Cutting Ties: A Comprehensive Guide to Canceling Your Verizon Service
Are you ready to say goodbye to Verizon? Whether you're seeking a better deal, moving to an area without coverage, or simply looking to streamline your monthly expenses, canceling a service can feel like a daunting task. But don't worry, you're not alone in this! Many people navigate this process, and with the right information, you can make it as smooth and stress-free as possible.
This lengthy guide will walk you through every step of canceling your Verizon service, from essential preparations to understanding potential fees and what to do with your equipment. Let's get started!
 |
| How Cancel Verizon Service |
Step 1: Assess Your Situation and Gather Essential Information
Before you even think about picking up the phone or heading to a store, it's crucial to understand your current Verizon account status. This preparation will save you significant time and potential headaches down the line.
Sub-heading: Know Your Contract
Are you still under contract? This is perhaps the most important question. Verizon, like many carriers, often has contracts for wireless and Fios services, especially if you received promotional pricing or a discounted device.
If you are under contract, you might be subject to an Early Termination Fee (ETF). For wireless plans, this can be a prorated fee that decreases over time (e.g., $350 declining by $10-$20 per month). For Fios, it can also be a prorated fee, often starting at $350 and decreasing by $15 per month.
If you're out of contract, you're typically on a month-to-month basis and won't face an ETF. However, you will still need to pay off any remaining device payment balances if you financed a phone or other equipment.
When does your current billing cycle end? Canceling strategically can help minimize your final bill. Verizon cancellations typically become effective at the end of your billing cycle.
Sub-heading: Gather Your Account Details
Have the following information readily available. This will be requested by Verizon to verify your identity and access your account.
Account Number: This is a primary identifier for your service.
Account Holder's Name: Only the account holder can authorize cancellation.
Account PIN or the Last Four Digits of the Account Holder's Social Security Number: These are common verification methods.
Billing Address Associated with the Account: Another key piece of information for verification.
Phone Number (if canceling mobile service) or Service Address (if canceling Fios): The specific service you wish to cancel.
Step 2: Consider Alternatives Before Fully Canceling
Are you absolutely sure you want to cancel? Sometimes, there are alternatives that might meet your needs without a full service termination.
QuickTip: Don’t rush through examples.
Sub-heading: Porting Your Number to a New Carrier
If you're switching to a different provider but want to keep your current phone number, do NOT cancel your Verizon service before porting your number! Your new carrier will handle the transfer process, which will automatically trigger the cancellation of that line with Verizon. Canceling beforehand could result in losing your number.
How to get your Number Transfer PIN (NTP):
Dial #PORT: From your Verizon smartphone, dial #PORT. Verizon will text you the PIN.
My Verizon Account: Log in to My Verizon, go to the "My Services" tab, and look for "Number Transfer" to generate a PIN.
Provide information to your new carrier: Your new carrier will need your Verizon account number, the Number Transfer PIN, and the billing address associated with your Verizon account.
Sub-heading: Temporary Suspension (Seasonal Hold)
If you're going away for an extended period (e.g., 1 to 9 months) and don't want to cancel entirely, Verizon offers a "seasonal hold" or temporary suspension for Fios services. There might be a one-time charge, but no ongoing monthly fees during the hold.
Sub-heading: Downgrading or Changing Plans
Perhaps you don't need to cancel entirely but simply want to reduce your monthly cost. Explore Verizon's other plans or discuss options with customer service. Sometimes, a smaller data plan or a different Fios package can meet your needs more effectively.
Step 3: Initiate the Cancellation Process
Once you've assessed your situation and decided to proceed with cancellation, it's time to contact Verizon.
Sub-heading: The Primary Method: Calling Customer Service
For most Verizon services (both wireless and Fios), calling customer service is the most direct and often required way to cancel your account. While some initial steps might be available online for Fios, a conversation with a representative is almost always necessary to finalize the cancellation.
Verizon Wireless Customer Service: Dial *611 from your Verizon phone or 1-800-922-0204 from any other phone.
Verizon Fios Customer Service: Call 1-800-VERIZON (1-800-837-4966) during their business hours (Monday – Friday, 8 AM-7 PM ET; Saturday, 8 AM-5 PM ET). You can also call (844) 837-2262.
QuickTip: Repetition signals what matters most.
Sub-heading: What to Expect During the Call
Verification: Be prepared to provide the account information you gathered in Step 1.
Reason for Cancellation: The representative will likely ask why you're canceling. Be prepared with a clear, concise reason. This is often a retention attempt, where they might offer incentives to stay. Be firm but polite if you're set on canceling. Common reasons people give include:
Moving to an area with no Verizon service.
Finding a better deal with another provider.
Dissatisfaction with service or pricing.
Confirmation of Fees: The representative should clearly outline any applicable Early Termination Fees or remaining device payment balances. Make sure you understand these charges.
Cancellation Date: Confirm the effective date of your service cancellation. It will typically align with the end of your current billing cycle.
