How to Cancel Verizon Wireless and Avoid Hidden Fees (2026 Guide)
Updated 2026-02-14 · 7 min read
Verizon is the most expensive major carrier and one of the hardest to leave. Between device payment plans, promotional credits, and Verizon Home Internet bundles, your true exit cost might be $500-$2,000+. Here's how to calculate it and get out.
Multi-line discounts: Removing one line may increase OTHER lines' costs
Bundled services: Verizon Home Internet price may increase without wireless
3 Ways to Cancel Verizon
1. Port Your Number (Cleanest)
Switch to a new carrier and port your number — Verizon auto-cancels that line.
Get your Verizon account number and transfer PIN from My Verizon app
Give to your new carrier — they'll initiate the port
Process takes 1-3 hours for wireless numbers
2. Call *611 or 1-800-922-0204
Available Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat 8am-5pm EST. You'll go through retention. Be firm.
3. Verizon Store
Corporate stores can cancel in person. Bring government ID. Not all authorized retailers can process cancellations.
Verizon Retention Offers
$10-25/line discount for 12-24 months
Free plan upgrade — Unlimited Plus or Ultimate at your current price
Device credit — one-time credit toward your device balance
Free Disney+/Hulu/ESPN+ bundle for 12 months
Loyalty points/rewards — extra Verizon Up credits
💰 Carrier Switching Credits: T-Mobile will pay up to $800 per line in device payoff when you switch (via virtual prepaid card). AT&T offers up to $1,000 with trade-in. Always check competing carriers' switcher promotions BEFORE canceling Verizon.
The Device Payment Trap Explained
Verizon's "free phone" deals work like this:
Phone costs $1,000, split into 36 monthly payments of $27.78
Verizon gives you $27.78/mo credit, making it "free"
If you cancel after 12 months: Credits stop. You owe 24 × $27.78 = $666.72
This applies PER DEVICE — family of 4 could owe $2,600+
After Canceling Verizon
Final bill: Due within 30 days, includes device balance + prorated charges
Device unlock: Verizon phones are unlocked after 60 days of activation
Verizon Cloud photos: Download within 30 days — they're deleted after
Mint Mobile: $15-30/mo on T-Mobile — best budget option
Xfinity Mobile: $15-45/mo on Verizon's network — great for Comcast customers
📱 Same Network, Half the Price: Visible and US Mobile use Verizon's exact same towers but cost $25-45/mo vs Verizon's $65-90/mo. The only real difference? No in-store support and slightly lower priority during congestion.
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