Are you feeling tied down by your Verizon contract, perhaps looking for greener pastures with another carrier, or simply need to cut down on expenses? Breaking free from a Verizon contract can seem daunting, with whispers of hefty early termination fees (ETFs) and confusing policies. But fear not! This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, helping you navigate the process with confidence. Let's explore how you can gracefully (or not so gracefully, but effectively!) exit your Verizon agreement.
Step 1: Assess Your Current Contract Situation – Do You Even Have a Contract?
Before you dive headfirst into canceling, let's figure out what kind of commitment you're actually under. Many Verizon customers these days aren't on traditional two-year service contracts anymore. Instead, they're on device payment plans where the cost of their phone is spread out over 24 or 36 months. Understanding the difference is crucial, as it directly impacts what you might owe.
Sub-heading: Traditional Service Contracts (Less Common Now): If you signed up for service a few years ago, you might still be on a two-year contract. These contracts typically come with an Early Termination Fee (ETF) if you cancel before the term is up. The ETF for advanced devices can be as high as $350, declining by a certain amount each month you complete. For other contract terms, it's typically $175, also declining monthly.
Sub-heading: Device Payment Agreements (The Modern Standard): Most newer Verizon plans involve a monthly payment for your device (phone, tablet, etc.) in addition to your service plan. If you cancel your service, you'll be responsible for paying off the remaining balance on your device immediately. This isn't an "early termination fee" for service, but rather paying for the device you agreed to purchase.
Sub-heading: Promotional Credits: Did you get a "free" phone or a significant discount when you signed up, with the understanding that credits would be applied to your bill over 24 or 36 months? If you cancel early, those promotional credits will stop, and you'll be responsible for the full remaining balance of the device. This can be a significant cost!
Action Item: Log into your My Verizon account (or call customer service if you prefer) and review your contract details and device payment agreements. Jot down any remaining balances or contract end dates. This is your first critical piece of information.
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| How To Get Out Of Verizon Contract |
Step 2: Calculate the Cost of Freedom – Understanding Potential Fees
Once you know what kind of agreement you have, it's time to crunch some numbers. Knowing the potential financial hit will help you decide the best course of action.
QuickTip: Read a little, pause, then continue.
Sub-heading: Early Termination Fees (ETFs) for Service Contracts:
For advanced devices: Up to $350, decreasing by $10/month for months 7-17, $20/month for months 18-22, and $60 for month 23. It becomes $0 at contract completion.
For other devices: Up to $175, decreasing by $5/month for months 7-17, $10/month for months 18-22, and $30 for month 23. It becomes $0 at contract completion.
Sub-heading: Device Payment Plan Balances: This is simply the remaining cost of your phone. If your phone was $800 and you've paid $200, you owe $600. Remember, if you received promotional credits, those will likely disappear, making the full original device price due.
Sub-heading: Final Bill Charges: Your cancellation is typically effective on the last day of your billing period. You'll be responsible for all charges incurred until then, including any prorated access charges, taxes, and surcharges.
Action Item: Based on your contract details from Step 1, estimate your total potential cost to get out. Be realistic about what you're willing to pay.
Step 3: Explore Your Options – The Pathways to Exit
Now that you're armed with information, let's look at the different ways you can get out of your Verizon contract. Some are more straightforward than others, and some might help you avoid or reduce those fees.
Sub-heading: Pay Off Your Device/ETF and Cancel: This is the most direct method. If you're willing and able to pay the remaining device balance and/or ETF, you can simply call Verizon and inform them of your intent to cancel.
Important Note: Do not close your Verizon account too early if you plan to port your number! Your account must stay open until the last line is moved and your final bill is issued. After the new carrier connects your number, your Verizon account typically closes automatically.
Sub-heading: Transfer Your Service (Assumption of Liability):
This is often the best option if you have an eligible line and can find someone to take it over. Verizon allows you to transfer lines of service to another individual or business. The person assuming responsibility must be 18+ (19 in Alabama) and pass a soft credit check. They will take over any remaining device payment agreements.
