Ever thought about pressing the pause button on your Verizon Wireless service? Maybe you're going on an extended vacation, facing military deployment, or simply have a lost or stolen device. Whatever the reason, suspending your service temporarily can be a smart move to save money and protect your account. But how exactly do you do it? Don't worry, we're here to guide you through the process, step-by-step, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience!
Step 1: Determine Your Reason for Suspension and Its Implications
Before you dive into the "how-to," it's crucial to understand why you're suspending your service, as Verizon offers different suspension types with varying durations, billing arrangements, and impacts on your account. So, what's your situation?
Sub-heading: Lost or Stolen Device
If your device has gone missing or been stolen, suspending your service immediately is paramount to prevent unauthorized usage and charges. This is a common and important reason for temporary suspension.
Duration: You can typically suspend your line for up to 30 days to prevent unauthorized use. Verizon states you can use this option once every 12 months. However, some sources suggest this can be extended up to 90 days in a rolling 12-month period, with billing resuming after 30 days if not reconnected.
Billing: During the initial suspension (up to 30 days for lost/stolen), you generally won't be charged for voice, data, or feature subscriptions. However, monthly device payment charges and recurring subscription charges (like streaming services) might continue to bill. Device protection coverage may also be suspended.
Reconnection: You must reconnect service using the same device or a replacement device before the 30-day (or extended) period ends. If not, the line will automatically disconnect, and you might lose your number and incur fees.
Sub-heading: Military Deployment
For our service members, Verizon offers specific and more flexible suspension options. This acknowledges the unique needs of military personnel.
Duration: For eligible military deployment, you can suspend your service for a significant period – typically up to 3 years and 90 days. Recently, Verizon also introduced a short-term military suspension for deployments less than 90 days, even within Verizon's coverage area.
Billing: For long-term military suspensions (90+ days), eligible customers generally won't be charged for services, features, or even device payment installments on the suspended line. For the short-term military suspension, your line will be temporarily suspended and charged $10/month or your monthly service price, whichever is lower.
Eligibility: This option is available for active duty service members or eligible family members deployed to locations outside Verizon's coverage area for at least 90 days (or 30 days for National Guard). Verification documents are required.
Sub-heading: Other Reasons (Vacation, Extended Leave, Illness)
Perhaps you're taking an extended international trip where you'll use a local SIM, or you're simply not going to be using your phone for a while due to personal reasons. While Verizon's main temporary suspension policies revolve around lost/stolen or military, there are options for "other" reasons.
Duration: You can generally suspend your line for "other" reasons for up to 180 days in any rolling 12-month period. You can suspend and resuspend as often as you want, as long as no single suspension lasts longer than 90 consecutive days and you don't exceed the 180-day total limit.
Billing: For these types of suspensions, you often have the choice to suspend with or without billing for a certain period (e.g., up to 30 days without billing, then billing resumes). It's crucial to confirm this with Verizon, as policies can vary and some recurring charges may still apply. For Fios services, for example, there might be a one-time charge to initiate a service suspension, and you'll continue to be billed for some services and taxes.
International Travel: While you can suspend your service, Verizon generally advises exploring international plans like TravelPass for most international travel, rather than a full suspension, to maintain connectivity. Full suspension is typically for extended periods where you truly won't need your Verizon service at all.
Step 2: Access Your My Verizon Account
Once you understand the type of suspension you need, the easiest and most convenient way to manage your Verizon service is through your My Verizon account.
Sub-heading: Using the My Verizon App
The My Verizon app is a fantastic tool for managing your account on the go.
Download and Update: Ensure you have the latest version of the My Verizon app installed on your smartphone or tablet. App functionality can change with updates.
Log In: Open the My Verizon app. You'll likely be prompted to enter your password, use fingerprint ID, or face ID for secure access.
Navigate to Devices:
Depending on your plan, tap the Mobile or Home tab.
From the "Devices" section, tap the 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.
Find Suspension Option: From the "Device Management" section, tap Suspend or reconnect service.
Sub-heading: Using the My Verizon Website
If you prefer a larger screen or are on a computer, the My Verizon website offers the same capabilities.
Go to the Website: Open your web browser and go to the official Verizon Wireless website (verizon.com).
Log In: Click on "My Verizon" or "Sign In" and enter your username and password.
Locate Suspension Options:
Once logged in, look for sections related to "Manage Devices," "Account," or "Plans & Services."
You'll typically find an option like "Suspend or reconnect your service" or "Suspend service."
Step 3: Initiate the Suspension Process
Now that you've navigated to the correct section, it's time to actually suspend your service.
Sub-heading: Selecting the Suspension Reason
Choose Your Reason: On the "Why are you suspending?" screen, you'll be presented with options such as "My device is lost or stolen" or "I will be on military deployment," or "Other." Select the option that best fits your situation.
Follow Prompts: The system will guide you based on your selection.
Lost or Stolen: You'll likely tap "Continue" and then "Confirm."
Military Deployment: You'll select the deployment location and then "Continue," followed by completing required fields for military deployment information.
Other: You may have options to specify a duration or whether you want to be billed during the suspension.
Sub-heading: Confirming Details and Charges
Review Information: Carefully review all the details presented, including the suspension period, potential billing implications, and any warnings about losing your number if you don't reconnect in time.
Acknowledge and Confirm: You'll typically need to confirm your understanding and agree to the terms before the suspension takes effect.
Confirmation: You should receive a confirmation message on the screen and possibly an email or text message confirming the suspension of your service. Keep this confirmation for your records.
