No, you cannot disconnect a line or close your Verizon mobile account if you still owe an outstanding balance on your phone's device payment plan. To finalize your departure from Verizon, you are required to pay off any remaining device payment balances before the associated lines can be disconnected.
Understanding Verizon's Device Payment Policy
Verizon's policy explicitly states that you must settle any outstanding device payment agreements before you can disconnect the associated line or close your account. When you purchase a phone through a device payment plan, you enter into an installment agreement to pay for the device over a set period (e.g., 24 or 36 months). This agreement is distinct from your monthly service contract.
If you choose to leave Verizon while still owing on your phone, the full remaining balance for the device becomes immediately due and payable. This ensures that the cost of the device, which was financed by Verizon, is covered before the service agreement concludes.
What Happens if You Don't Pay Off Your Phone?
Attempting to disconnect a line without clearing the device payment balance will prompt you to pay the outstanding amount. Verizon will not complete the disconnection process until these financial obligations are met. Failure to pay the balance could result in:
- Service Interruption: Your line may not be fully disconnected, preventing you from porting your number to a new carrier.
- Billing Issues: You will continue to be billed for the outstanding device balance even if your service is eventually terminated.
- Credit Impact: Unpaid balances can eventually be sent to collections, negatively affecting your credit score.
Steps to Leave Verizon When You Owe on Your Phone
To ensure a smooth transition away from Verizon while you still have a phone balance, follow these steps:
- Check Your Current Device Balance:
- Log in to your My Verizon account.
- Navigate to your account details or device information to view the remaining balance on your device payment plan.
- Alternatively, you can contact Verizon customer service for an exact payoff amount.
- Pay Off the Outstanding Balance:
- Once you know the full amount, make a one-time payment to clear the device balance. This can typically be done through your My Verizon account.
- Ensure the payment processes completely before proceeding.
- Initiate Disconnection or Porting:
- After the device balance is paid, you can then proceed with disconnecting your line or porting your number to a new carrier. If you are porting your number, your line will automatically disconnect from Verizon once the port is complete with the new carrier.
Key Considerations Before Disconnecting
Before you finalize your departure from Verizon, it's wise to review all aspects of your account to avoid unexpected fees or service disruptions.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Pay Off Phone Balance | As required, all outstanding device payment agreements must be settled in full. |
| Check Contract Terms | While device payment plans have replaced traditional contracts for many, some older plans might still have early termination fees. Confirm there are no other applicable fees. |
| Back Up Data | Before you disconnect your service, ensure you have backed up all important data from your device and any Verizon Cloud services (e.g., contacts, photos, videos, messages). |
| Unlock Your Phone | Once your phone is paid off and your account is in good standing, Verizon typically unlocks your device automatically after 60 days. If you are leaving sooner, you might need to request an unlock. |
| Port Your Number | If you wish to keep your phone number, initiate the porting process with your new carrier before canceling your Verizon service. The new carrier will handle the transfer directly with Verizon. |
By understanding and fulfilling these requirements, you can ensure a smooth transition when leaving Verizon, even if you still owe on your phone.
