What you need to do before you call Verizon

Verizon will ask for your account number and the phone number or account holder name before they process a cancellation. Have these details ready before you call 1-800-922-0204. If you are cancelling a wireless line, Verizon may also ask whether you want to keep your phone number by transferring it to another carrier — this is called porting your number, and you need to decide this before the call ends.

Check your current bill for any remaining contract obligations or early termination fees. If you signed a two-year agreement for a discounted phone, Verizon charges a fee (usually $350 to $500 per line) if you cancel before the contract ends. This fee appears on your final bill. If you are within the first 14 days of service, Verizon has a return period where you can cancel without penalty — but you must initiate this within that window.

Write down the date you want the cancellation to take effect. Verizon processes cancellations on the date you request, and your final bill will be prorated to that date. If you do not specify a date, they may cancel when ready, which means you lose service that same day.

Key Takeaways

  • Call Verizon at 1-800-922-0204 with your account number and phone number ready; cancellation requests must come from the account holder.
  • Early termination fees explore if you cancel before your contract ends, typically $350 to $500 per wireless line.
  • If you want to keep your phone number, request a port to another carrier before the call ends — you cannot do this after cancellation.
  • Your final bill will include charges through your cancellation date plus any early termination fees, and will arrive within one to two billing cycles.
  • Verizon has a 14-day return period from the date of service set up where you can cancel without early termination fees.

How to port your phone number to another carrier

If you want to keep your phone number when you switch carriers, tell Verizon during the cancellation call that you want to port your number. Verizon will give you a PIN (personal identification number) and your account number — write both down. You will need these to complete the port with your new carrier.

Contact your new carrier (AT&T, T-Mobile, a regional carrier, or an MVNO like Mint Mobile or Visible) and give them the PIN and account number. They will initiate the port, which usually takes 24 hours but can take up to one week. During this time, your Verizon service may drop briefly. Do not cancel your Verizon account until the port is complete — if you cancel first, your number may be released and become unavailable.

If you do not port your number, it will be released back into Verizon's pool after 45 days. You cannot recover it after that point.

What happens to your devices and services

If you own your phone outright, it remains yours after cancellation. If Verizon financed the phone through a payment plan, you still owe the remaining balance — this will appear on your final bill. Paying off the phone does not reduce your early termination fee.

Any services bundled with your account — such as cloud storage, device protection, or family plans — end on your cancellation date. If you have a family plan, cancelling your line does not cancel the entire account; other lines continue unless you specifically request that too.

If you have a Verizon email address (username@verizon.net), you can keep it for a limited time after cancellation, but Verizon may eventually close it. If you use this email for important accounts, change the email address on those accounts before you cancel.

How to cancel online or through the mail

Verizon does not offer account cancellation through their website or mobile app. You must call 1-800-922-0204 to cancel. This is a deliberate policy — Verizon requires a phone conversation so they can confirm your identity and discuss retention offers.

If you cannot reach Verizon by phone, you can send a written cancellation request by mail to Verizon's customer service address (listed on your bill under "Contact Us"). Include your account number, the phone number or account holder name, and the date you want the cancellation to take effect. Mail takes longer — allow two to three weeks for processing — and you will not receive confirmation until Verizon receives and processes the letter.

Understanding your final bill

Your final bill arrives one to two billing cycles after cancellation and includes charges through your cancellation date, any early termination fees, and credits for any overpayment. If you paid in advance (for example, a monthly plan paid on the first of the month but cancelled on the 15th), Verizon credits the unused portion to your final bill.

If your final bill shows a credit, Verizon sends a refund check within two to three weeks. If you owe money, you will receive an invoice. Pay this by the due date listed on the bill to avoid collection action.

Review your final bill carefully. If you see charges you do not recognize or believe the early termination fee was applied in error, call Verizon's billing department at 1-800-922-0204 within 30 days to dispute the charge.

What to do if you are having trouble cancelling

If Verizon refuses to cancel your account or claims you owe a fee you believe is incorrect, ask to speak with a supervisor. Explain your situation clearly — for example, if you are within the 14-day return period, state that explicitly. Request that the supervisor document your call.

If the supervisor does not resolve the issue, file a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) at fcc.gov/consumers/complaints. The FCC handles disputes between consumers and phone carriers. You can also file a complaint with your state's attorney general office, which has authority over consumer protection in your state.

Keep records of every call you make to Verizon — write down the date, time, the name of the representative you spoke with, and what was discussed. These notes are useful if you need to file a complaint later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel my Verizon account online?

No. Verizon requires you to call 1-800-922-0204 to cancel. You can also send a written request by mail, but phone cancellation is faster. Verizon does not allow cancellation through their website or app.

What is the early termination fee?

For wireless lines, the early termination fee is typically $350 to $500 per line if you cancel before your contract ends. The exact amount depends on your plan and how much time remains on your contract. Verizon will tell you the fee amount when you call to cancel.

Can I cancel just one line on my family plan?

Yes. You can cancel individual lines without cancelling the entire account. The remaining lines continue service. Tell Verizon which specific line you want to cancel, and the others stay active.

What happens if I do not pay my final bill?

If you owe money on your final bill and do not pay by the due date, Verizon reports the debt to credit bureaus, which damages your credit score. Verizon may also send the account to a collection agency. Pay your final bill on time to avoid this.

Can I get my phone number back after cancellation?

Only if you port it to another carrier before cancellation. Once your number is released, Verizon puts it back into circulation after 45 days. You cannot recover it after that. If you want to keep your number, request the port during your cancellation call.