Your Ultimate Guide: How to Shut Off Verizon Service Without the Headache
Thinking about breaking up with Verizon? Whether you're switching carriers, moving, or just looking to cut costs, ending your service can feel like a daunting task. But don't worry, we're here to walk you through every step of the process, making it as smooth and stress-free as possible. Let's get started, shall we?
Step 1: Assess Your Situation and Gather Information
Before you even think about dialing that customer service number, let's take a moment to understand your current Verizon setup. This crucial first step will save you a lot of time and potential headaches down the line.
Sub-heading 1.1: Why Are You Cancelling?
Are you simply looking for a better deal, or is it time for a complete change? Your reason for canceling can influence the process. For instance, if you're porting your number to a new carrier, the steps will differ slightly from a complete service termination. If you're moving to an area not covered by Verizon Fios, you might even be eligible for an early termination fee waiver!
Sub-heading 1.2: Check Your Contract Status
Do you have a contract? While traditional two-year contracts are less common now, many customers are on device payment plans.
Device Payment Plans: If you have an active device payment agreement, the remaining balance for your phone or other devices will typically become due on your next bill after disconnecting. This can be a significant lump sum, so be prepared!
Promotional Credits: If you received any promotional credits tied to your device payment plan, those will likely discontinue upon cancellation, meaning you'll be responsible for the full remaining balance.
Older Service Contracts: For older plans that might still have a service contract, an early termination fee (ETF) may apply. This fee often starts higher and reduces over time.
Sub-heading 1.3: Locate Essential Account Details
You'll need these handy when you speak to a Verizon representative. Have them ready to avoid scrambling during the call.
Account Owner's Name: Only the account owner or a designated account manager can initiate a cancellation.
Associated Phone Number: The primary phone number linked to your account.
Account PIN or Last Four Digits of Account Owner's Social Security Number (SSN): This is for security verification.
Step 2: Consider Your Number Transfer Options (Porting)
If you want to keep your current phone number, this is a critical step that must be done before you cancel your Verizon service. If you cancel first, you risk losing your number!
Sub-heading 2.1: The Golden Rule of Porting
Do NOT cancel your Verizon service until your number has successfully transferred to your new carrier. Your new carrier will handle the porting process, and your Verizon account needs to remain active for this to happen.
Sub-heading 2.2: Generating Your Number Transfer PIN
This is a security measure Verizon uses to authorize the transfer of your number.
Dial #PORT: From the smartphone with the number you want to transfer, simply dial #PORT. Verizon will then text you a link to generate your Number Transfer PIN in My Verizon.
My Verizon Website: Log in to your My Verizon account as the Account Owner or Account Manager. Navigate to the "Account" or "Security" section and look for "Number Transfer PIN" or "Port Out FAQs." Choose to Generate PIN.
Important: This PIN is only valid for 7 days, so give it to your new carrier promptly. Keep it secure and only share it with your new carrier.
Sub-heading 2.3: Providing Information to Your New Carrier
Once you have your Number Transfer PIN, give it to your new carrier along with your Verizon account number and billing address. They will then initiate the porting process with Verizon. It typically takes a few days for the transfer to complete.
Step 3: Contact Verizon Customer Service
This is often the most direct and, at times, most challenging part of the process. Be prepared for retention efforts.
Sub-heading 3.1: The Preferred Method - Phone Call
Verizon generally requires you to call them to cancel service. You cannot typically cancel online or via email.
Verizon Wireless Customer Service: Dial 1-800-922-0204.
Verizon Fios/Home Internet Customer Service: You can try 1-800-837-4966.
Business Accounts: For wireless, call 1-800-922-0204 (Mon–Fri 8 AM–8 PM EST, Sat 8 AM–5 PM EST). For wireline services (Fios), call 1-800-837-4966 (Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–6 PM EST).
Operating Hours: Be aware of their operating hours. Generally, customer service lines are open Monday to Friday, and sometimes Saturdays, with varying hours.
Sub-heading 3.2: Be Prepared for Retention Tactics
Verizon customer service representatives are trained to try and keep you as a customer. They may offer:
Suspension of service: A temporary hold on your service.
Cheaper plans: A discounted rate on a comparable plan.
Promotional offers: Special deals to entice you to stay.
Discounts: Lowering your current monthly bill.
Politely decline if you are firm on canceling. You can state reasons like "bad coverage in my area," "I'm moving," or "I found a plan that better suits my needs elsewhere."
Sub-heading 3.3: Confirm the Cancellation and Get a Confirmation Number
Once you've navigated the retention attempts and confirmed your desire to cancel, ensure you receive a cancellation ticket number or confirmation number. This is your proof that the request was made and can be vital if any issues arise later. Ask for the effective date of cancellation as well.
