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Usage Controls

General Information

  1. What is Usage Controls?

    Usage Controls is an easy-to-use service within My Verizon that puts you in control of your bill. For only $4.99 per month, Usage Controls enables you to:

    1. Set monthly allowances for voice minutes, messaging usage, data usage and content purchases (e.g., ringtones and music downloads). The controlled line will receive a free text alert when they are nearing their allowance and when the allowance has been met. The account owner will receive a free text alert when the allowance has been met.
    2. Restrict voice, messaging and data services during designated times of the day or days of the week.
    3. Block calls and messages to and from up to 20 numbers of your choosing.
    4. Block calls to 411 Directory Assistance.
    5. Block incoming calls from numbers listed as private, restricted or unavailable.
    6. Create a list of up to 20 trusted numbers (mobile or landline) that can always communicate with the controlled line regardless of other set restrictions.
    7. Customize the settings for each controlled line on your account via My Verizon. Data allowances can be established for each controlled line and can also be customized via My Verizon Mobile.

    Refer to the Blocks page for more information on the various types of blocks available.

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  2. Who can use Usage Controls?

    To use Usage Controls, you must be a Nationwide Plan customer with Unlimited Mobile to Mobile and Unlimited Nights & Weekends. You may also be a Mobile Broadband user. Up to 10 lines of service on your account with supported devices can subscribe to Usage Controls. 

    To subscribe and configure Usage Controls, sign in to the Usage Control website.

    Notes:

    1. You must register for My Verizon in order to use Usage Controls.
    2. Usage Controls is not available to corporate liable accounts.

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  3. Does Usage Controls work on any mobile device?

    Usage Controls works on most Verizon Wireless mobile devices. This service requires a supported device on a supported Nationwide Plan. It does not work with Push to Talk devices and select older devices. My Verizon will alert you if you try to activate Usage Controls on an incompatible device.

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  4. How much does Usage Controls cost?

    Usage Controls costs $4.99 per month for each controlled line subscribed to the service.

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  5. How do I turn on Usage Controls?

    Account owners can subscribe to Usage Controls by completing the following steps:

    1. Sign in to My Verizon using your User ID and password.
    2. Click on More Actions under the I Want To... section.
    3. Select Set Usage Controls under Safety & Security.
    4. Go to the Profile tab. You will see the mobile numbers in your account.
    5. Click Add to Usage Controls next to the mobile number(s) you would like to subscribe to Usage Controls.
    6. Accept the terms and conditions and click Submit.
    7. Set desired voice, messaging, purchase and data allowances, along with blocked numbers and / or time restrictions for the selected line(s).
    8. Add phone numbers to the Trusted Numbers list, allowing communication regardless of other set restrictions.

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  6. Does Usage Controls work when the subscriber is traveling in the Extended National Enhanced Services Rate and Coverage Area in the United States?

    Usage Controls settings may work while traveling within the United States. When making a call while traveling in the Extended National Enhanced Services Rate and Coverage Area, the subscriber will be prompted to dial the calling party’s number a second time.

    Calls by the subscriber while traveling in the United States cannot be placed to an international destination (a phone number with more than 10 digits) and the call will not be completed. However, the subscriber can receive calls from international destinations, which will be billed according to your plan.

    Available messaging and data services may work the same as in the Nationwide Rate and Coverage Area.

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  7. Does Usage Controls work when the subscriber is roaming outside the United States?

    Usage Controls may not work when the subscriber is roaming internationally. Additional services such as #MIN (check minutes), #DATA (check data and messaging), #BAL (check balance) or #PMT (make payment) are not supported when the subscriber is roaming.

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  8. How frequently can I change my Usage Controls settings?

    Changes to your Usage Controls settings can be made at any time and as often as you like. The changes may take a few minutes from clicking Submit to become effective, and in some instances, the device may need to be power cycled in order for the changes to become effective.

    Note: The voice, messaging, purchase and data allowances may be set lower than the current bill cycle usage, in which case, you may not utilize all services that you have paid for, depending upon the settings that you have selected for the controlled line. The controlled line will receive an alert indicating they’ve reached their allowance and will be billed for all usage, including any applicable overage charges. Similarly, allowances can also be set higher than the controlled line’s plan limit and the controlled line will be billed for all usage, including any applicable overage charges.

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  9. Can I send text, picture and video messages to an email address with Usage Controls?

    Yes. Usage Controls subscribers can send and receive text, picture and video messages to and from 10-digit phone numbers, as well as email addresses.

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  10. How does Usage Controls work with Group Messaging Service?

