How to Cancel Verizon Service: The Complete Guide

Canceling your Verizon service can feel like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. The most straightforward way to cancel Verizon service is to transfer, or “port,” your phone number to a new carrier, which automatically terminates your line with Verizon. Alternatively, you can call Verizon’s customer service directly to request a disconnection. This guide will walk you through every step of the process, explaining exactly how to cancel a Verizon line, what costs to expect, and how to navigate potential challenges. Whether you want to cancel a line on Verizon, close your entire account, or terminate your Fios home internet, this comprehensive walkthrough provides the clear, actionable advice you need.

Before You Cancel: A Pre-Cancellation Checklist

Proper preparation is the key to a smooth and cost-effective exit from Verizon. Before you make the call or switch carriers, gathering the right information and understanding your financial obligations will save you time and prevent unexpected charges on your final bill.

Gather Your Essential Account Information

To cancel your Verizon account, the account owner or an authorized account manager must initiate the request. Verizon’s security protocols are strict, so having the following information ready is crucial for a successful interaction:

• Full Name of the Account Owner
• Verizon Account Number (found on your monthly bill)
• Primary Phone Number associated with the account
• Account PIN or the last four digits of the Account Owner’s Social Security Number (SSN)

Understand the True Cost of Cancellation

The most common surprise when you cancel Verizon service comes from the final bill. Understanding your financial commitments beforehand is the most critical step.

• Device Payment Plans: Most modern smartphone plans involve a device financing agreement, usually over 36 months. When you cancel a Verizon line, the full remaining balance of this device payment becomes due immediately. Crucially, any promotional credits you were receiving (like for a “phone on us” or BOGO deal) are forfeited. This means you are responsible for the full pre-credit balance, which can often be over $1,000.
• Early Termination Fees (ETFs): While less common for new wireless customers, ETFs may still apply to older contracts, business accounts, or Verizon Fios home internet. For wireless, the fee can be up to $350, prorated based on how much of your contract is left. For Fios, the ETF also starts at a maximum of $350 and decreases by $15 for each month of service you’ve completed.

Decide: Keep Your Number or Let It Go?

Your decision on whether to keep your phone number will determine the entire cancellation strategy.

• Porting Your Number (Recommended): This is the easiest way to cancel Verizon wireless. Transferring your number to a new provider automatically terminates your Verizon service without needing a direct cancellation call.
• Direct Disconnection: If you don’t need to keep your number, you will have to contact Verizon directly to close a line on Verizon or shut down your account. This path will involve speaking with a customer retention specialist.

How to Cancel Verizon Wireless (Mobile) Service

The method you choose to cancel your Verizon phone line depends entirely on whether you plan to keep your number.

The Easiest Method: Porting Your Number to a New Carrier

Transferring your number is the most efficient and least confrontational way to handle a Verizon wireless cancellation. The process is simple and consumer-friendly.

1. Do NOT Cancel Verizon First: Your Verizon line must remain active to transfer the number. If you cancel first, the number is lost.
2. Get Your Verizon Account Number: Find this on any monthly bill.
3. Generate Your Number Transfer PIN (NTP): This is a secure, temporary code valid for seven days. The easiest way to get it is by dialing #PORT (#7678) from the Verizon phone you’re transferring. You will receive a text with a link to generate the PIN.
4. Disable “Number Lock”: This security feature, if active, will block the transfer. You must turn it off in your My Verizon account security settings before proceeding.
5. Provide Info to Your New Carrier: Give your new provider the Verizon Account Number and your Number Transfer PIN. They will handle the rest.
6. Wait for Automatic Cancellation: Once the port is complete, your Verizon line is automatically disconnected. If you port all numbers, your entire account will close.

The Direct Method: How to Cancel a Line on Verizon by Phone

If you don’t want to keep your number, you’ll need to contact Verizon directly. This is how you terminate service with Verizon wireless when porting isn’t an option.