How it works: You initiate the transfer online or via the My Verizon app. The new party receives an email and has a limited time (15 days for personal lines, 30 for business) to accept the transfer.
Pros: You avoid ETFs and device payment balances! The other person assumes those responsibilities.
Cons: Finding a willing and eligible person can be challenging.
Sub-heading: Port Your Number to a New Carrier:
When you "port" your phone number, you're transferring it to a new carrier. This automatically initiates the cancellation of that line with Verizon. You don't need to explicitly tell Verizon you're leaving for that specific line.
However, you are still responsible for any outstanding device payments or ETFs. Some new carriers offer "buyout" programs where they will pay your ETF or remaining device balance to incentivize you to switch. This often comes in the form of a prepaid gift card or bill credits with the new carrier.
How it works: Do NOT cancel your Verizon service before initiating the port. Go to your new carrier, sign up for service, and provide them with your Verizon account number and PIN (or last 4 digits of SSN). They will handle the porting process.
Crucial: Ensure your Verizon account is in good standing and you have all necessary account information for the port to be successful.
Sub-heading: Look for Exceptions or Special Circumstances:
Military Deployment: If you're in the military and receive relocation orders outside the Verizon coverage area, you may be able to suspend your line. Upon verification, your device may be unlocked after 60 days of being active and the account being in good standing.
Poor Service Coverage: While not a guaranteed waiver, if you consistently experience significant and documented service issues in areas where Verizon advertises strong coverage, you might be able to negotiate. This is usually a long shot and requires diligent record-keeping of dropped calls, no service areas, etc.
Death of Account Holder: In unfortunate circumstances, Verizon has a process for canceling lines due to the death of the account holder. This typically requires a death certificate.
Action Item: Decide which option seems most viable for your situation. If you're considering a new carrier, research their "switch and save" or "contract buyout" programs.
Step 4: Prepare for the Call (or Online Action)
QuickTip: Repeat difficult lines until they’re clear.
If you're going to cancel a line or your entire account, preparation is key to a smooth process.
Sub-heading: Gather Your Account Information:
Account Owner's Name
Account Number
Account PIN or Last 4 Digits of Account Owner's SSN
Phone number(s) you wish to disconnect
Sub-heading: Know Your Billing Cycle: Cancellation is usually effective on the last day of your billing period. To maximize your paid service, consider disconnecting towards the end of your cycle.
Sub-heading: Be Ready for Retention Offers: Verizon customer service representatives are trained to retain customers. They may offer:
Cheaper plans
Discounts or credits
Temporary service suspensions
Upgrades
Politely decline if your mind is made up. Have your reason for leaving clear in your head (e.g., "I found a plan that better suits my needs/budget with another carrier," "I'm moving to an area with poor Verizon coverage," "I no longer need this line of service").
Action Item: Write down all your account information and a brief, firm statement about your intent to cancel. Be prepared to say "no" to retention offers if they don't meet your needs.
Step 5: Make the Disconnection Happen
Here's how to actually initiate the cancellation.
Sub-heading: Calling Customer Service (Most Common Method for Full Account Closure):
Call Verizon Customer Service at 1-800-922-0204.
Be prepared for a wait time.
State your intention clearly: "I would like to cancel my Verizon account entirely" or "I would like to disconnect this specific line of service."
Provide the requested account information.
If you're porting your number, do not mention cancellation until the port is complete. Instead, you'll work with the new carrier.
Request a cancellation confirmation number for your records.
Sub-heading: Disconnecting Individual Lines Online (if applicable):
You may be able to disconnect individual mobile lines via the "disconnect page" in My Verizon.
Sign into My Verizon and choose "Chat with us." Type "Cancel" and follow prompts. You might be directed to a live agent.
Sub-heading: Returning Devices (if applicable):
If you're within the 30-day return policy and want to avoid device payments entirely, you must return any equipment purchased from Verizon or authorized retailers. A restocking fee ($50) typically applies to device returns/exchanges (except in Hawaii).
