Breaking away from a Verizon family plan can feel like navigating a maze, but with the right guidance, it's a straightforward process. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, from understanding your current situation to enjoying your newfound cellular independence. Let's get started!
Step 1: Are You Ready to Go Solo (or Join a New Plan)? Let's Find Out!
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let's take a moment to consider why you want to break away from your Verizon family plan. Are you looking for a cheaper individual plan? Do you want more control over your data usage? Are you moving to a different carrier? Understanding your motivations will help you make the best decisions throughout this process.
Consider your current needs: How much data do you typically use? Do you make many international calls? Are you happy with your current phone, or are you looking to upgrade?
Explore alternatives: Before leaving Verizon, research other carriers and their plans. You might find better deals or features that suit your lifestyle more effectively. Don't be afraid to compare!
Talk to your family (if comfortable): If you're currently on a plan with family members, a brief conversation can help manage expectations and avoid any surprises. They might even be able to offer insights or advice.
Once you're clear on your reasons and have explored some initial options, you're ready to move on!
Step 2: Gather Your Intelligence: Account Information and Eligibility
This is where you become a super-sleuth! Having all your account information handy will make the process much smoother.
Account Owner Identification: You'll need to know who the primary account holder is. Only the account owner (or an authorized manager) can make significant changes to the plan, including removing lines. If you're not the account owner, you'll need their cooperation.
If you are the Account Owner: Great! You have full control.
If you are NOT the Account Owner: You'll need to coordinate with them. They might need to initiate the process, or you might need their account credentials (with their permission, of course) to access the account online or over the phone.
Account Number and PIN/Security Code: These are crucial for verifying your identity. You can usually find your account number on a recent bill or by logging into your My Verizon account online. The PIN or security code is typically set up when the account is created.
Check Your Contract Status:
Contractual Obligations: Are you currently under contract for your phone or line? Many older Verizon plans had two-year contracts. Breaking a contract early can incur an Early Termination Fee (ETF).
Device Payment Plans: Do you have an outstanding balance on a device payment plan (e.g., for a phone you're still paying off)? You'll need to pay off the remaining balance on your device if you want to take it with you to a new carrier or if you're keeping the phone but canceling your Verizon service for that line.
To check your contract or device payment status, log into My Verizon or call customer service.
Current Plan Details: Familiarize yourself with your current family plan's features, including data allowance, monthly cost, and any add-ons. This will help you compare it to potential new plans.
Step 3: Choose Your Path: What's Your Next Wireless Destination?
There are a few different scenarios when breaking away from a Verizon family plan. Your next steps depend on what you want to do.
Sub-heading A: Staying with Verizon, but on an Individual Plan
If you're happy with Verizon's network but want your own plan, this is your route.
Research Verizon Individual Plans: Explore Verizon's current offerings for single lines. They have various options, from unlimited data to tiered plans.
Contact Verizon Customer Service:
Online Chat: Often the quickest way to get information.
Phone Call: Call 1-800-922-0204 (Verizon Customer Service). Be prepared for potential wait times.
In-Store Visit: Visit a Verizon corporate store. Authorized retailers may not have the same capabilities for complex account changes.
Request a Line Separation: Explain that you wish to separate your line from the family plan and establish your own individual account.
If you are the account owner, you can do this directly.
If you are not the account owner, the account owner will need to initiate this, or you'll need their explicit permission and possibly their account credentials.
Credit Check: Verizon will likely run a credit check to open a new individual account in your name.
New Account Setup: You'll choose your new individual plan, and your existing phone number will be transferred to your new account. Your current device should work seamlessly.
Sub-heading B: Porting Your Number to a New Carrier
This is the most common scenario if you're leaving Verizon altogether. Porting means transferring your existing phone number to a different provider.
Select Your New Carrier and Plan: Sign up for service with your chosen new carrier (AT&T, T-Mobile, Mint Mobile, Google Fi, etc.).
Initiate the Port Request with Your New Carrier: This is crucial: DO NOT cancel your Verizon service before porting! Your new carrier will handle the porting process.
They will ask for your Verizon account number and PIN/security code. Provide these accurately.
They may also ask for the last four digits of the account owner's Social Security Number (SSN) for verification.
Wait for the Port to Complete: This usually takes a few hours, but can sometimes take up to 24-48 hours. Your Verizon service will remain active until the port is successful. You'll know it's complete when your Verizon phone stops working and your new carrier's service activates on your device (or new device).
Verizon Line Automatically Canceled (for that line): Once the port is successful, Verizon will automatically cancel that specific line on your family plan. You do not need to contact Verizon to cancel the line after a successful port.
Pay Off Device (if applicable): If you have an outstanding device payment balance, you'll receive a final bill from Verizon with the remaining amount.
Sub-heading C: Canceling Your Line Entirely (No Number Transfer)
This is less common, but if you don't care about keeping your phone number, this is an option.
Contact Verizon Customer Service: Explain that you want to cancel your specific line on the family plan.
