Do you need to put your Verizon line on hold? Perhaps you're going on an extended vacation, deploying for military service, or maybe your phone was lost or stolen. Whatever the reason, suspending your line can be a smart way to manage your mobile service and avoid unnecessary charges. But the burning question on everyone's mind is: "How much does it cost to suspend a line on Verizon?"
Let's dive deep into Verizon's suspension policies, breaking down the costs, options, and step-by-step instructions to help you navigate this process smoothly.
Understanding Verizon's Suspension Policy: It's Not Always "Free"
Gone are the days when suspending a line on Verizon was entirely without cost. While certain situations might offer a limited period of no billing, a general voluntary suspension usually comes with a reduced monthly fee. Verizon aims to balance the convenience of holding your number with the operational costs of maintaining your account.
Step 1: Identify Your Reason for Suspension – This Matters for Cost!
Before you do anything, take a moment to think about why you need to suspend your line. Your reason significantly impacts the cost and duration of the suspension. Verizon generally offers a few categories of suspension, each with its own rules.
Sub-heading: Lost or Stolen Device Suspension
If your device is lost or stolen, Verizon understands the urgency and aims to help prevent unauthorized usage. This is typically the most lenient suspension option regarding cost.
Sub-heading: Voluntary/Seasonal Suspension (General Leave)
This category is for when you simply won't be using your phone for an extended period, such as a long vacation, a temporary move, or just needing a break from your device. This is where you'll most likely encounter a recurring fee.
Sub-heading: Military Suspension
Verizon offers specific benefits and extended suspension periods for eligible military personnel who are deployed. This is often the most forgiving in terms of billing.
Step 2: Understanding the Costs Associated with Suspension
The cost to suspend a line on Verizon isn't a simple one-size-fits-all answer. It depends heavily on the type of suspension you choose and how long you need it.
Sub-heading: Lost or Stolen Device Suspension Costs
Initial Period (Up to 30 Days): Generally, if your device is lost or stolen, Verizon allows you to suspend your line without billing for up to 30 days. During this period, you won't be charged for voice, data, or most feature subscriptions.
Beyond 30 Days: If your line remains suspended beyond 30 days under the lost/stolen option, you will be billed starting on day 31, even though the line remains inoperable. This effectively transitions it to a voluntary suspension in terms of billing.
Device Payment Agreements: Important Note: If you have a device payment agreement (e.g., you're paying off your phone monthly), these charges typically continue to bill even during a lost/stolen suspension. Device protection coverage may be suspended, but multi-device protection often continues to bill.
Sub-heading: Voluntary/Seasonal Suspension Costs
The "$10 per month" Rule: For a general voluntary suspension (often referred to as a "reduced access rate"), Verizon typically charges a fee of around $10 per month per line. This rate can be prorated if your suspension doesn't align perfectly with your billing cycle.
Duration Limits: You can usually suspend your line under this option for up to 90 days in any rolling 12-month period. Some sources indicate a maximum of 180 days across all suspension types in a 12-month period.
Continued Charges: Similar to the lost/stolen suspension, any device payment charges will continue to bill. Also, recurring subscription charges that can be used on any line or by any user on the account (e.g., certain streaming services, Verizon Home Device Protect) will generally continue to bill unless you explicitly cancel them.
Sub-heading: Military Suspension Costs
Short-Term Deployment (Less than 90 Days): For military customers deployed for less than 90 days, Verizon now offers a "Military Short Term Suspend" option. During this period, the line will be charged $10 per month or your monthly service price, whichever is lower.
Long-Term Deployment (90 Days to 3 Years): For deployments lasting 90 days to 3 years, eligible military customers can often suspend their service without being charged for services and features on the suspended line, including device payment installments. This is a significant benefit for military personnel.
Holding Your Number: Verizon allows you to hold your telephone number for a maximum of 3 years and 90 days under military suspension.
Step 3: How to Suspend Your Verizon Line: A Step-by-Step Guide
Suspending your line is a straightforward process, primarily done through the My Verizon app or website.
Sub-heading: Suspending via the My Verizon App
Open the My Verizon app. Make sure your app is updated to the latest version for the most current features.
Sign in. If prompted, enter your password, fingerprint, or Face ID.
Navigate to Devices. Depending on your plan, tap the "Mobile" or "Home" tab. From the "Devices" section, tap the specific mobile number you wish to suspend. If you need to select a different number, navigate to "Devices" -> "Manage all devices," then tap "Manage" below the applicable phone number.
Select "Suspend or reconnect service." This option is usually found within the "Device Management" section.
Choose the Device. If prompted, select the device below the number you want to suspend.
Select your reason for suspending. You'll typically see options like "My device is lost or stolen" or "I will be on military deployment." Choose the one that applies to you.
Follow on-screen prompts. Review any important notes or terms, then confirm your suspension.
Sub-heading: Suspending via the My Verizon Website
Sign in to My Verizon. Open a web browser and go to the Verizon website.
Navigate to Account & Devices. From the My Verizon Home screen, look for "Account" then "My devices." You might also find a direct link for "Suspend or reconnect."
Select the device. Click the "Select Device" button next to the phone number you want to suspend.
Choose a reason. Select the appropriate reason for suspending service (e.g., "Device is lost or stolen," "Military suspend") and click "Continue."
Review and Confirm. Read the "Important things to note..." page, review the terms, and then select "Continue." Confirm your decision on the "Still want to suspend" prompt.
