Download ArticleDownload ArticleThis article was co-authored by Mitch Harris. Mitch Harris is a Consumer Technology Expert based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Mitch runs his own IT Consulting company called Mitch the Geek, helping individuals and businesses with home office technology, data security, remote support, and cybersecurity compliance. Mitch earned a BS in Psychology, English, and Physics and graduated Cum Laude from Northern Arizona University.
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Knowing how to deactivate your phone is important – especially if you lose your device. Deactivation is easy—just contact your carrier by dialing 611 (or your carrier's customer service number), identify yourself as the account owner, and ask the agent to deactivate the line.
Deactivating Your Mobile Phone
To disconnect phone service temporarily or permanently, dial 611 (or your carrier's customer service line) to speak to an agent. You may also find a Suspend Service option in your online account. If your phone was lost or stolen, also change your iCloud or Google account password.
Steps
Call your carrier.[1] If you don't have access to the internet, you can call your carrier's Customer Service line and have a representative deactivate the line for you. You will need to be able to identify yourself as the account holder. You may be able to deactivate the phone using an automated menu system. If you have multiple phone lines on the same account, you will need to specify which line needs to be deactivated.- Verizon - 1 (800) 922-0204
- AT&T - 1 (800) 331-0500
- Sprint - 1 (888) 211-4727
- T-Mobile - 1 (877) 453-1304
- Cricket - 1 (800) 274-2538
- Vodafone UK - 0333 304 0191
- You may need to provide the IMEI number for your missing device.
Log into your account on your carrier's website. If you can't call in your lost or stolen phone, you can use the carrier's website. Nearly all major carriers allow you to report your phone lost or stolen from your user page on their website. You will need to sign up for an account if you don't have one already, which usually involves confirming your phone number and personal information.- Find the "Suspend Service" or similar option. You will be guided through the process of suspending your service.
- You may need to provide the IMEI number for your missing device.
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Change your passwords. If your iPhone or Android phone was lost or stolen, there's a good chance that it was tied to an account. As soon as you realize that your phone has been lost or stolen, change your Apple ID or Google password.
Call your carrier from your phone. Most wireless providers let you quickly call the carrier directly from your mobile phone without having to enter in a long phone number. Use the code for your service to connect directly to your carrier's customer service department:- T-Mobile - 611
- Sprint - *2
- Verizon - *611
- Cricket - 611
- AT&T - 611
- Vodafone UK - 191
Ask for your service to be canceled.[2] Canceling your service will deactivate your phone. If you are switching to a new carrier or phone, make sure that you have ported your number over to your new phone already.- Canceling your account may result in early termination fees if you have not completed your contract.
- You may be able to suspend your phone and prevent it from being used and charges from accruing, but this may require you to report it lost or stolen.
Common Questions
How do you deactivate a SIM card?
Deactivating your mobile phone service also deactivates the SIM card. If you don't want to disconnect service but don't want to use that SIM anymore, just cut it up so nobody else can use it.
Can I put my phone plan on hold?
It depends on your mobile provider, but usually, yes. Most services, including T-Mobile, allow you to temporarily deactivate your phone without losing your phone number.[3]
How long can a phone number be deactivated?
If your provider allows you to deactivate your phone temporarily, they'll let you know how long they'll hold your number. Some providers will reassign your number if you don't reactivate service before a certain number of days.
How do I deactivate a stolen Android phone?
After deactivating cellular service through your provider, use a computer to log in to https://myaccount.google.com and go to Security > Your devices > Manage devices. Select the phone, choose Sign out, and follow the on-screen instructions to remove your account from the device.
Tips
- When you activate a new phone, the old phone on that line is automatically deactivated.Thanks
References
- ↑ Mitch Harris. Consumer Technology Expert. Expert Interview. 31 August 31 2021.
- ↑ Mitch Harris. Consumer Technology Expert. Expert Interview. 31 August 31 2021.
- ↑ https://www.t-mobile.com/support/account/suspend-or-restore-your-line
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