Why Is My Total By Verizon So Cant Port Number Should I Switch - Complete Guide
Struggling with Total by Verizon and can't port your number? You're not alone. Many customers face frustrating port-out restrictions with this Verizon-owned prepaid service, making switching carriers unnecessarily difficult. The good news is there are better alternatives that use the same reliable V
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Our Pick | Visible |
| Best For | Verizon Network Alternative |
| Price | $25/month |
| Network | Verizon |
| Our Score | 10/11 |
Struggling with Total by Verizon and can't port your number? You're not alone. Many customers face frustrating port-out restrictions with this Verizon-owned prepaid service, making switching carriers unnecessarily difficult. The good news is there are better alternatives that use the same reliable Verizon network without the port-out headaches.
Bottom Line: If Total by Verizon won't let you port your number, switch to Visible (10/11) for the same Verizon network at $25/month with easy number porting and no restrictions. You'll get better service, transparent pricing, and the freedom to switch whenever you want.
Pros of Switching from Total by Verizon
- Keep same Verizon network coverage
- No port-out restrictions or fees
- Transparent pricing with taxes included
- Better customer service ratings
- Modern network prioritization
Cons of Staying with Total by Verizon
- Port-out restrictions and delays
- Hidden fees and confusing billing
- Lower network priority than postpaid
- Limited customer service options
- Reputation for retention tactics
Why Total by Verizon Makes Number Porting Difficult
Total by Verizon (formerly Total Wireless) has built a reputation for creating barriers when customers try to leave. This is part of their customer retention strategy, but it violates FCC guidelines that guarantee your right to port your number to any carrier.
Common port-out issues with Total by Verizon include requiring customers to call during limited hours, demanding account numbers that aren't easily accessible, and creating artificial delays in the porting process. Some customers report waiting weeks to get their port-out information, which is legally required to be provided immediately.
The company also uses confusing billing cycles and contract terms to make customers think they can't leave when they actually can. These tactics are designed to frustrate customers into staying, but you have legal rights they cannot override.
Your Legal Right to Port Your Number
Under FCC regulations, every wireless carrier must allow you to port your number to another provider. This includes prepaid services like Total by Verizon. They cannot legally prevent you from switching, though they may create procedural hurdles.
To successfully port from Total by Verizon, you'll need your account number and PIN. If they won't provide this information easily, you can file a complaint with the FCC. Most carriers resolve these issues quickly once regulatory pressure is applied.
The key is being persistent and knowing your rights. Don't let customer service representatives tell you that porting isn't possible – it always is, regardless of your payment status or contract situation.
Best Verizon Network Alternatives to Total by Verizon
Visible: Our Top Recommendation (10/11)
Visible offers the best combination of value, network quality, and customer freedom for former Total by Verizon users. As Verizon's premium prepaid brand, you get full network access at $25 per month with taxes included.
Key advantages over Total by Verizon include transparent pricing, no hidden fees, and easy number porting that typically completes within hours. Visible uses Verizon's premium network with modern prioritization, meaning faster speeds during busy periods compared to Total by Verizon's lower network priority.
The service includes unlimited talk, text, and data with mobile hotspot included. There are no overage fees, annual contracts, or port-out restrictions. You can switch to or from Visible anytime without penalties.
Why Trust Our Analysis? We evaluate carriers on 11 data-driven criteria including security features (2FA, SIM PIN protection), data breach history, and real user experience. Our rankings are based on verifiable facts, not paid placements.
US Mobile: Flexible Alternative (9.5/11)
US Mobile earns a 9.5/11 rating for its build-your-own-plan approach and access to all three major networks including Verizon. This flexibility makes it ideal if you want to test different networks or have specific data needs.
Their Verizon network plans start around $15 per month for basic service, scaling up based on your data requirements. The company has never had a data breach and offers excellent customer service through multiple channels.
US Mobile's porting process is streamlined and typically completes within 2-4 hours. They provide clear account information upfront and don't use retention tactics when customers want to leave.
Other Verizon Network Options
Twigby (7.6/11) offers a traditional carrier experience with phone support and flexible monthly plans. While not as competitive on price, they excel in customer service for users who prefer talking to representatives.
For budget-conscious users, several smaller MVNOs offer Verizon network access starting around $10 per month, though with more limited features and customer support.
How to Successfully Port Away from Total by Verizon
The porting process requires preparation and persistence. Start by gathering your account information during a call to Total by Verizon customer service. Don't mention that you're planning to switch – simply say you need your account details for your records.
You'll need your full account number (not just your phone number), account PIN or password, and billing address exactly as it appears on your account. Write this information down and verify it's correct before ending the call.
Choose your new carrier and sign up for service, but don't activate it immediately. Start the port request during business hours when both carriers' customer service teams are fully staffed. This reduces potential delays.
Most ports from Total by Verizon complete within 2-24 hours once properly initiated. Keep your old phone active until the port completes – turning it off early can cause the process to fail.