Sub-heading: What if you can't access My Verizon?
If you're unable to access the My Verizon app or website, you can also call Verizon customer service (dial *611 from your Verizon phone or the general customer service number) to suspend your line. Be prepared to verify your account information.
Step 4: What Happens After Suspension? Important Considerations
Once your line is suspended, there are a few key things to remember:
Sub-heading: Service Interruption
Your line will not be able to access or make or receive calls on the Verizon wireless data network. This means no calls, texts, or mobile data.
However, if your device has Wi-Fi capabilities, it can still connect to Wi-Fi networks and use internet-based apps (like iMessage, WhatsApp, or Wi-Fi calling if enabled).
Sub-heading: Billing During Suspension
As discussed, depending on the suspension type, you may still be billed for device payment agreements and certain recurring subscription charges. Always double-check your bill after suspending to ensure you understand what's being charged.
Charges for each billing period are often prorated when you suspend or reconnect service.
Sub-heading: Contract and Upgrade Eligibility
If your line is under a two-year contract, your upgrade eligibility and contract end dates will automatically be extended for the duration of the suspension.
Similarly, if you have a device promotion with monthly credits, these credits will usually continue, but the designated end date of the promotion may be extended.
Sub-heading: Automatic Disconnection
Be aware of the maximum suspension durations. If you do not reconnect your service before these limits are up (e.g., 30 days for lost/stolen without intervention, or 90/180 days for voluntary), your line may be automatically disconnected.
If a line is automatically disconnected, you will lose the telephone number associated with your service and may owe certain accelerated charges associated with any device payment agreement on your next bill. Early termination fees may also apply if your line was under contract.
Step 5: Reconnecting Your Verizon Line
Reconnecting your service is just as easy as suspending it.
Sub-heading: Reconnecting via the My Verizon App
Open the My Verizon app.
Sign in.
Navigate to Devices. Tap the "Mobile" or "Home" tab, then the mobile number, or go to "Devices" -> "Manage all devices" and tap "Manage."
Select "Suspend or reconnect service."
Choose "Select Device" below the suspended mobile number, if prompted.
Select a reconnection option. You'll see options like "Reconnect the same device," "Upgrade to a new device," "Reconnect another device," or "Use a different SIM card." Choose the relevant option and follow any on-screen steps.
Tap "Reconnect Now" then "Confirm."
Sub-heading: Reconnecting via the My Verizon Website
Sign in to My Verizon.
Navigate to Account & Devices. Go to "Account" -> "My Devices" -> "Suspend or reconnect."
Click "Select Device" next to the suspended phone number.
Select the option to reconnect service.
Select "Reconnect Now" and "Confirm."
Conclusion
Suspending a line on Verizon is a useful tool for managing your account when your phone won't be in use. While it's no longer entirely free for voluntary suspensions, the costs are generally manageable, especially compared to paying for full service you're not using. By understanding the different suspension types, their associated costs, and the step-by-step process, you can make an informed decision and handle your Verizon account with confidence.
Related FAQ Questions
How to Suspend a Verizon line if my phone is lost or stolen?
You can suspend your line by logging into your My Verizon account online or via the My Verizon app and selecting the "Lost/Stolen" option under the suspend service menu. This typically allows for up to 30 days of suspension without service charges.
How to Suspend a Verizon line for a long vacation?
For a long vacation, you would choose the "Other" or "Voluntary Suspension" option through My Verizon. Be aware that a fee, usually around $10 per month, will likely apply, and you're typically limited to 90 days in a rolling 12-month period for this type of suspension.
How to Suspend a Verizon line for military deployment?
Eligible military personnel can suspend their line for deployments. For short-term deployments (under 90 days), a $10/month or lower charge may apply. For longer deployments (90 days to 3 years), charges for service and device payments are generally waived. You can initiate this through My Verizon or by contacting customer service with your deployment orders.
How to Check the status of my suspended Verizon line?
You can check the status of your suspended line at any time by logging into your My Verizon account on the website or through the My Verizon app. The device status will indicate if it's suspended and when it's scheduled to reactivate.
How to Reconnect a suspended Verizon line early?
You can reconnect a suspended line at any time before its scheduled reactivation date through the My Verizon app or website by following the reconnection steps outlined above.
How to Avoid charges when suspending a Verizon line?
For voluntary suspensions, avoiding charges entirely is difficult as a $10/month fee often applies. However, for a lost or stolen device, the first 30 days are typically free of service charges. Military deployment offers the most comprehensive free suspension for longer durations.
How to Suspend multiple lines on a Verizon account?
You can suspend multiple lines on your account by logging into My Verizon. When managing devices, you'll be able to select each line individually or sometimes select multiple lines to apply the suspension.
How to Extend a suspended Verizon line?
To extend a suspension, you would typically need to reactivate the line and then suspend it again, ensuring you don't exceed the maximum allowable suspension duration (e.g., 90 or 180 days in a rolling 12-month period, depending on the suspension type). For military suspensions, the terms are more flexible.
How to Know if I still owe device payments on a suspended Verizon line?
Yes, in most voluntary and lost/stolen suspensions, you will continue to owe monthly device payments. These are separate from your service charges. Verizon's policy explicitly states that device payment charges continue to bill.
How to Contact Verizon customer service for suspension assistance?
You can contact Verizon customer service by dialing *611 from your Verizon mobile phone, or by calling their general customer service number (usually found on their website). You can also use their online chat support.
