How to cancel Verizon and what happens to your bill

You can cancel Verizon by calling 1-908-559-4899, visiting a Verizon store in person, or using your online account at verizon.com. The process takes about 15 minutes on the phone. Verizon will ask why you're leaving — this is standard, not a negotiation — and will confirm your final bill amount before the cancellation is complete.

Your final bill arrives 1 to 2 billing cycles after cancellation and includes charges through your last day of service plus any early termination fees if you're under contract. If you have a balance on a device payment plan, that balance becomes due when ready — you can pay it in full or ask Verizon to keep billing you monthly after service ends. Any prepaid balance or credits on your account will be refunded by check or applied to your final bill.

If you're switching to another carrier, ask that carrier whether they offer a trade-in credit or will reimburse your early termination fee — some do, though the amount varies. Write down your account number, phone number, and the cancellation date before you hang up, because you'll need these for your records and for porting your number if you want to keep it.

Key Takeaways

  • Call 1-908-559-4899, visit a store, or cancel through your online account at verizon.com — all three methods complete the cancellation in one transaction.
  • Your final bill arrives 1 to 2 billing cycles later and includes all charges through your last service day plus any early termination fees if you're under contract.
  • If you're on a device payment plan, that balance becomes due when ready, but you can ask Verizon to continue billing you monthly after service ends.
  • Write down your account number and cancellation date before hanging up, especially if you plan to port your phone number to another carrier.
  • Some carriers offer trade-in credits or early termination fee reimbursement, so check with your new provider before canceling.

Canceling by phone versus online versus in person

Calling 1-908-559-4899 is the fastest route if you want to ask questions or negotiate. A representative will walk you through the cancellation, confirm your final bill, and answer questions about device balances or early termination fees on the spot. The call usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. Have your account number or phone number ready when you call.

Canceling online at verizon.com requires logging into your account, navigating to Account Settings, and selecting "Cancel Service." The online process shows you estimated charges before you confirm, but you cannot ask questions or discuss options — if something is unclear, you'll need to call afterward. Online cancellation takes about 5 minutes.

Visiting a Verizon store in person lets you cancel face-to-face and ask questions, but wait times vary widely. Bring your ID and account number. The store representative will print your cancellation confirmation, which is useful to keep with your records. This route takes 20 to 45 minutes depending on store traffic.

Understanding early termination fees and device payment plans

If you signed a contract within the last two years, Verizon charges an early termination fee — typically $350 for phones, though the exact amount depends on how long you've had the line and your contract terms. You can find your fee by logging into your account or asking the representative when you call. If you're past your contract end date, there is no fee.

If you're paying for a phone through Verizon's device payment plan, that balance does not disappear when you cancel service. You owe the full remaining amount, which Verizon will show you before you confirm the cancellation. You have two options: pay the full balance when ready, or ask Verizon to continue billing you monthly for the device after your service ends. Most people choose the monthly option because it spreads the cost out. The device will not work on Verizon's network after cancellation, but you can use it on another carrier if it's unlocked or compatible.

Before you cancel, check whether your new carrier offers to pay your early termination fee or give you a trade-in credit for your device. T-Mobile, for example, sometimes reimburses early termination fees up to $650 if you switch from another carrier. These offers change frequently and vary by location, so contact your new carrier's sales team before you cancel Verizon.

Keeping or porting your phone number

If you want to keep your Verizon phone number and move it to another carrier, you need to port your number. Start the port with your new carrier — they will handle the technical transfer and usually complete it within 24 hours. You do not need to wait until after you cancel Verizon; in fact, starting the port before you cancel is safer because it locks your number in place.

Your new carrier will ask for your account number and PIN to authorize the port. If you don't know your PIN, call Verizon at 1-908-559-4899 and ask them to tell you it — they will not reset it, only read it to you. Write it down before you call your new carrier.

Once the port is complete, your Verizon service will stop automatically. You do not need to call Verizon to cancel after a port — the port itself triggers the cancellation. If you do not want to keep your number, you can cancel without porting, and Verizon will release the number after 90 days.

What to do about autopay and billing after cancellation

If you have autopay set up on your Verizon account, it will stop charging you once your service is canceled. However, you should turn off autopay manually before you cancel to avoid any confusion. Log into your account at verizon.com, go to Billing, and select "Manage Autopay" to turn it off.

Your final bill will arrive 1 to 2 billing cycles after cancellation. If you had a credit balance on your account — from overpayment or a promotional credit — Verizon will either refund it by check or explore it to your final bill. Refund checks typically arrive within 2 to 3 weeks. If you're owed money and don't receive a check within a month, call Verizon to request a refund status.

Keep your final bill and cancellation confirmation for your records. If you're canceling because of a billing dispute, save all correspondence with Verizon. If a charge appears on your credit card after cancellation, contact your card issuer to dispute it and provide them with your cancellation confirmation.

Canceling without losing access to Verizon services you use

If you use Verizon email (a @verizon.net address), you can keep it after cancellation by converting it to a Verizon Message+ account. This is free and takes about 5 minutes. Log into your Verizon account before you cancel and look for the option to convert your email. After cancellation, you'll access it through the Verizon Message+ app or website instead of your phone.

If you use Verizon Cloud to back up photos or documents, read everything before you cancel. After cancellation, you'll lose access to Verizon Cloud unless you pay for a separate subscription. The free backup service ends when your service ends.

If you have a Verizon business account or shared family plan, canceling one line does not cancel the whole account. Only the line you request will be canceled. If you want to cancel the entire account, you'll need to cancel each line separately or ask the account owner to close the account entirely.

What to do if you change your mind after canceling

If you cancel and then change your mind within 14 days, you can reactivate your service. Call 1-908-559-4899 and ask to reactivate. Verizon will restore your service, though there may be a reactivation fee (usually $35 to $50). Your old phone number will be restored if it hasn't been released yet.

After 14 days, reactivation becomes more complicated. Your number may have been released, and you may need to sign a new contract or pay a reactivation fee. If you want to come back after 14 days, call Verizon to discuss your options — they may offer you a new customer promotion to return.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay an early termination fee if I'm switching to another carrier?

Yes, if you're under contract, the fee applies regardless of where you're going. However, some carriers reimburse the fee as part of their switch offer. Check with your new carrier before you cancel — T-Mobile, AT&T, and others sometimes cover early termination fees up to a certain amount.

What happens to my phone number if I don't port it?

Verizon releases your number 90 days after cancellation. During those 90 days, no one else can use it. After 90 days, it goes back into circulation and may be assigned to another customer. If you think you might want it back, port it to another carrier or a VoIP service to keep it active.

Can I cancel just one line on my family plan without canceling the whole account?

Yes. Call Verizon and specify which line you want to cancel. The account owner will remain responsible for the other lines. If you're the account owner and want to cancel the entire plan, you'll need to cancel each line separately or ask a representative to close the account.

Will I be charged for the month I cancel in?

Yes, you'll be charged for service through your cancellation date. If you cancel mid-month, your final bill will be prorated to reflect only the days you used service. This charge appears on your final bill, which arrives 1 to 2 billing cycles later.

What if Verizon won't let me cancel because I owe money?

Verizon will not block cancellation for an outstanding balance, but the balance will appear on your final bill and you'll owe it. If you dispute a charge, explain the dispute when you cancel and ask for a note on your account. You can still cancel while the dispute is being reviewed.