Network Coverage Comparison
Since Total by Verizon uses Verizon's network, switching to Visible or US Mobile maintains identical coverage in your area. You won't lose signal strength or coverage areas by making the switch.
However, network prioritization differs between services. Total by Verizon customers get lower priority during network congestion compared to Verizon postpaid customers. Visible customers receive higher priority than Total by Verizon, resulting in better performance during busy periods.
This means switching to Visible often improves your actual network experience even while using the same underlying infrastructure. You'll notice faster data speeds during peak usage times in crowded areas.
Cost Comparison: Total by Verizon vs Better Alternatives
Total by Verizon's pricing appears competitive until you factor in taxes, fees, and the true cost of their service restrictions. Many customers report surprise charges and difficulty understanding their actual monthly costs.
Visible's $25 per month includes all taxes and fees with no surprises. For a family of four, this transparency can save $10-20 per month compared to Total by Verizon's hidden fee structure.
US Mobile's build-a-plan approach lets you pay only for what you use. Light data users can save significantly, while heavy users get unlimited options that compete directly with both Total by Verizon and Visible.
When calculating true costs, factor in the value of your time dealing with customer service issues. Better carriers mean fewer problems and less time spent on account management.
Best Phone to Pair With Your New Carrier
If you need an unlocked phone that works perfectly with Visible or US Mobile, we recommend the Google Pixel 9a. It's our top budget phone pick for 2026:
- Works with all US carriers (Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T networks)
- Supports eSIM + physical SIM for easy switching
- 7 years of software updates
- Excellent camera and battery life
- Around $499 unlocked
What to Do If Your Port Gets Stuck
If your number port encounters delays or problems, don't panic. Document all communication with both carriers and escalate issues immediately. Most port problems stem from incorrect account information or system glitches that resolve quickly with proper attention.
Contact your new carrier's customer service first – they have more incentive to resolve the issue quickly since they're trying to gain your business. If Total by Verizon creates delays, remind them that port blocking violates FCC regulations.
As a last resort, file an FCC complaint online at consumercomplaints.fcc.gov. Include all relevant details and communication records. Carriers typically resolve port issues within 24-48 hours of receiving regulatory complaints.
Timeline for Switching Carriers
Plan your switch during a period when being without service briefly won't cause problems. Most ports complete quickly, but having a backup communication method for 24 hours provides peace of mind.
Week 1: Research new carriers and compare options based on your usage patterns and budget.
Week 2: Gather account information from Total by Verizon and sign up with your chosen new carrier.
Day of Switch: Initiate the port request during business hours and monitor progress through both carriers' customer portals.
The entire process typically takes 2-3 weeks from decision to completion, with the actual porting happening in just a few hours on the final day.
Long-term Benefits of Switching
Beyond solving immediate porting problems, switching from Total by Verizon provides long-term advantages. Better carriers offer more transparent pricing, superior customer service, and freedom to change plans or providers without artificial barriers.
You'll also gain access to better network prioritization, more frequent software updates, and carrier features that Total by Verizon doesn't offer. Many customers report improved call quality and data speeds after switching to Visible or US Mobile.
The psychological benefit of dealing with a carrier that respects your right to leave cannot be overstated. You'll spend less time on customer service calls and more time actually using your phone service.
The Bottom Line
If Total by Verizon won't let you port your number, switch to Visible for the best combination of network quality, pricing, and customer freedom. At $25 per month with taxes included, you'll get the same Verizon network coverage with better prioritization and no port-out restrictions.
For users wanting more flexibility, US Mobile (9.5/11) offers customizable plans across all networks with equally smooth porting processes. Both alternatives provide superior customer service and transparent pricing without the retention tactics that make Total by Verizon frustrating.
Your phone number belongs to you, not your carrier. Don't let Total by Verizon's port-out restrictions keep you trapped in subpar service when better alternatives are readily available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can Total by Verizon legally prevent me from porting my number?
No, FCC regulations guarantee your right to port your number to any carrier. Total by Verizon cannot legally block number porting, though they may create procedural delays. If they refuse to provide porting information, file an FCC complaint.
Q: How long does it take to port away from Total by Verizon?
Most successful ports complete within 2-24 hours once properly initiated. Delays typically occur when account information is incorrect or incomplete. Gather all required details before starting the process to avoid complications.
Q: Will I lose service switching from Total by Verizon to Visible?
No, both services use Verizon's network, so coverage remains identical. However, Visible customers receive higher network priority, potentially improving your actual service experience during busy periods.
Q: What information do I need to port from Total by Verizon?
You'll need your complete account number (not just phone number), account PIN or password, and billing address exactly as listed on your account. Call Total by Verizon customer service to obtain this information before initiating your port request.
Q: Is Visible really better than Total by Verizon?
Yes, Visible earns a 10/11 rating compared to Total by Verizon's lower scores due to transparent pricing, no hidden fees, better network priority, superior customer service, and easy porting processes. Most customers experience improved service quality after switching.
Affiliate Disclosure: Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
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