Planning to part ways with Verizon? Whether you're switching carriers, downsizing, or simply no longer need the service, canceling your cell phone plan can feel like navigating a maze. But fear not! This comprehensive, step-by-step guide will walk you through the entire process, ensuring a smooth transition.
Ready to cut the cord? Let's dive in!
Step 1: Gather Your Intel - What You Need Before You Call
Before you even think about dialing Verizon, it's crucial to have all your ducks in a row. This will make the cancellation process much quicker and less stressful.
Essential Information to Have Handy:
Account Holder's Name: Only the account owner or an authorized account manager can cancel service. Make sure the person calling is indeed the primary account holder.
Associated Phone Number(s): Know the specific phone number(s) you wish to cancel. If you have multiple lines, be clear about which ones you're disconnecting.
Account PIN or Last Four Digits of Account Owner's SSN: This is for verification purposes. Don't call without it!
Desired Cancellation Date: While cancellation is effective on the last day of your billing cycle, having a target date in mind can help you plan.
New Carrier Information (if porting): If you intend to keep your current phone number and transfer it to a new carrier (porting), you'll need your new carrier's account details and potentially a "Number Transfer PIN" from Verizon. This is extremely important – DO NOT cancel your Verizon service before your number has successfully ported to your new carrier, or you risk losing your number!
Device Payment Plan Status: Do you have any devices on an installment plan with Verizon? You'll need to know the remaining balance, as it will likely become due in full on your next bill after disconnecting.
Contract Status (if applicable): While most plans are now device payment-based, if you happen to be on an older contract, be aware of potential early termination fees (ETFs).
Step 2: Understand the Financial Realities of Cancellation
Canceling service isn't always as simple as hitting a button. There are financial implications you should be aware of.
Potential Costs and Considerations:
Early Termination Fees (ETFs): If you're on a service contract (less common these days, but still possible), you may incur an early termination fee. This fee typically declines over the duration of your contract. For advanced devices, it might start at $350 and decrease monthly. For other contracts, it could be $175, declining over time.
Device Payment Plan Balances: This is one of the most common costs. If you have a phone (or other device) on a payment plan, the entire remaining balance will be due on your next bill after cancellation. This includes any promotional credits you might have been receiving for a "free" or discounted device – those credits will stop.
Prorated Charges: Cancellation becomes effective on the last day of your billing cycle. You are responsible for all charges incurred up to that termination date. This means you won't get a prorated refund for any unused portion of the month if you cancel mid-cycle.
Third-Party Vendor Fees: If you purchased your device or service through an authorized agent or third-party vendor, they might have their own separate termination fees. Check your agreements with them.
Security Deposits: If you paid a security deposit, it may take 30-60 days to process its return after your final bill.
Step 3: The Preferred Method - Calling Verizon Customer Service
Unlike many other services, Verizon typically requires you to call them directly to cancel your cell phone service. You cannot cancel online or via email for security reasons.
Sub-heading: Dialing the Right Number and Timing Your Call
Verizon Customer Service Number: The primary number for Verizon Customer Service is 1-800-922-0204. Another number frequently cited is 1-844-837-2262. It's generally best to try the main customer service line first.
Operating Hours: Verizon's customer service hours are typically:
Monday - Saturday: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM (local time)
Sunday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (local time)
Note: Some sources indicate business hours only (Mon-Fri, 8 AM - 5 PM ET) for cancellations. It's advisable to call during standard weekday business hours to avoid any issues.
Sub-heading: Navigating the Call and Speaking with a Representative
State Your Intent Clearly: Once you connect with a representative, clearly state that you wish to cancel your cell phone service. Be firm but polite.
Provide Account Information: The representative will ask for your account holder's name, the phone number you're canceling, and your account PIN or the last four digits of your SSN to verify your identity.
Be Prepared for Retention Efforts: Verizon representatives are trained to retain customers. They may offer you:
Cheaper plans or discounts
Temporary service suspensions
Promotional offers to stay
It's important to be prepared to decline these offers if your decision to cancel is final. You can politely reiterate your reasons for leaving (e.g., "I've found a plan that better suits my needs," or "I no longer require this service").
Confirm the Effective Cancellation Date: Ensure the representative confirms the exact date your service will be disconnected, which will be the last day of your current billing cycle.
Request a Confirmation Number: Always ask for a cancellation confirmation number or ticket number. This is your proof that the cancellation request was initiated and can be vital if any issues arise later.
Inquire About Final Billing: Ask about your final bill, including any remaining device payment balances or applicable fees. Understand when and how this final bill will be issued and how you can pay it (e.g., through a "Disconnected Accounts" page).
Step 4: Porting Your Number (If Applicable)
If you're keeping your phone number, this step is paramount.
The Golden Rule of Porting:
DO NOT CANCEL YOUR VERIZON SERVICE UNTIL YOUR NUMBER HAS SUCCESSFULLY PORTED TO YOUR NEW CARRIER.
If you cancel first, you risk losing your number, as Verizon may reassign it within 45 days.