• Call Customer Service: The primary Verizon cancel line phone number is 1-800-922-0204. Be prepared for the representative to offer you incentives to stay. A more direct number to the disconnect or “Loyalty” department is 1-800-392-0717, which can often speed up the process.
• Use My Verizon Chat: You can log in to your account and use the chat feature. Type “Cancel” and ask to speak with a “live agent” to finalize the request. This method can sometimes involve long wait times.
• Can I Cancel at a Verizon Store? Generally, no. Verizon retail stores are not equipped to handle cancellations. They will simply call the same customer service number for you.

How to Cancel a Line on a Verizon Family Plan

Removing a single line from a multi-line plan requires coordination with the Account Owner. The biggest impact is financial: removing a line will cause the per-line cost for all remaining members on the account to increase due to the loss of multi-line discounts.

How to Cancel Verizon Fios and Home Internet

The process to cancel Verizon home services differs from wireless and has specific rules about contracts and equipment.

Canceling Fios by Phone

The most reliable way to cancel Fios is over the phone.

• Call the Fios Cancellation Line: The dedicated number is 1-844-837-2262. The general support line at 1-800-VERIZON can also assist.
• Avoiding the Fios ETF: If you are under contract, you may face an ETF. However, Verizon has a policy to waive this fee if you are moving to an address that is not serviceable by Fios. You must request the waiver and provide proof of your new address.

The Mandatory Equipment Return

Whether you have Fios, 5G, or LTE Home Internet, you must return all rented equipment within 30 days of disconnection to avoid hefty fees.

• 30-Day Return Window: You have 30 days to return all Verizon-owned routers, set-top boxes, and gateways.
• The UPS Store is Your Only Option: Do not take equipment to a Verizon retail store. You must take the unboxed equipment to a participating The UPS Store. They will scan, pack, and ship it for free.
• Keep Your Receipt: The receipt from The UPS Store is your absolute proof of return. Keep it safe in case of any billing disputes. Non-return fees can be as high as $375 for a single device.

Your Final Bill: Understanding All Potential Charges

Your final bill from Verizon is often higher than expected because it reconciles all outstanding debts. Here’s how much it costs to cancel a Verizon line and what to look for.

• No Proration: Verizon does not prorate your final month of service. If you cancel one day into your billing cycle, you still pay for the entire month.
• Full Device Payoff: The full remaining balance on any financed phones or devices becomes due immediately.
• Loss of Promotional Credits: Any monthly credits you were receiving will stop, and you’ll owe the full remaining amount.
• Early Termination Fee (ETF): If applicable, the prorated ETF will appear as a line item.
• Unreturned Equipment Fees: If you miss the 30-day window, steep fees will be added to your bill.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I cancel my Verizon account? The best way is to port all your phone numbers to a new carrier, which closes the account automatically. Otherwise, you must call Verizon customer service at 1-800-922-0204 and request to close the account after verifying your identity.
• How to cancel Verizon wireless online? You cannot fully cancel Verizon wireless online. While you can start the process via chat in the My Verizon app, a final confirmation with a live agent is required. The only way to avoid speaking with an agent is to port your number out.
• How much does it cost to cancel a Verizon line? The cost depends on your situation. You will be charged for the full final month of service (no proration), the entire remaining balance of any device payment plans, and a potential Early Termination Fee (up to $350) if you are on a Fios or older wireless contract.
• What is the easiest way to cancel my Verizon service? By far, the easiest and most recommended method is to port your phone number to a new service provider. This action automatically triggers the cancellation of your Verizon line without requiring you to call their retention department.
• Can I cancel a line on the Verizon app? While some options for managing lines exist in the My Verizon app, you generally cannot complete a full cancellation through the app alone. It will typically direct you to a live chat or a phone number to finalize the disconnection.

Conclusion

Knowing how to cancel Verizon service effectively comes down to preparation and choosing the right strategy. For most people, porting their phone number to a new carrier offers a seamless and stress-free exit. If you must cancel directly, be firm, have your account information ready, and understand the full financial implications before you make the call. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can navigate the process with confidence, avoid common pitfalls, and ensure your transition away from Verizon is as smooth as possible.