Total by Verizon
Verizon-owned prepaid (formerly TotalWireless)
Type: MVNO · Network: Verizon · Official site
Our take on Total by Verizon
What’s good
- Verizon-owned (formerly TracFone Wireless) — full Verizon network access
- Available at retail (Walmart, drugstores, big-box stores) for cash purchase
- $35 unlimited tier includes 15 GB high-speed data
- No contract; brings-your-own-phone friendly
- Auto-pay discount on standard plans
What’s not
- Branding is in transition; some legacy TracFone account references can be confusing
- Customer support quality is uneven — better than third-party MVNOs but below Verizon postpaid
- No premium 5G UW branding bundled with cheaper tiers
Best for: Users who want Verizon's coverage with the option to manage the account in person at retail.
Not for: Users who already comfortably manage things online and would save with Visible.
Plans
Compare with similar carriers
Frequently asked questions
- What network does Total by Verizon use?
Total by Verizon is an MVNO that runs on the Verizon network. Coverage is identical to Verizon postpaid in any given location, since both ride the same towers and spectrum. Speeds during congestion may be slightly lower because MVNO traffic is deprioritized vs the underlying carrier's postpaid customers.
- Is Total by Verizon an MVNO or MNO?
Total by Verizon is an MVNO — a Mobile Virtual Network Operator. They lease wholesale capacity from Verizon and resell it under their own brand at typically lower prices.
- What is the cheapest Total by Verizon plan?
The cheapest Total by Verizon plan we have on file is 5GB at $25.00/month. See the plans table above for the full list.
- Where can I check Total by Verizon coverage?
Total by Verizon rides the Verizon network, so its coverage is the same as Verizon's. We have a county-level coverage map at /coverage/total, derived from public FCC Broadband Data Collection data. Enter your ZIP to see strong/fair/poor/none classification at your specific address.
- How do I switch to Total by Verizon from another carrier?
Sign up at https://www.totalbyverizon.com, choose "transfer my existing number," and provide your current carrier's account number, port-out PIN, and billing ZIP code. Most ports complete in 15 minutes to 4 hours. Never cancel your old service before the port completes — it usually closes automatically. See our switching guide for the full walkthrough.
- Can I bring my own phone to Total by Verizon?
Yes — Total by Verizon supports BYOD. Your phone needs to be unlocked (carrier-locked phones must be unlocked first by the original carrier) and band-compatible with the underlying network. Activation is via eSIM or physical SIM depending on the device and carrier.
- Does Total by Verizon support 5G?
Yes. Total by Verizon supports 5G via the underlying Verizon network — sub-6 GHz (low-band + mid-band/C-band) on most plans. mmWave 5G availability depends on the specific plan tier and your phone's hardware. Speeds in the 200–700 Mbps range are typical on mid-band 5G in covered areas.