon representatives are trained in retention tactics and may offer incentives to keep you. Be firm but polite if you've made up your mind. You can use reasons like "bad coverage in my area," "found a cheaper plan elsewhere," or "no longer need the line."
Confirm Details: Double-check all details with the representative, including the effective cancellation date, any final charges, and confirmation of your device payment payoff (if applicable).
Get a Confirmation Number: Always ask for a cancellation ticket or confirmation number. This is your proof of the request.
Sub-heading: Method 2: My Verizon Online (Limited Functionality)
While you can manage many aspects of your account online, directly canceling a mobile line is not always fully supported through the website or app.
Disconnect Page: Verizon's support page mentions a "disconnect page" in My Verizon where you might see which lines you can disconnect online. This is often limited to Fios services or may direct you to contact customer service for mobile lines.
Chat with Us: You can sign into My Verizon and choose "Chat with us." Type "Cancel" into the "Ask a question" box and follow the prompts. You might be directed to a live agent, who will then likely require a phone call for full authentication and processing.
Sub-heading: Method 3: Visiting a Corporate Verizon Store
For in-person assistance, you can visit a corporate Verizon store.
What to Expect: A store representative can guide you through the process, confirm your account details, and process the line removal. They can also assist with device trade-ins or purchases if you're upgrading.
Bring ID: Have your photo ID ready, as they will need to verify your identity as the account holder.
Step 4: Special Considerations for Porting Your Number
If you're moving your number to a new carrier, the process is slightly different and requires coordination. Do NOT cancel your Verizon line before porting! The new carrier needs an active number to transfer.
Sub-heading: The Number Transfer PIN (NTP)
Verizon now requires a Number Transfer PIN (NTP) to authorize a number transfer to another carrier. This is a security measure to prevent unauthorized porting.
How to Get Your NTP:
Dial #PORT (#7678) from the smartphone with the number you want to transfer. Verizon will send you a link to generate the NTP in My Verizon.
My Verizon Online: Log in as the Account Owner or Account Manager. Go to "Account" > "Account Settings" > "Number Transfer PIN" and generate the PIN.
Validity: Your NTP is only valid for 7 days, so generate it when you're ready to initiate the porting process with your new carrier.
Keep it Safe: Share your NTP only with your new carrier. Verizon will never ask for it.
Sub-heading: The Porting Process
Initiate with New Carrier: Contact your new desired carrier and tell them you want to port your existing Verizon number.
Provide Information: You'll need to provide your new carrier with:
Your Verizon account number.
The phone number(s) you want to port.
Your Number Transfer PIN.
Your name as it appears on your Verizon account.
Your billing address on file with Verizon.
New Carrier Handles It: Your new carrier will then contact Verizon to initiate the transfer. Your Verizon line will automatically disconnect once the port is complete.
Confirm Activation: Once your new carrier confirms the port is complete and your service is active with them, you can rest assured your Verizon line is disconnected.
Step 5: The Final Bill & Equipment Return
After your line is removed, there are a couple of final administrative steps.
Sub-heading: Your Final Bill
Your final Verizon bill will include charges for service up to the effective cancellation date.
Any remaining device payment balance (if not paid off prior) will be accelerated and appear as a lump sum on this bill.
You may also see prorated charges or credits depending on your billing cycle and the cancellation date.
If you had any ongoing promotions or discounts tied to that specific line, they will cease.
Sub-heading: Returning Rented Equipment
If you were renting any Verizon equipment (e.g., a Fios router if you also had home internet, or sometimes older mobile hotspots), you are required to return it within a specified timeframe (usually 30 days) to avoid unreturned equipment charges.
Verizon will typically provide instructions and a return label. If not, contact customer service to ensure you return it correctly.
Step 6: What to Do with the Old Phone
Once the phone is off the Verizon plan, you have several options for the device itself.
Sub-heading: Selling or Trading In
If the phone is paid off and unlocked, you can sell it privately or trade it in with your new carrier or a third-party service. This can help offset the cost of a new device or recoup some funds.
Sub-heading: Keeping as a Backup or Wi-Fi Device
An old phone can be a useful backup device. It will still function on Wi-Fi for apps, Browse, and messaging services (like WhatsApp or iMessage if you have an iPhone).
Sub-heading: Recycling
If the phone is old, damaged, or you simply don't need it, consider recycling it responsibly. Verizon and many electronics retailers offer recycling programs.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to check if my Verizon phone is unlocked?
Most Verizon devices purchased after July 23, 2019, are automatically unlocked after 60 days of active service, provided the account is in good standing and the device isn't reported lost/stolen or involved in fraud. You can also confirm by trying to insert a SIM card from a different carrier; if it connects to their network, it's unlocked.
How to get a Number Transfer PIN from Verizon?
You can get a Number Transfer PIN by dialing #PORT (#7678) from the smartphone whose number you want to transfer, or by logging into My Verizon as the Account Owner/Manager and navigating to the "Number Transfer PIN" section under Account Settings.
How to avoid early termination fees when taking a phone off Verizon?
The best way to avoid early termination fees (ETFs) is to ensure you are no longer under a service contract (most newer plans are device payment agreements, not service contracts). If you have a device payment agreement, pay off the entire remaining balance before canceling the line to avoid having it accelerated to your next bill.
How to suspend a Verizon line temporarily?
You can suspend a Verizon line for a lost or stolen device via My Verizon or by calling customer service. This temporarily pauses service and prevents unauthorized charges. Be aware that after 30 days, a suspended line may automatically disconnect if not reconnected.
How to find my Verizon account number?
Your Verizon account number is typically found on your monthly bill. You can also locate it by logging into your My Verizon account online or through the app; it's usually displayed on the account overview page.
How to switch carriers from Verizon and keep my number?
To switch carriers and keep your Verizon number, you need to initiate a "port" request with your new carrier. Provide them with your Verizon account number and a Verizon Number Transfer PIN. Do NOT cancel your Verizon service until the number has successfully ported to the new carrier.
How to return Verizon equipment after canceling a line?
If you rented equipment, Verizon will usually send you return instructions and a pre-paid shipping label after you cancel service. If not, contact Verizon customer service to request a return kit or inquire about dropping it off at a corporate store. Return it within the specified timeframe (usually 30 days) to avoid charges.
How to know if I still owe money on my Verizon phone?
Log into your My Verizon account online or via the app and navigate to the "Devices" section. It will show the status of your device payment agreements, including any remaining balance. Your monthly bill will also detail device payment charges.
How to remove a phone from a Verizon family plan?
To remove a phone from a Verizon family plan, the account owner or manager must contact Verizon customer service. You'll need to decide if you want to cancel the line entirely, port the number to a new individual account (either with Verizon or another carrier), or simply replace the device on that existing line.
How to manage my Verizon account online?
You can manage your Verizon account online by visiting the My Verizon website (