Step 4: Understanding Billing During Suspension
This is a crucial point that often causes confusion. Temporary suspension does not always mean zero billing.
Device Payment Plans: If you have a device on a payment plan, those monthly installments will generally continue during a standard suspension, unless you are on a specific military suspension that waives them.
Recurring Features/Subscriptions: Services like premium streaming subscriptions, insurance plans (unless specifically suspended for lost/stolen), or other recurring features tied to your account may also continue to bill. Always check your bill during the suspension period.
Prorated Charges: You might receive a partial bill for the duration of the month that your line was active prior to suspension.
Taxes and Surcharges: Even if the core service is suspended without billing, minor taxes and regulatory fees might still appear on your bill.
Important Note: For Fios services, suspending often comes with a one-time charge to initiate the suspension, and certain charges and taxes will continue during the suspension.
Step 5: Reconnecting Your Service
When you're ready to use your Verizon service again, reconnecting is just as straightforward.
Sub-heading: Reconnecting via My Verizon App or Website
Log In: Access your My Verizon app or website as you did for suspension.
Navigate to Suspended Devices: Look for the "Suspend or reconnect service" option, or a notification indicating your line is suspended.
Select Reconnect: Tap or click on the suspended mobile number.
Choose Reconnection Option: You'll likely see options like "Reconnect the same device," "Upgrade to a new device," or "Reconnect another device." Choose the appropriate one.
Confirm Reconnection: Follow the on-screen prompts and confirm your decision. Your service should typically be restored within minutes.
Sub-heading: Important Reconnection Considerations
Lost/Stolen Suspensions: If you suspended due to a lost or stolen device, you must reconnect with the same device or a replacement device. There might be a limit on how many times you can use this specific suspension option within a 12-month period.
Automatic Reconnection/Disconnection: Be aware that certain suspension types have a maximum duration. If you don't reconnect by that time, your line may automatically reconnect or even disconnect entirely, potentially leading to loss of your phone number and early termination fees. Verizon usually sends notifications before this happens.
Step 6: Contacting Customer Service (When Needed)
While the My Verizon app and website are excellent self-service tools, there might be situations where you need to speak with a Verizon representative.
Sub-heading: When to Call Customer Service
Complex Scenarios: If your suspension needs are unusual, or you have specific billing questions that aren't clear online.
Exceeding Suspension Limits: If you need to extend a suspension beyond the stated online limits (though this is rare and may not be possible).
Technical Issues: If you encounter errors while trying to suspend or reconnect online.
Second Lost/Stolen Suspension: If you need to suspend your line again due to a lost or stolen device within the same 12-month period after already using that option once, you'll likely need to contact customer service.
Sub-heading: How to Reach Verizon Customer Service
Dial 611 from your Verizon phone.
Call 1-800-922-0204 from any phone.
Visit the Verizon Support website (
verizon.com/support
Remember, be prepared with your account information (account number, PIN, security questions) when you call to ensure a smooth verification process.
By following these steps, you can confidently navigate the process of temporarily suspending your Verizon Wireless service, saving yourself money and stress during periods when you don't need active service.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to suspend Verizon service online?
You can suspend Verizon service online by logging into your My Verizon account on the website or through the My Verizon app, navigating to the "Devices" or "Account" section, and selecting the "Suspend or reconnect service" option for the desired line.
How to temporarily suspend Verizon service for vacation?
While there isn't a specific "vacation" suspension, you can use the "Other" reason for suspension in My Verizon, which typically allows suspension for up to 180 days in a rolling 12-month period. Be mindful of potential billing implications during this time.
How to suspend Verizon service for a lost or stolen phone?
Log into your My Verizon account (app or website), go to "Suspend or reconnect service," and select "My device is lost or stolen." This will suspend your line for up to 30 days to prevent unauthorized usage, though device payment charges may still apply.
How to suspend Verizon service for military deployment?
Eligible military personnel can suspend service by selecting "I will be on military deployment" in My Verizon. Long-term deployments (90+ days) can be suspended for up to 3 years and 90 days, with billing generally waived. A new short-term option is also available for deployments under 90 days, with a reduced monthly charge.
How to reconnect suspended Verizon service?
To reconnect, log into your My Verizon account (app or website), find the suspended line under "Devices" or "Account," and select the "Suspend or reconnect service" option. Follow the prompts to reconnect your device.
How long can I suspend my Verizon wireless service?
The duration depends on the reason: up to 30 days for lost/stolen (can be up to 90 days, with billing resuming after 30 days), up to 180 days in any rolling 12-month period for "other" reasons, and up to 3 years and 90 days for military deployment.
How to avoid charges when suspending Verizon service?
While some charges like device payments or recurring subscriptions may continue, suspending service for a lost/stolen device (for the initial period) or for eligible military deployment can significantly reduce your monthly bill. Always review the specific billing implications during the suspension process.
How to suspend Verizon Fios service?
For Fios internet, TV, or phone service, you can typically suspend it for 30 days up to 9 months via My Verizon. Be aware that a one-time fee may apply, and some charges/taxes may continue to bill.
How to find out if my Verizon service is suspended?
You can check your service status by logging into your My Verizon account (app or website). Your account overview or device details should clearly indicate if a line is suspended. If you try to make a call, you might also hear an "Announcement 3" message.
How to contact Verizon customer service for suspension issues?
You can dial 611 from your Verizon phone or call 1-800-922-0204. You can also visit the Verizon Support website for chat options or to find specific contact numbers if you encounter issues suspending or reconnecting, or have complex billing questions.