Account Owner Authorization: Again, only the account owner can authorize this cancellation.
Confirm Cancellation and Final Bill: Ensure you understand the exact date of cancellation and any final charges, including device payment balances or early termination fees.
No Number Retention: Your phone number will be lost if you choose this option.
Step 4: The Financial Realities: Understanding Bills and Fees
Breaking away can have financial implications. Be prepared for what's coming.
Final Verizon Bill:
Prorated Charges: Your final bill will likely include prorated charges for the days your service was active in the current billing cycle.
Device Payment Balance: If you had a device payment plan, the remaining balance will be due in full on your final bill. This is important if you plan to keep your phone and use it with a new carrier.
Early Termination Fees (ETFs): If you were under a two-year contract (less common now), you might incur an ETF.
New Carrier Charges: Be aware of any activation fees or initial charges from your new carrier.
Unlocking Your Device:
Verizon's unlocking policy: Most Verizon 4G LTE and 5G devices are locked for 60 days after purchase. After this period, they are automatically unlocked. If you purchased your phone directly from Verizon and have completed the 60-day lock period and paid off your device, it should be unlocked and ready for use with another carrier.
Important Note: Even if unlocked, a phone designed for Verizon's CDMA network might not be fully compatible with GSM-only carriers (like AT&T or T-Mobile) or vice versa. Always check compatibility with your new carrier.
Step 5: Post-Breakup: Confirmations and Adjustments
You're almost there! A few final checks will ensure a smooth transition.
Confirm Service with New Carrier (if applicable): Once you've ported your number, make sure your new service is fully functional. Test calls, texts, and data.
Review Your First Bill from Your New Carrier: Double-check that everything is accurate and as expected.
Monitor Your Verizon Account (for a short period): Even after separating, it's a good idea to periodically check your old Verizon account (if you can still access it) or be vigilant for any unexpected bills for a month or two, just in case.
Return Verizon Equipment (if applicable): If you had any leased equipment (like a hotspot or a network extender) that was part of the family plan and is now yours to return, follow Verizon's instructions to avoid unreturned equipment fees.
Breaking away from a Verizon family plan, while seemingly complex, is manageable with a clear understanding of the steps involved. By gathering your information, choosing your path, and being aware of the financial aspects, you can successfully transition to your new wireless freedom!
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to find my Verizon account number and PIN?
You can find your Verizon account number on any of your monthly bills, by logging into your My Verizon account online, or by calling Verizon customer service. Your PIN/security code is usually set up when the account is created and can be reset through My Verizon or by calling customer service (with proper identity verification).
How to check if my Verizon phone is unlocked?
Verizon 4G LTE and 5G devices are automatically unlocked 60 days after purchase. If you've owned your phone for more than 60 days and paid it off, it should be unlocked. You can also confirm this by trying a SIM card from a different carrier (if you have one) or by contacting Verizon customer service.
How to port my Verizon number to a new carrier?
To port your Verizon number, do NOT cancel your Verizon service first. Instead, sign up for service with your new carrier and provide them with your Verizon account number and PIN. Your new carrier will initiate the porting process, which will automatically cancel your line with Verizon once complete.
How to avoid early termination fees when leaving Verizon?
Early Termination Fees (ETFs) are typically only applied if you break a two-year service contract before its term is up. Most newer Verizon plans do not have service contracts, but rather device payment plans. To avoid ETFs, ensure you are not under a service contract. If you are on a device payment plan, you'll need to pay off the remaining balance.
How to separate my line from a Verizon family plan to an individual plan?
If you are the account owner, you can directly contact Verizon customer service (or visit a corporate store) and request to separate your line into a new individual account. If you are not the account owner, the account owner must initiate this process or give explicit permission.
How to pay off my Verizon device payment plan balance?
You can pay off your remaining device payment plan balance by logging into your My Verizon account online, by calling customer service, or by visiting a Verizon corporate store. The full balance will also be due on your final bill if you cancel service for that line.
How to return leased Verizon equipment?
If you have any leased equipment from Verizon (like hotspots or network extenders), Verizon will provide instructions on how to return them. Typically, they send a return kit or you can drop them off at a UPS store with a prepaid label. Follow their instructions carefully to avoid unreturned equipment fees.
How to check my contract status with Verizon?
You can check your contract status (if applicable) and device payment plan status by logging into your My Verizon account online or by calling Verizon customer service. Look for sections related to "My Devices" or "Contracts."
How to switch from a Verizon family plan to a prepaid plan?
You can switch from a Verizon family plan to a Verizon prepaid plan by contacting Verizon customer service. They can help you transition your line to a prepaid service, often keeping your current number. Be aware that you'll likely need to pay off any outstanding device balances first.
How to ensure my old Verizon line is fully canceled after porting?
After successfully porting your number to a new carrier, your specific line on the Verizon family plan will be automatically canceled. You can confirm this by logging into the My Verizon account (if you still have access) and checking the active lines, or by simply observing that your old Verizon service is no longer active on your device. The account owner will receive a final bill reflecting the change.