Cancellation Confirmation Number: Always ask for a cancellation confirmation number. This is your proof that the request was processed. Write it down immediately.
Sub-heading: Visiting a Verizon Store (Limited for Cancellation)
 |
While you can visit a Verizon corporate store, cancellation of service (especially for wireless) often still requires a phone call to customer service. Store representatives may assist you in making the call or help with equipment returns, but the actual account termination is generally handled by the dedicated cancellation department over the phone.
Sub-heading: Online Cancellation (Limited Availability)
For Verizon Fios, you might be able to initiate a cancellation online by signing into My Verizon and choosing "Disconnect Service" on the Account Dashboard or Account Settings page. However, even with this option, you'll likely receive a follow-up phone call from Verizon customer service to complete the cancellation. For Verizon Wireless, direct online cancellation is typically not available; a phone call is required.
Step 4: Return Verizon Equipment (Fios)
If you have Verizon Fios internet, TV, or home phone service, you will likely have rented equipment (modems, routers, set-top boxes).
Return within 30 days: You are generally required to return all rented equipment within 30 days of disconnecting your service to avoid unreturned equipment charges. These charges can be substantial.
How to return equipment:
Verizon will often provide a prepaid shipping label. You can usually print this from your My Verizon account.
Follow the instructions on the shipping label to package and send back your equipment.
Keep proof of shipment (tracking number) for your records, just in case there's a dispute later.
Step 5: Monitor Your Final Bill
After your service is canceled, you will receive a final bill.
Normal Billing Cycle: Your final bill will typically be issued on your regular billing date.
Prorated Charges/Credits: This bill will include any charges incurred up to the cancellation date, as well as prorated credits for any services you might have been billed for in advance.
Early Termination Fees/Device Balances: Any ETFs or remaining device payment balances will appear on this final bill.
Credit Balances: If you have a credit balance on your account, Verizon will refund it. This can take up to 60 days or more.
Pay Attention to Detail: Review your final bill carefully to ensure all charges are correct and that you haven't been charged for services after your cancellation date. If something looks incorrect, contact Verizon billing immediately.
Step 6: Confirmation and Follow-Up
QuickTip: Keep a notepad handy.
Check Email/Mail: Keep an eye out for a final confirmation email or letter from Verizon stating that your service has been successfully canceled.
Credit Report (Optional, but Recommended): If you're concerned about device balances or ETFs, it might be wise to check your credit report in a few months to ensure no unexpected charges appear from Verizon.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to avoid early termination fees when canceling Verizon service?
The primary way to avoid ETFs is to wait until your contract term has ended. If you're under contract, some new carriers offer contract buyouts as an incentive to switch. You can also try to negotiate with Verizon customer service if you have a valid reason (e.g., poor service in a new area).
How to transfer my Verizon phone number to a new carrier?
To transfer your Verizon number, first obtain your Number Transfer PIN by dialing #PORT from your Verizon phone or generating it in your My Verizon account. Then, provide this PIN, your Verizon account number, and your billing address to your new carrier, and they will initiate the transfer.
How to check if I am still under contract with Verizon?
You can check your contract status by logging into your My Verizon account online, reviewing your original service agreement documents, or by calling Verizon customer service.
How to return Verizon equipment after canceling Fios service?
Verizon typically provides a prepaid shipping label. You need to package all rented equipment (modem, router, set-top boxes) and send them back within 30 days of cancellation to avoid unreturned equipment charges. Keep your shipping receipt.
Tip: Look for small cues in wording.
How to get a final bill from Verizon after cancellation?
Your final bill will be issued on your regular billing cycle date. You can typically view it by logging into your My Verizon account online for up to 180 days after disconnection.
How to cancel Verizon service if I'm moving to an area without coverage?
Inform Verizon customer service that you are moving to an area where Verizon service is not available. This might help in negotiating an ETF waiver, but it's not guaranteed. Be prepared to provide proof of your new address.
How to cancel one line on a multi-line Verizon account?
You can usually cancel individual lines by calling Verizon customer service. The process is similar to canceling the entire account, but you'll specify which line you wish to terminate. Be aware that canceling a line might affect any multi-line discounts on your remaining lines.
How to contact Verizon customer service specifically for cancellations?
For mobile service, dial *611 from your Verizon phone or 1-800-922-0204. For Fios, call 1-800-VERIZON (1-800-837-4966) or (844) 837-2262. Be prepared for potentially longer wait times as you'll be directed to their retention department.
How to determine if I need to pay off my phone before canceling Verizon?
If you financed your phone through Verizon (e.g., via a device payment plan), you will need to pay off the remaining balance of the device when you cancel service. This is separate from any Early Termination Fee for your service contract.
How to get a cancellation confirmation from Verizon?
Always ask the Verizon representative for a cancellation confirmation number during your call. Additionally, keep an eye out for a confirmation email or letter from Verizon after your service is officially disconnected.
 |
💡 This page may contain affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
