How to Deactivate a Phone

Deactivating a Lost or Stolen Phone

Call your carrier. 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.

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.

Canceling Service

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. 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.