    Usage Controls cannot prevent all services provided through Group Communication. Therefore, a line that is subscribed to Usage Controls will not be able to add the Group Messaging feature. Additionally, if a Usage Controls subscriber participates in or replies to a group message, all usage may not be counted towards the messaging allowance, potentially resulting in overage.

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Usage Allowance

  1. Can I set a limit for the number of minutes a controlled line can use on their mobile device through Usage Controls?

    Yes, you can set an allowance for the number of billable voice minutes a controlled line uses. When a controlled line nears the allowance (15 minutes prior to reaching the allowance), a free text message will be sent to their device indicating that they are near their allowance. If the controlled line reaches the allowance, a free text message will be sent to the controlled line’s device and to your device indicating that the allowance was reached.

    You can choose whether to restrict additional voice usage or to allow additional voice usage once the allowance is reached.

    1. Default Setting: Restrict additional voice calls until the next bill cycle. With this setting, once the allowance is reached, the controlled line will not be able to use their device to place or receive calls that are billable or use the Anytime minutes included in their plan, unless the call is with a Trusted Number or other unrestricted numbers (e.g., 911). The controlled line will still be able to place or receive calls to other Verizon Wireless customers that are part of Unlimited National Mobile to Mobile calling or during Night & Weekend time periods.
    2. Optional Setting: Do not restrict additional voice calls until the next bill cycle. With this setting, once the allowance is reached, the controlled line will still be able to use their device to place or receive calls. You will be billed for all minutes used in accordance with your plan.

    You cannot set an allowance for Unlimited Anytime minutes, Unlimited National Mobile to Mobile Calling minutes (Verizon Wireless device to Verizon Wireless device) or Unlimited Night & Weekend minutes.

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  2. Can I set a limit for the number of messages a controlled line can use on their mobile device with Usage Controls?

    Yes, you can set an allowance for the number of billable text, picture and video messages a controlled line can use. Unlimited Mobile to Mobile Messaging does not count towards the allowance. When a controlled line nears the allowance (15 messages prior to reaching the allowance), a free text message will be sent to their device indicating that they are near their allowance. When a controlled line reaches the allowance, a free text message will be sent to their device and to your device indicating that the allowance was reached. 

    A controlled line will not be able to send or receive messages once the messaging allowance is reached, unless one of the following exceptions applies:

    1. They are sending or receiving messages to designated Trusted Numbers
    2. They are on an unlimited messaging plan or a plan with Mobile to Mobile Messaging (Verizon Wireless device to Verizon Wireless device)

    The Usage Controls (account owner) cannot set an allowance if the controlled line is subscribed to a plan or package with unlimited messaging.

    Notes:
    1. Messaging with social networking providers will count towards the controlled line’s messaging allowance. These include messages with users on Facebook®, MySpace® and Twitter®.
    2. Mobile Instant Messaging version 3.0 and higher is not compatible with Usage Controls. If you have Mobile IM 3.0 or higher preloaded on your device, you will not be able to access or use instant messaging. If you wish to access and use Mobile IM 3.0 or higher, you must unsubscribe the affected mobile number from Usage Controls.

    Please refer to the Blocks page for additional information on the various types of blocks available.

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  3. When using Usage Controls, what types of minutes and / or messages do not count towards the controlled line's allowance?

    1. Unlimited Night & Weekend minutes and Unlimited National Mobile to Mobile Calling minutes (Verizon Wireless device to Verizon Wireless device) do not count towards the allowance, and allowances cannot be set for these minutes.
    2. Messaging allowances cannot be set if you have a plan with unlimited messaging.
    3. If your messaging plan includes Unlimited Mobile to Mobile Messaging, messages with other Verizon Wireless customers will not be counted toward your allowance.
    4. Premium messages will not be counted toward allowances or be restricted by Usage Controls. A separate Premium Messaging Block can be added.
    5. Mobile Instant Messaging version 3.0 and higher is not compatible with Usage Controls. If you have Mobile IM 3.0 or higher, you will not be able to access or use instant messaging. If Mobile IM 3.0 or higher is preloaded on your device and you wish to access or use it, you must unsubscribe the affected mobile number from Usage Controls.

    Please refer to the Blocks page for additional information on various types of blocks available.

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  4. Can a controlled line on Usage Controls use their device to call 911?

    Yes, Usage Controls does not restrict the controlled line from calling or receiving calls from 911. In the event that a controlled line dials 911 from their device, Usage Controls voice restrictions will be automatically suspended until the account owner reestablishes the settings for that line of service.

