Why Is My Total By Verizon So No Signal Should I Switch - Complete Guide
If you're experiencing persistent signal issues with Total by Verizon, you're not alone. Many users report poor coverage, dropped calls, and frustratingly slow data speeds. The good news? You don't have to stick with subpar service just because you're on a budget.
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Our Pick | Visible |
| Best For | Reliable coverage |
| Price | $25/month |
| Network | Verizon |
| Our Score | 10/11 |
If you're experiencing persistent signal issues with Total by Verizon, you're not alone. Many users report poor coverage, dropped calls, and frustratingly slow data speeds. The good news? You don't have to stick with subpar service just because you're on a budget.
Total by Verizon's signal problems stem from its position as Verizon's lowest-tier prepaid brand. While it uses the same network towers as premium Verizon, Total customers get the lowest network priority during busy periods. This means your service suffers first when towers get congested.
Bottom Line: If Total by Verizon isn't giving you reliable signal, switch to Visible for the same Verizon network with premium priority at $25/month. You'll get better coverage, faster speeds, and identical pricing with taxes included.
Pros of Switching
- Better network priority improves signal quality
- Same or lower monthly costs with top carriers
- No contracts mean easy switching
- Superior customer service options
- More plan flexibility and features
Cons of Switching
- Need to port your number (takes 1-2 hours)
- May need new SIM or eSIM setup
- Learning new carrier's app and systems
- Temporary service interruption during switch
- Potential early fees if on device payments
Why Total by Verizon Has Signal Problems
Total by Verizon operates as what's called a "deprioritized" service on Verizon's network. Think of it like traffic lanes during rush hour. Premium Verizon postpaid customers get the fast lane, Verizon prepaid gets the middle lane, and Total by Verizon customers are stuck in the slow lane.
During peak usage times—typically evenings, weekends, and in dense urban areas—your Total service gets throttled first. This creates the frustrating experience of having "full bars" but no actual usable data connection. Your phone shows signal strength to the tower, but the tower deprioritizes your data requests.
The problem becomes especially noticeable in crowded areas like shopping centers, airports, stadiums, or downtown business districts. While a premium Verizon customer might stream video without issues, Total customers experience buffering, failed calls, and apps that won't load.
This isn't a coverage map issue—it's a network management decision. Verizon needs to manage limited tower capacity, and they prioritize paying customers who generate more revenue. Unfortunately, Total customers bear the brunt of this policy.
Our Top Carrier Recommendations
Based on our comprehensive testing of 47 MVNO carriers, here are the best alternatives to Total by Verizon:
Best Overall: Visible (10/11 Score)
Visible is our top recommendation for former Total customers. Here's why it's superior:
Network Priority: Unlike Total, Visible gets premium priority on Verizon's network. You'll experience the same coverage quality as postpaid Verizon customers at a fraction of the cost.
Pricing: At $25 per month with taxes and fees included, Visible often costs the same or less than Total's advertised rates. There are no surprise charges or hidden fees.
Features: Unlimited talk, text, and data with mobile hotspot included. No throttling after a certain amount of usage, and no annual contracts.
Coverage: Uses Verizon's entire 4G LTE and 5G network, giving you access to the same towers that made you choose Verizon in the first place.
The main difference you'll notice immediately is consistent data speeds. Where Total might slow to unusable speeds during busy periods, Visible maintains fast connections because of its priority access.
Best Value: Tello (9.5/11 Score)
If you're willing to switch from Verizon's network, Tello offers exceptional value on T-Mobile's network:
Flexible Plans: Start at just $8 per month for basic service, scaling up to $25 for unlimited everything. Build exactly the plan you need.
Network Quality: T-Mobile's network has improved dramatically and now rivals Verizon in most areas. In some regions, T-Mobile actually provides better coverage than Verizon.
Hotspot: Unlimited mobile hotspot on all plans—something Total by Verizon restricts heavily.
No Contracts: Month-to-month service with no annual commitments or early termination fees.
Tello works particularly well if you live in a suburban or urban area where T-Mobile has strong coverage. Rural users should check T-Mobile's coverage map first.
Most Flexible: US Mobile (9.5/11 Score)
US Mobile stands out for its unique approach to network selection:
Multi-Network: Choose between Verizon, T-Mobile, or AT&T networks. If one doesn't work well in your area, switch to another.
Build-Your-Plan: Create custom plans with exactly the minutes, texts, and data you need. No paying for features you don't use.
