Cancel vs. port — which do you need?

• Port (don't cancel) if you're switching carriers and keeping your number — the new carrier handles everything.
• Actually cancel if you no longer want a line at all: moving abroad, a secondary line you don't need, or a deceased account holder.

How to cancel

1. Call 1-800-922-0204 or dial 611 (7 AM–9 PM local). Live chat in My Verizon works for simple single-line cancellations; complex ones route to phone.
2. Verify identity (account number, PIN, ZIP).
3. Decline retention offers — firmly; reps may offer $20/line off or device credits.
4. Get a cancellation confirmation number and the exact disconnection date before hanging up.

Only the Account Owner or an authorized Account Manager can close the account. In-person cancellation at a corporate Verizon store is useful if you also need to return 5G Home Internet or hotspot equipment (authorized retailers usually can't cancel).

Fees, timing, and what comes after

• No ETF on standard postpaid plans (rare legacy contracts may carry $175–$350).
• Proration varies by plan — ask; time cancellation near your cycle end to avoid wasted days.
• Turn off auto-pay before calling if you want to review the final bill.
• Return Verizon-owned equipment within 30 days ($100–$300+ unreturned fees).
• Expect a final bill within 1–2 cycles — often larger due to device payoff.

Bundled with Fios or 5G Home Internet? Canceling wireless ends the bundle discount (Internet bill rises ~$10–$25/mo). Military deployment? Ask about suspending the line under SCRA instead of canceling — you keep your number.