Step 4: Understand Your Final Bill and Any Remaining Charges
Cancellation isn't always instant. Your service typically continues until the last day of your current billing period.
Sub-heading 4.1: When to Expect Your Final Bill
You will receive your final bill on your normal bill cycle date. This bill will include:
Any prorated charges for service used up to the termination date.
The remaining balance of any device payment plans.
Any applicable early termination fees (if you were under a contract).
Any other outstanding charges or credits.
Sub-heading 4.2: Paying Your Final Bill
You can usually pay your final bill through My Verizon for up to 180 days after disconnecting. If it's been longer than 180 days, you might need to use a specific disconnected accounts payment link.
Sub-heading 4.3: Security Deposits and Refunds
If you paid a security deposit, it may take 30-60 days to process the return. Any charges accrued before termination may be applied against your deposit. Credit balances, if any, may also take 60 days or more to be refunded.
Step 5: Return Any Verizon-Owned Equipment
If you have Verizon Fios or Home Internet, you'll likely have equipment that belongs to Verizon.
Sub-heading 5.1: Identify Verizon-Owned Equipment
This typically includes:
Routers
Set-top boxes
ONT (Optical Network Terminal) – though sometimes this is wall-mounted and left.
Sub-heading 5.2: Return Process
Verizon will provide instructions on how to return their equipment. This usually involves:
Prepaid Shipping Label: They may send you a prepaid shipping label to mail the equipment back.
Verizon Store Drop-off: You might be able to return it to a Verizon store.
Important: Do not delay returning the equipment. If you don't return Verizon-owned equipment, you will likely be charged for it. Keep proof of shipment or a receipt if you drop it off.
Step 6: Manage Your Subscriptions and Perks
If you had any promotional or perk subscriptions through Verizon (like Disney+, Apple Music, etc.), these will typically cancel when your service is terminated.
Sub-heading 6.1: Direct Provider Subscriptions
In some cases, a suspended subscription you had directly with the provider (e.g., Disney+ directly through Disney) may reactivate. Check with the individual service providers to manage these directly after your Verizon cancellation.
Sub-heading 6.2: Removing Add-ons
Before or during your cancellation call, review any extra add-ons or features on your Verizon account. Ensure they are removed to avoid any unnecessary charges.
By following these steps, you'll be well-equipped to shut off your Verizon service with confidence and minimize any potential bumps along the way. Good luck!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - How to Shut Off Verizon Service
Here are 10 common questions related to canceling Verizon service, with quick answers:
How to Check if I have an Early Termination Fee with Verizon?
You can inquire about any potential Early Termination Fees (ETFs) by calling Verizon Customer Service (1-800-922-0204) or reviewing your past billing statements and contract details in your My Verizon account. Device payment plans typically incur the remaining balance, not a traditional ETF.
How to Transfer My Verizon Number to a New Carrier?
To transfer your number, you must first get a Number Transfer PIN from Verizon by dialing #PORT from your phone or generating it in your My Verizon account. Provide this PIN and your Verizon account number to your new carrier, and they will handle the porting process. Do NOT cancel Verizon service before the transfer is complete.
How to Pay My Final Verizon Bill After Cancelling?
You can usually pay your final bill by signing into your My Verizon account. Verizon also has a "Sign in to a disconnected mobile account" page or a "Make a one-time payment" link available for a period after cancellation.
How to Return Verizon Equipment?
Verizon will typically provide you with instructions, often including a prepaid shipping label, to return rented equipment. You may also be able to drop it off at a Verizon store. Failing to return equipment will result in charges.
How to Suspend Verizon Service Instead of Cancelling?
Verizon allows temporary suspensions for various reasons (lost/stolen device, military deployment, vacation/illness). You can initiate a suspension through your My Verizon account or by calling customer service. Be aware of the maximum suspension period and potential billing implications.
How to Cancel Only One Line on a Verizon Account?
You can disconnect individual lines by calling Verizon Customer Service. If you are the account owner, you may also be able to manage this through the "disconnect page" in My Verizon.
How to Avoid Early Termination Fees with Verizon?
The most common way to avoid ETFs is to fulfill your contract term. If you're on a device payment plan, paying off the device balance is the equivalent. For Fios customers moving outside Verizon's service area, some waivers might be available if you provide proof of your new address.
How to Contact Verizon Customer Service for Cancellation?
The primary phone number for Verizon Wireless customer service is 1-800-922-0204. For Fios/Home Internet, you can try 1-800-837-4966.
How to Get a Confirmation of My Verizon Service Cancellation?
Always ask for a cancellation ticket number or confirmation number when you speak to a Verizon representative. This serves as your proof of cancellation.
How to Know When My Verizon Service Will Officially End?
Cancellation is generally effective on the last day of the billing period in which you cancel. Your service will continue until that date.