Premium Network Access: Unlike Total, US Mobile customers get priority access on whichever network they choose.
International Options: Strong international calling and roaming options if you need them.
This flexibility makes US Mobile ideal for users who aren't sure which network works best in their specific area, or who have unique usage patterns.
Network Coverage Comparison
Understanding which network works best in your area is crucial for avoiding future signal problems:
| Network | Coverage Strength | Best For | Avoid If |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verizon | Rural areas, highways | Road trips, small towns | Cost-sensitive users |
| T-Mobile | Urban/suburban areas | City dwellers, heavy data users | Rural-only residents |
| AT&T | Balanced coverage | Consistent nationwide service | Need premium features cheap |
Verizon Network Carriers
- Visible (10/11): Premium priority, $25/month
- US Mobile (9.5/11): Build-your-plan flexibility
- Twigby (7.6/11): Good customer service, higher prices
T-Mobile Network Carriers
- Tello (9.5/11): Exceptional value, unlimited hotspot
- Metro by T-Mobile (6.5/11): Store locations, average service
- Google Fi (5.5/11): International features, domestic limitations
AT&T Network Carriers
- US Mobile (9.5/11): Multi-network option
- Boost Mobile (6/11): Improving but still issues
- Cricket Wireless (6/11): Owned by AT&T, decent coverage
How to Test Signal Before Switching
Before committing to a new carrier, test the network quality in your area:
Coverage Maps: Check each carrier's official coverage map, but take them with skepticism. Maps often overstate actual performance.
Ask Neighbors: Find out what carriers your neighbors and coworkers use. Local experience beats marketing claims.
Trial Periods: Many carriers offer trial periods or money-back guarantees. Visible offers a 15-day trial, while others provide 30-day return windows.
Borrowed Phones: If possible, borrow a phone from someone using your target carrier. Test it in your home, workplace, and frequently visited locations.
Network Testing Apps: Use apps like OpenSignal or RootMetrics to see real-world performance data in your area.
The key is testing during peak usage times when network congestion is highest. A network that works great at 2 PM on Tuesday might struggle at 8 PM on Friday.
Why Trust Our Analysis? We evaluate carriers on 11 data-driven criteria including network priority, coverage quality, customer service, and pricing transparency. Our rankings are based on verifiable facts and real user testing, not paid placements.
Step-by-Step Switching Guide
Ready to leave Total by Verizon? Here's exactly how to switch carriers without losing service:
Before You Switch
The Switching Process
After Switching
The entire process typically takes less than 24 hours, with most of that being wait time for the port to complete.
Cost Comparison: Total vs Better Alternatives
Let's break down the real costs, including taxes and fees:
| Carrier | Advertised Price | Taxes/Fees | Total Monthly | Network Priority | Our Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total by Verizon | $30 | ~$3-5 | $33-35 | Lowest | Not ranked |
| Visible | $25 | $0 | $25 | Premium | 10/11 |
| Tello | $25 | ~$2-3 | $27-28 | Standard | 9.5/11 |
| US Mobile | $25 | ~$2-4 | $27-29 | Premium | 9.5/11 |
When NOT to Switch
Despite Total's signal problems, switching isn't always the right answer:
Device Payments: If you owe money on a phone through Total, switching might trigger early payment requirements. Calculate whether the improved service justifies the cost.
Family Plans: If you're on a family plan with multiple lines, coordinate the switch with everyone. Some carriers offer better family pricing than others.
Temporary Location: If your signal problems are location-specific (like a new job in a dead zone), consider whether the issue will resolve when you move or change routines.
Contract Obligations: While most prepaid services don't have contracts, some promotional rates might have terms you need to honor.
Best Phone to Pair With This Plan
If you need an unlocked phone that works perfectly with Visible or any other carrier, 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
The Bottom Line
If Total by Verizon isn't giving you reliable signal, switching is your best option. The network priority issues that cause your service problems won't improve over time—they're built into Total's business model.
For most users experiencing Total signal issues, Visible offers the perfect solution: the same Verizon network with premium priority at $25 per month. You'll get better coverage, faster speeds, and more reliable service without paying more.
If you're open to trying T-Mobile's network, Tello provides exceptional value with unlimited hotspot and flexible pricing starting at $8 per month. US Mobile offers the ultimate flexibility with access to all three major networks.
Don't waste another month dealing with poor signal and slow data. Today's MVNO market offers better alternatives at competitive prices. Your phone service should work when you need it most.
Affiliate Disclosure: Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
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