Action Item: Follow the steps for your chosen cancellation method. Remain polite but firm. Document everything, including names of representatives and confirmation numbers.
QuickTip: Revisit this post tomorrow — it’ll feel new.
Step 6: Manage Your Final Bill and Device Unlock
The process isn't over until your final bill is paid and your device is truly free.
Sub-heading: Final Billing: Your last bill will include charges up to your cancellation date, plus any remaining device payment balances and/or ETFs.
Verizon has a "Disconnected Accounts" page in My Verizon where you can pay any final outstanding bills.
Be aware that if you had any "Buy One, Get One" (BOGO) promotions, the bill credits for the "free" device will discontinue, and you'll be charged the remaining balance for both devices.
Sub-heading: Device Unlocking:
Newly purchased Verizon devices are locked to their network for 60 days after purchase (or activation if from an authorized retailer).
After 60 days, Verizon automatically removes the lock unless the device is reported stolen or fraudulently purchased.
An unlocked Verizon device may not work or may have limited functionality on another carrier's network due to differing technologies.
Action Item: Monitor your final bill carefully and pay it promptly. Ensure your device unlocks automatically after 60 days, or contact Verizon if it doesn't.
By following these steps, you can successfully navigate the complexities of getting out of your Verizon contract. It requires a bit of homework and perseverance, but the freedom (and potentially the savings!) can be well worth it.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to find out if I have an early termination fee with Verizon? You can find out if you have an early termination fee (ETF) by logging into your My Verizon account, reviewing your original contract documents, or by calling Verizon Customer Service at 1-800-922-0204 and asking them to look up your contract details.
QuickTip: Scan for summary-style sentences.
How to reduce the early termination fee with Verizon? While direct negotiation for a reduced ETF is difficult, the fee automatically declines each month you complete your contract. Some new carriers offer "buyout" promotions where they cover a portion of your ETF or remaining device balance when you switch.
How to transfer my Verizon line to another person? You can transfer your Verizon line to another person (assuming responsibility for the line and any associated device payments) through the "Transfer Your Service" option in My Verizon or by calling customer service. Both parties need to be eligible and complete specific steps.
How to port my Verizon number to a new carrier without issues? To port your Verizon number successfully, do NOT cancel your Verizon service beforehand. Go to your new carrier, provide them with your Verizon account number and PIN, and they will initiate the transfer. Your Verizon account for that line will automatically cancel once the port is complete.
How to check my remaining device payment balance on Verizon? You can check your remaining device payment balance by logging into your My Verizon account online or through the My Verizon app. The device overview section will show you the amount owed on each device.
How to return a device to Verizon after canceling service? If you cancel service within the 30-day return period, you can return the device to a Verizon store or follow their instructions for mail-in returns. Be aware of a potential $50 restocking fee. After 30 days, you generally can't return the device unless it's for a warranty exchange.
How to avoid paying the full early termination fee if I'm relocating for military service? Verizon has a policy for deployed military personnel. Upon verification of your relocation orders outside the Verizon Coverage Area, you may be able to suspend your line, and your device may be unlocked after 60 days of being active and in good standing. Contact customer service for specific details and documentation requirements.
How to pay my final Verizon bill after I cancel? Your final bill, including any remaining device balances or ETFs, will be sent to you after cancellation. You can typically pay it online via the "Disconnected Accounts" page in My Verizon, through mail, or by calling their billing department.
How to unlock my Verizon phone after cancellation? Verizon devices are generally locked for 60 days after purchase or activation. After this period, they automatically unlock unless flagged for fraud or reported stolen. You don't need to do anything specific; the unlock happens automatically.
How to determine my Verizon billing cycle end date? Your billing cycle end date is listed on your monthly Verizon bill or can be found by logging into your My Verizon account online or through the My Verizon app. This information is helpful for timing your cancellation.
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