Sub-heading: The Number Transfer PIN (NTP)
Generate Your NTP: Before contacting your new carrier, you'll need a Number Transfer PIN (NTP) from Verizon. You can usually generate this by dialing #PORT from the smartphone you want to transfer, or by logging into My Verizon online and looking for the "Create Your Number Transfer PIN" option in the Security section. The NTP is valid for 7 days.
Provide to New Carrier: Give your new carrier your Verizon account number and the Number Transfer PIN. They will initiate the porting process with Verizon.
Number Lock: If you have "Number Lock" enabled on your Verizon account (a security feature to prevent unauthorized porting), you will need to turn it off before your number can be ported. You can do this by dialing *611 or through My Verizon.
Confirmation: Your new carrier will notify you when the porting is complete. Once your number is active with your new carrier, then and only then should you proceed to formally cancel your Verizon service (if it hasn't automatically been disconnected by the porting process).
Step 5: Returning Equipment (If Necessary)
If you leased any equipment from Verizon (e.g., a hotspot, network extender, or even some routers if you had bundled services), you might need to return it to avoid additional charges.
Check Your Agreement: Review your original service agreement or contact customer service to confirm if any equipment needs to be returned.
Return Process: Verizon will typically provide instructions and a return label if equipment needs to be sent back. Ensure you follow their guidelines and keep proof of shipment.
Step 6: Paying Your Final Bill
Even after cancellation, you'll receive a final bill that includes charges up to your termination date, any remaining device payment balances, and potentially ETFs.
Accessing Disconnected Accounts: Verizon has a dedicated "Disconnected Accounts" page or process for paying final bills after your service is terminated. You may not be able to log into your regular My Verizon account.
Payment Methods: Ensure you understand the accepted payment methods for disconnected accounts.
Monitor Your Account: Keep an eye on your bank statements or credit card statements to ensure the final payment is processed correctly and no unexpected charges appear.
Step 7: Post-Cancellation Checklist
A few final steps to ensure everything is settled:
Update Contacts: If you didn't port your number, make sure all your important contacts have your new number.
Unlink Accounts: If your Verizon number was linked to any online accounts for authentication (e.g., banking, social media), update those accounts with your new number.
Review Credit Report: While typically only collections show up on your credit report, it's good practice to monitor your credit for any unexpected activity related to the cancellation, especially if there were outstanding balances.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to check if I'm under contract with Verizon?
You can check your contract status by logging into your My Verizon account online or through the My Verizon app, under your plan details or device information. Alternatively, call customer service (1-800-922-0204) and ask a representative.
How to find my Verizon account PIN?
Your account PIN is usually set up when you create your account. If you don't remember it, you can typically reset it through My Verizon online or by calling customer service and verifying your identity with other information (like the last four digits of your SSN).
How to port my Verizon number to a new carrier?
First, obtain your Number Transfer PIN (NTP) from Verizon by dialing #PORT from your phone or through My Verizon online. Then, provide this NTP and your Verizon account number to your new carrier. Your new carrier will initiate the porting process. Do NOT cancel Verizon service until the port is complete.
How to pay off my Verizon device payment plan early?
You can pay off your device payment agreement early by logging into My Verizon online, going to your Device Overview page, and selecting "Manage" to pay off the balance. You can also do this at a Verizon store. Be aware that any promotional credits associated with the device will stop once it's paid off.
How to avoid early termination fees with Verizon?
Early termination fees (ETFs) are usually only applicable if you're on an older service contract that hasn't expired. If you're on a device payment plan, you won't have an ETF, but you will need to pay off the remaining balance of your device. Moving to an area outside Verizon's service might also waive the fee for Fios, but generally, for cell service, completing your contract term is the primary way to avoid it.
How to cancel only one line on my Verizon account?
You can disconnect a single line by calling Verizon Customer Service at 1-800-922-0204. You can also visit the disconnect page in My Verizon (online or app), select the specific line you wish to disconnect, and follow the prompts.
How to get my final bill from Verizon after cancellation?
After disconnecting service, Verizon will typically send your final bill via mail or to your registered email address. You may also be able to access it through a dedicated "Disconnected Accounts" portal on the Verizon website for a limited time (usually up to 6 months).
How to confirm my Verizon service has been canceled?
After calling to cancel, you should receive a cancellation confirmation number. Keep this number. You can also try calling Verizon Customer Service a few days after your requested cancellation date to confirm the account status. If you ported your number, the activation of service with your new carrier confirms the old line is no longer active.
How to return leased Verizon equipment?
If you leased equipment, contact Verizon Customer Service to confirm if it needs to be returned. They will provide instructions and often a shipping label. Make sure to follow their guidelines precisely and keep proof of shipment (e.g., tracking number).
How to handle promotional subscriptions after canceling Verizon?
Any promotional or perk subscriptions (e.g., Disney+, Apple Music) linked through your Verizon account will typically cancel when your service is terminated. If you had a direct subscription with the provider that was suspended while on Verizon's perk, it might reactivate. Check with the individual service provider for details.
