Call Verizon customer service to start the cancellation process

The fastest way to cancel Verizon Wireless is to call their customer service line at 1-908-559-4899. Have your account number ready — you'll find it on your bill or in the My Verizon app. A representative will confirm your identity, review your account, and walk you through the cancellation. The call typically takes 10 to 15 minutes.

Verizon will ask why you're leaving. This is standard practice and doesn't obligate you to stay, but representatives sometimes offer discounts or plan changes to keep your business. If you've already decided to leave, you can decline these offers and proceed with cancellation.

If you have a contract with an early termination fee, the representative will tell you the amount before finalizing the cancellation. Early termination fees typically range from $100 to $350 per line, depending on how much time remains on your contract. If you're past your contract period, there is no fee.

Key Takeaways

  • Call 1-908-559-4899 with your account number to cancel; the process takes about 15 minutes.
  • Early termination fees apply only if you're still under contract, and the representative will quote the exact amount before you confirm cancellation.
  • Your service will stop on the date you choose, and you'll receive a final bill for any remaining charges and prorated service.
  • Return any Verizon equipment (SIM cards, devices you leased) within 30 days to avoid additional charges.
  • You can port your phone number to another carrier during or after cancellation so you don't lose it.

Understand what happens to your phone number

Your phone number doesn't disappear when you cancel Verizon. You can transfer it to another carrier — a process called porting — either before or after you cancel. To port your number, contact your new carrier and provide them with your account number and PIN from Verizon. Your new carrier handles most of the work and will tell you when the transfer is complete.

If you don't port your number, Verizon will deactivate it after a grace period (usually 30 days). After that, the number may be reassigned to another customer. If you think you might want the number back later, porting it to another carrier is the safest option, even if you're not using it immediately.

Return equipment and settle your final bill

Verizon will send you a prepaid shipping label for any equipment you need to return — typically SIM cards and any devices you leased rather than purchased outright. If you bought your phone outright, you own it and don't need to return it. Check your cancellation confirmation email for details on what to return and the deadline, which is usually 30 days.

If you don't return equipment within the deadline, Verizon will charge you for it. These charges appear on your final bill. Your final bill will also include any prorated charges for service through your cancellation date, plus any outstanding balance from previous months. You'll receive this bill by mail or email, depending on your account settings.

Know the timing and service cutoff date

You can choose when your service ends — it doesn't have to be immediate. Most people choose a date a few days out to give themselves time to switch to a new carrier. Verizon will confirm your cancellation date in writing via email or mail. Your service will remain active until midnight on that date.

If you're switching to another carrier, coordinate the timing so your new service is active before Verizon cuts off. A gap of a day or two is usually manageable, but being without service for a week creates real problems. Contact your new carrier to confirm their activation date before you finalize your Verizon cancellation date.

Cancel online through My Verizon if you prefer not to call

You can also cancel through the My Verizon app or website, though this route is slower and less direct than calling. Log in to your account, go to the Account section, and look for the option to manage your service or cancel. The online process will ask you to confirm your identity and reason for cancellation, then walk you through the steps.

The downside of canceling online is that you won't get real-time answers to questions about early termination fees or equipment returns. You'll receive confirmation by email, but if you have questions after submitting, you'll need to call customer service anyway. For most people, calling first saves time.

Avoid common cancellation mistakes

Don't assume your service stops automatically on your cancellation date if you don't hear back. Confirm your cancellation in writing — check your email for the confirmation, or call back to verify the date is recorded correctly. A missed confirmation can lead to unexpected charges on future bills.

Don't ignore the equipment return deadline. Verizon's charges for unreturned equipment can be $100 or more per device. If you're unsure what you own versus what you leased, ask the representative during your cancellation call — they can tell you exactly what needs to go back.

Don't cancel before your new service is confirmed active. If your new carrier has delays activating your account, you could end up without service for days. Confirm the activation date with your new carrier before you finalize your Verizon cancellation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel one line but keep others on my Verizon account?

Yes. Call customer service and specify which line you want to cancel. They'll remove that line from your account and adjust your bill accordingly. The remaining lines stay active under the same account.

What if I'm still under contract — do I have to pay the early termination fee?

Yes, early termination fees are standard if you cancel before your contract ends. The representative will tell you the exact amount. The only exception is if Verizon breached the contract or if you're may be able to access for a government program that waives the fee, which is rare.

How long does it take to port my number to another carrier?

Porting usually takes 24 hours to a few days. Your new carrier will give you a specific timeline when you request the port. During the transfer, your Verizon service may drop briefly, but your number will be active on the new carrier once the port completes.

Will I get a refund if I've already paid for the next billing cycle?

Verizon will credit any overpayment to your final bill. If you've paid for a full month but cancel mid-month, they'll prorate the charges and credit the difference. This credit appears on your final bill, which you'll receive after your service ends.

What if I change my mind after canceling?

If you cancel and then want to reactivate before your service date ends, call customer service immediately. They can usually reverse the cancellation if you call within a few days. After your service ends, reactivating requires a new account and may involve new fees or contract terms.