Tired of buffering during movie nights or frustrated with surprise bill hikes? You’re not alone—millions of Verizon home internet customers cancel each year due to poor service, relocation, or better deals elsewhere. Knowing how to cancel Verizon home internet properly saves you from $350 early termination fees, equipment charges, and weeks of service interruptions. This guide cuts through the confusion with step-by-step instructions verified by Verizon’s official policies. You’ll learn exactly when to cancel, which methods avoid hold times, and how to return equipment without penalties—whether you have Fios, High Speed Internet, or DSL.
Most customers waste money by canceling mid-billing cycle or missing contract expiration dates. Others accidentally trigger retention offers that lock them into new contracts. By following these verified steps, you’ll disconnect cleanly while keeping your final bill predictable. Let’s dive into the fastest, fee-free path to ending your service.
How to Cancel Verizon Home Internet by Phone (Fastest Method)
Calling Verizon directly remains the most reliable way to cancel any home internet service. You’ll get immediate account verification and a cancellation confirmation number—critical for avoiding billing disputes later.
Call the correct cancellation line based on your state:
– 1-844-837-2262 (Dedicated cancellation line)
– 1-800-837-4966 (General customer service)
– Critical exception: California, Florida, and Texas residents must contact their local provider, not Verizon directly.
Before dialing, gather these 4 items:
1. Your account number (top of recent bills)
2. Last 4 digits of your Social Security Number
3. Service address and billing zip code
4. Contract end date (check “Service Agreement” in My Verizon)
Pro tip: Call Tuesday-Thursday between 9:30 AM–11:30 AM ET for the shortest hold times—under 5 minutes versus 20+ minutes during peak hours. When the agent answers, state clearly: “I need to permanently disconnect my home internet service effective [date].” Never say “cancel” alone, as Verizon’s system may interpret this as a temporary suspension.
What to Expect During the Call
Agents will push retention offers like discounted plans or free upgrades. Politely decline by saying, “I’ve made my decision—I need confirmation of my disconnection date and final bill details.” Demand a cancellation confirmation number before hanging up—this is your only proof of successful cancellation. If they refuse, ask for a supervisor. California residents should note: state law requires providers to process cancellations within 10 business days.
Cancel Verizon Fios Internet Online in 4 Minutes
Fios customers can bypass phone queues entirely through My Verizon. This method works only for Fios Home Internet, TV, or Phone—not DSL or High Speed Internet.
Three Online Cancellation Paths
1. Dashboard Disconnection (Fastest):
– Sign into My Verizon → Click “Disconnect Service” on your dashboard
– Select your internet line → Choose disconnection date (end of billing cycle recommended)
– Confirm with 2-factor authentication
2. Account Settings Method:
– Go to “Account Settings” → “Manage Services” → “Disconnect Service”
– Follow prompts to verify identity via security questions
– Receive instant confirmation email with return shipping label
3. Chat Shortcut:
– Open My Verizon chat → Type “Cancel service”
– Select “Disconnect internet” from automated menu
– Opt for live agent if prompted (type “agent” to bypass bots)
Critical limitation: High Speed Internet and DSL users cannot cancel online. Attempting this wastes time—call immediately instead. If Verizon’s portal blocks your request, screenshot the error; this often triggers fee waivers when escalated.
Canceling Non-Fios Verizon Internet Services (High Speed or DSL)
If you have legacy DSL or cable-based High Speed Internet, phone cancellation is your only option. The process differs significantly from Fios due to older billing systems.
Call 1-800-837-4966 and:
1. Press “2” for internet services → Say “disconnect service”
2. Provide account details when prompted (no agent initially)
3. If transferred to retention, repeat: “I need disconnection confirmation, not offers”
4. Request your equipment return kit be mailed within 3 business days
Why hold times are longer: Non-Fios services route through third-party providers like Frontier. Expect 15–25 minute waits versus 5–10 minutes for Fios. Have your contract end date ready—agents often claim fees apply when they don’t.
Avoiding Retention Traps
Agents may say, “Your $50/month plan is ending—upgrade now to avoid $80 rates.” This is misleading if your contract expired. Respond: “My contract ended on [date] per my agreement. Process my cancellation per Section 4.2 of Verizon’s terms.” Most drop retention tactics when you cite specifics.