    All voice, messaging and data usage will be billed in accordance with the applicable plan, feature or package.

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  5. What happens when a controlled line on Usage Controls calls 911?

    When a controlled line subscribed to Usage Controls dials 911, a free text message is sent to the account ownernotifying them of the following:

    1. A line on their account dialed 911
    2. Usage Controls is suspended and must be reinstated online within My Verizon

    When the account owner signs in to My Verizon, they will view an alert that contains the mobile number that dialed 911 and an option to Reset Usage Controls. If the emergency has passed, the account owner must reset Usage Controls. If the account owner fails to reset Usage Controls, all voice restrictions will remain suspended for that line of service.

    All voice, messaging and data usage will be billed in accordance with the applicable plan, feature or package.

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  6. What happens when my line is on Usage Controls, and I call 911?

    When a line subscribed with Usage Controls dials 911, a free text message is sent to the account owner after 30 minutes. The message will indicate that 911 was dialed and that Usage Controls is suspended and must be reinstated online within My Verizon.

    When the account owner signs in to My Verizon, they will view an alert that contains the phone number that dialed 911 and see a link to Reset Usage Controls. If the emergency has passed, they must reset Usage Controls via this link. If they fail to reset Usage Controls, all voice restrictions will remain suspended for your line of service. All voice, messaging and data usage will be billed in accordance with the applicable plan, feature or package.

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  7. What happens if a controlled line on Usage Controls calls 911 while roaming in the United States?

    If a controlled line places a call to 911 from the network of a carrier with which Verizon Wireless does not have a roaming agreement, it is not technically feasible to provide callback capability from the public safety entity (PSAP) back to the controlled line’s device.

    We are taking proactive steps to minimize this occurrence by seeking roaming agreements broadly with many carriers, but we cannot expect to arrange such agreements with all carriers. This limitation is not due to technical constraints or limitations within the Usage Controls service, but rather a limitation of wireless service in general. For additional details, please see the Domestic Roaming FAQs.

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  8. Who will be notified when a controlled line on Usage Controls reaches a voice, messaging, purchase or data usage allowance?

    The account owner and the controlled line will receive a free text message alert when the controlled line reaches their voice minutes, messaging, purchase and / or data allowance. Prior to that point, Usage Controls will also notify the controlled line with a free text message when they are nearing their usage allowance(s). Nearing alerts are sent to the controlled line as follows:

    1. Minutes – 15 minutes prior to reaching their allowance
    2. Messaging – 15 messages prior to reaching their allowance
    3. Purchases – $3 away from reaching their allowance
    4. Data – when 50%, 75% and 90% of their allowance has been used


    To change the line that is designated as the account owner:

    1. Sign in to My Verizon.
    2. Under Account Actions, click on the Update My Profile link.
    3. Select Edit under Account Owner Cell Number.

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  9. Can I set different allowances and restrictions for each controlled line or other lines on my account with Usage Controls?

    Yes, Usage Controls allows you to select different Usage Allowances, Time Restrictions, Blocked Numbers or Trusted Numbers for each line. You can modify the settings at any time by accessing your account through My Verizon.

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  10. Can I use Usage Controls to set an allowance for content purchases, such as music or game downloads, ringtones and Ringback Tones?

    Yes, Usage Controls does allow you to set a spending limit in dollars for one-time purchases for each line subscribed to the service.

    The controlled line will receive a free text alert when they are within $3 of their purchase allowance. The account owner and the controlled line will receive a free text alert when their purchase allowance is reached. At this point, the controlled line will no longer be able to download or purchase content until the next bill cycle.

    Purchase allowances for content do not include airtime or data usage fees, monthly subscription fees or fees for certain data services and applications, (e.g., Family Locator, VZ Navigator® and Backup Assistant). When a controlled line purchases a subscription service, the account owner will be notified of this purchase via a free text message and will be advised to manage subscriptions on the My Verizon My Media page. Monthly recurring fees for subscription services will not be controlled by purchase allowances. The free text message to the account owner may be delayed by a few hours from the time the controlled line purchases the subscription.

    If the controlled line’s device has Media Center software version 3.0 or higher, purchases made via Media Center on the device will be counted toward the purchase allowance. If the controlled line’s device has Media Center software version 3.0 or lower, you’ll receive an error message when attempting to set up a purchase allowance.

    Content purchases made via Mobile Web and the Media Store will be tracked and counted toward the purchase allowance. However, features with monthly fees will not be tracked nor counted toward the purchase allowance.

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  11. Can I set an allowance for data usage (MB) with Usage Controls?

