Since 2013, I’ve been researching, reviewing, and writing about the wireless industry through BestMVNO with a focus on MVNOs.
In this guide, I will explain everything you need to know about Total by Verizon before you subscribe. I’ll review each of their phone plans with you, and go over any gotchas that they might have. I want you to learn the ins and outs of Total by Verizon so that you can make an informed decision on if this is the best place for you to spend your money.
Prepaid Phone Plans – No Credit Check
How Total by Verizon Plans Work
On July 11, 2024 Total by Verizon was rebranded back to Total Wireless. However, the process to complete the rebrand will take many months. Total by Verizon plans may still be available in national retail stores like Walmart throughout the rest of 2024. However, they are no longer sold online. New plans are available under the Total Wireless name and branded stores are now open.
Total by Verizon officially launched on September 21, 2022. However, website leaks a week prior led to a premature unveiling of the brand and its plans.
Total by Verizon replaced another Verizon-owned brand, Total Wireless giving it an instant customer base. The new brand is designed to compete against other carrier-owned prepaid brands including Metro by T-Mobile, Cricket Wireless, and Boost Mobile.
The brand will be sold in national retail locations including Target, Dollar General, and Walmart. It will also be sold in Total by Verizon stores.
Verizon is positioning Total by Verizon as a service for multi-line users. Subscribers on a plan priced $40 or higher can add add-a-line to any plan, regardless of the plan, for $35/month with the exception of the $30 plan. Additional lines on the $30 plan remain priced at $30. A customer on the $40 (15GB) plan can add a second $40 plan to their account for $35. They can even add the $60 unlimited plan as a second line to their $40 plan for just $35/month. Furthermore, international roaming is available for customers who purchase two or more lines with the $40, $50, and $60 plans. The benefit does not extend to multiline purchases of the $30 plan.
Subscribers to either of Total by Verizon’s unlimited 4G LTE/5G data plans will get a free subscription to Disney+. The $50 unlimited plan only includes a free 6 months trial, but the flagship $60 unlimited plan includes a full subscription.
Total by Verizon customers will have lower data network priority access compared to other customers on Verizon’s network when the network is congested with heavy traffic. Under those circumstances, Total by Verizon customers will temporarily experience slower data speeds compared to Verizon’s postpaid customers. Video streaming on all plans is limited to a resolution of 480p.
All Total by Verizon wireless plans include domestic roaming. However, Total by Verizon reserves the right to terminate the service of any customer whose roaming usage exceeds 50% of their total usage in any three plan cycles within a twelve month period.
Supported Phones And BYOD Devices
A selection of cell phones are available for those that need to purchase one. All of the latest trendy devices are carried including the iPhone 14, iPhone SE, and the newest Samsung Galaxy line of devices. There are a lot of budget-oriented devices available too, with pricing under $30. Financing options with monthly payment plans for phone purchases are also offered to qualifying individuals. Interest is as little as 0% APR. A down payment may be required for purchase.
BYOD To Total by Verizon
Total by Verizon supports BYOD as long as the phone brought to the network is out of contract, LTE/5G capable, and Verizon compatible. Some universally unlocked phones from manufacturers such as Motorola, Samsung, and Apple are compatible with the network. If you are unsure if the device you own will be supported, you can always double check by using Total by Verizon’s device compatibility checker.
Where To Buy Service Plans And SIM Cards
Total by Verizon SIMs, plans, and phones are available at over 50,000 locations nationwide and online. The brand is carried in national retail stores such as Walmart, Target, and Dollar General. It’s also sold in Total by Verizon exclusive dealer stores.
Year Founded: 2022
Total by Verizon Contact Information
Website: https://www.totalbyverizon.com/Total By Verizon
Attention Executive Resolution Department
9700 NW 112th Avenue
Miami, FL 33178
Absolute worst consumer experience I have ever had. DO NOT USE Total by Verizon. The bungled the activation and my phone has worked and not worked off and on (mostly off) for the past four days. There are no native english speaking support representatives, and none of them have the appropriate tools or resources to resolve my activation problem. I have been told more times than I can count that my issue is being escalated (only over email) and that I would receive a call back (never have).
I have spent probably 10 hours on the phone, being transferred around like a hot potato, and no one is actually capable of resolving my problem.
To make matters worse, they are unable to issue me a transfer PIN, so I can’t just take my number and go to a better, competent provider.
Again, do NOT use Total by Verizon. There is a high probability you will be sorry should you need to use their atrocious support.
Total by Verizon the worst cell phone company I’ve ever dealt with. Spent27 hours on the phone to activate service, no luck yet. Bought 2 iPhone 11, paid one month in advance for service and no service as yet, December 1st to Jan. 10. Pitiful customer service, all done in Philippines, cannot speak English. Almost impossible to talk to person, only recordings.