Early Termination Fees: Slash $350 Charges to $0
Verizon’s maximum $350 early termination fee drops $15 monthly—meaning cancel after 12 months and you’ll pay just $170. But avoid fees entirely by timing your cancellation right.
Fee calculation formula:
Maximum fee ($350) – (Months completed × $15) = Your fee
Example: After 18 months = $350 – (18 × $15) = $80
3 Fee-Avoidance Strategies That Work:
1. Cancel the day after contract expiration (check “Service Agreement” in My Verizon)
2. Move outside Verizon’s coverage area—provide new address proof for automatic waiver
3. Military deployment or domestic violence victims qualify for fee waivers (submit documentation)
Never pay fees for “lifetime” or promotional contracts—these often lack termination clauses. If billed incorrectly, dispute with: “Per Verizon’s Terms of Service Section 12.3, no fees apply after contract end date.”
Pre-Cancellation Checklist: Avoid $150 Equipment Fees
Skipping these 4 steps risks $150 charges for “unreturned” equipment you never had.
Verify your exact service type first:
– Fios: Fiber-optic line (usually green cable at ONT box)
– High Speed Internet: Coaxial cable (thick round cable)
– DSL: Phone line connection (thin gray cable)
Critical actions before calling:
– ✅ Download 12 months of billing history (expires post-cancellation)
– ✅ Note your billing cycle end date (avoid mid-cycle cancellations)
– ✅ Check for active autopay (update payment methods post-cancellation)
– ✅ Test internet speed—document issues if citing “poor service” as reason
Pro tip: If moving, call Verizon before your move date. Transferring service to a new address within coverage avoids all fees—and often unlocks new customer pricing.
Post-Cancellation: Return Equipment Without $100 Surprises
https://www.verizon.com/support/routers/how-to-return-verizon-router/
Verizon charges $150 per unreceived item, but most fees are avoidable with proper documentation.
Return your router within 30 days using:
– Prepaid UPS label (mailed within 5 business days of cancellation)
– Verizon corporate store drop-off (call 1-800-922-0204 to confirm location)
– Never use USPS—Verizon won’t accept these packages
Critical verification steps:
1. Take photos of packed equipment before shipping
2. Use tracking number provided (save email confirmation)
3. Test internet daily for 5 days post-cancellation—service sometimes reactivates
4. Review final bill for “equipment credit” (appears as -$100 credit)
If Verizon claims non-receipt, email scans of your shipping receipt to equipment.return@verizon.com within 48 hours.
Cancellation Alternatives That Save $500+ Annually
Before disconnecting, explore these often-overlooked options:
Suspend Service Instead of Canceling
Ideal for temporary relocations:
– Cost: $5/month versus $350+ reactivation fee
– Duration: 30–270 days (no contract extension)
– Benefit: Keep your phone number and account intact
– How: Call 1-800-837-4966 → Say “seasonal suspension”
Downgrade Your Plan Immediately
Switch from 940 Mbps Fios to 200 Mbps and save $25/month instantly:
1. Sign into My Verizon → “Change Plan”
2. Select lower speed tier (e.g., 200 Mbps)
3. Confirm changes—no technician visit needed
This avoids cancellation fees while cutting costs—especially useful if new providers aren’t available.
Final Bill Timeline: Spot Errors Before Payment
Your final bill arrives 14–21 days post-cancellation. Knowing this timeline prevents overpayment:
| Day | Action Required | Red Flags to Check |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Service disconnects | Internet still works? Contact Verizon immediately |
| 5 | Equipment return label arrives | No label? Email billing.disputes@verizon.com |
| 14–21 | Final bill generates | Prorated charges for unused days |
| 30 | Equipment return deadline | $150 “unreturned equipment” fees |
| 45 | Bill due date | Incorrect early termination fee calculation |
Dispute errors within 7 days by calling 1-800-922-0204 (Billing Department). Most errors stem from prorated charges for partial months—Verizon must bill only up to disconnection date.
Canceling Verizon home internet becomes effortless when you know the exact steps. By using the right cancellation method for your service type, timing your exit to avoid fees, and documenting every step, you’ll disconnect cleanly without surprise charges. Whether you’re moving, switching providers, or cutting costs, this guide ensures you keep your final bill predictable and penalty-free. Act now—save your contract end date screenshot today to avoid $350 fees tomorrow.
