Verizon has started sending text messages to customers with instructions to redeem a $20 account credit following last week’s nationwide wireless outage. The company says the credit covers multiple days of service and serves as an acknowledgment of the disruption.
Customers receive a message apologizing for the outage and directing them to a secure link to redeem the credit. Verizon explains that the credit will apply once users log in to their Verizon account and complete a short redemption process. The message also advises customers who still face connectivity problems to restart their devices to restore service.
How to Redeem the Verizon $20 Outage Credit
Customers can redeem the credit directly through their Verizon account. Follow these steps:
- Log in to your account at Verizon.com or open the My Verizon app.
- Open the Mobile section on your dashboard.
- Click Take action when the notification appears.
- Select Redeem Now to apply the $20 credit to your account.
After redemption, Verizon applies the credit toward a future billing cycle. Processing time may vary depending on account status.
Verizon applies one $20 credit per account, regardless of how many lines the account holds. The company sends the message only to the primary account holder’s phone number.
The outage hit on January 14, when customers across the United States lost cellular service around noon Eastern Time. Many phones switched to SOS mode, which blocked normal calling and mobile data access. Verizon confirmed that engineers restored service later that night and advised users to reboot their devices to reconnect.
Verizon previously attributed the outage to a software issue and said there was no evidence of a cybersecurity attack. However, the company has not shared detailed technical information about the systems involved or the exact failure point.
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Some customers report smooth credit redemption, while others experience temporary issues accessing the redemption link. Verizon continues to monitor customer feedback and encourages affected users to check their account dashboard directly if the text link fails.
The outage disrupted voice calls, mobile data, and emergency access in several regions, prompting concerns about network reliability and service resilience. Verizon says the credit does not fully compensate for the inconvenience but demonstrates accountability and commitment to restoring customer trust.
