Verizon's $20 Credit for Wednesday's Service Outage: A Step-by-Step Guide
Verizon is offering a small gesture of goodwill in the wake of Wednesday's massive service outage, which affected over 1.5 million users and lasted for hours. While the credit amount might seem insignificant, the process of claiming it is a bit more involved than expected.
Initial Announcement:
Verizon initially announced on X that customers would receive a $20 credit, but it required redemption through the myVerizon app. This initial approach sparked some confusion and frustration among users.
Redemption Process:
1. Wait for the Text: Customers who attempted to claim the credit via chat received a message instructing them to wait for a text with further instructions. Engadget editors started receiving these texts on January 16, 2026.
2. Access the Link: The text will include a link to redeem the credit. Click on this link to proceed.
3. Log In and Navigate: Log into your myVerizon account and navigate to the Account Overview section. Look for a 'Take Action' or 'Mobile Actions' button with a red notification circle.
4. Redeem the Credit: Click on the 'Redeem Now' button that appears. This action confirms the redemption process.
5. Check for Credit: Verizon assures customers that the credit will be applied to their account within one or two billing cycles. Keep an eye on your account to ensure it appears.
Customer Reactions:
Incensed customers have expressed frustration over the small credit amount and the manual redemption process. Many feel that the credit should be applied automatically to every customer's bill, especially given the scale of the outage.
Update (January 15, 2026):
Verizon has expanded the redemption options, allowing customers to claim the credit through customer service via phone, chat, and online, in addition to the myVerizon app.
Update (January 16, 2026):
The article has been updated to include detailed information about the redemption process, which now involves a link sent via text message to customers.