    Yes, Usage Controls does allow you to set a data usage allowance in megabytes (MB) for data charges, such as browsing the Web or downloading content (e.g., songs, games and ringtones). The controlled line will receive a free text alert when they reach 50%, 75% and 90% of their data allowance. The account owner and the controlled line will receive a free text alert when 100% of the data allowance has been reached. Once the allowance is reached, you can choose whether to restrict additional data usage or to allow additional data usage:

    1. Default Setting: Allow additional data usage until the next bill cycle. With this setting, once the data allowance is reached, the controlled line will still be able to use their device to access data. Selecting this option will help you and your controlled lines monitor their data usage, but it will not prevent or restrict data access or use. This could result in data overage charges. All usage will be billed according to your data plan.
    2. Optional Setting: Restrict additional data usage until the next bill cycle. With this setting, once the data allowance is reached, the controlled line will be prevented from using any application or service that requires data usage.

    If no data allowance is set, data usage alerts will still be sent to the account owner and the controlled line. The data usage alerts will be based upon default settings.

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  12. Why is my data usage higher than my data allowance when I have selected to restrict / control data usage?

    There are some applications that require data usage for which we do not bill our customers. If you have a 3G device, the data usage associated with using those applications will still count toward any data allowance that you set within Usage Controls. Therefore, you may find that for 3G devices, your actual data usage may be higher than your data allowance. If you have a 4G device, however, the data usage associated with using those applications will not count toward any data allowance that you set within Usage Controls. You will continue to be able to use such applications even after your data allowance has been reached.

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  13. How do I block certain data services like ringtones, premium messages or games?

    Usage Controls will not block these types of services. We provide account owners with free features to block access to these services. You can turn off select data services by following these steps:

    1. Sign in to My Verizon using your User ID and password.
    2. Click More Actions under the I Want To... section.
    3. Select Set Usage Controls under Safety & Security.
    4. Go to the Service Blocks tab.

    Refer to the Blocks page for additional information on various types of blocks available.

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Blocked Numbers

  1. Can I block certain numbers from calling a controlled line on Usage Controls?

    Yes, Usage Controls enables you to designate and block up to twenty 10-digit phone numbers from communicating with the controlled line via incoming or outgoing calls, text messages and picture and video messages.

    1. You cannot block numbers that are within your account.
    2. You cannot block numbers that are on the Trusted Number list.
    3. You can block all incoming calls from numbers listed as private, restricted or unavailable.
    4. You can block outgoing calls to 411 Directory Assistance.

    You may also want to get more information on blocking telemarketing calls using the National Do Not Call Directory.

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  2. Can I block calls to 411 Directory Assistance through Usage Controls?

    Yes, you can choose to block outbound calls to 411, 1411, #411 and *411. Calls to (NPA) 555-1212 will still be allowed and will be billed in accordance with your applicable plan, feature or package. To block specific (NPA) 555-1212 numbers (e.g., 312-555-1212), enter the specific 10-digit number with the area code into the blocked numbers list.

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  3. How does Caller ID impact the Usage Controls Blocked Numbers list?

    1. A number on your Blocked Numbers list will still be blocked even if the caller has enabled Caller ID blocking, (as long as the number is recognized by our network).
    2. If you’ve chosen to block all private, restricted and unavailable numbers, any caller using Caller ID blocking will be prohibited from contacting the controlled line.

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Time Restrictions

  1. Does Usage Controls offer a way to restrict device usage during school hours or other times that I do not want my controlled line to use their device?

    Yes, you can set up to 10 restricted time periods for each controlled line on Usage Controls. If you are traveling to a destination in another time zone, the Usage Controls Time Restrictions must be set for the new time zone.

    Time Restrictions can help you control the following:

        1. Voice - Calls are stopped during restricted times. The controlled line will only be able to communicate with designated Trusted Numbers or 911.
        2. Messaging - Time Restrictions will restrict the controlled line from sending or receiving messages. These include messages with users on Facebook®, MySpace® and Twitter.® During restricted times, the controlled line will only be able to send or receive text, picture and video messages from designated Trusted Numbers.

          You cannot restrict premium messages (i.e., messages that you pay an additional charge to receive, such as sports alerts or content such as wallpaper). These messages will continue to be delivered, even during restricted times.
        3. Data - During restricted times, the controlled line will not be able to download content such as ringtones or games, or use applications, such as Mobile Web. All data services will be unavailable during the restricted times, except for My Verizon Mobile, Data Usage Meter and Backup Assistant. Time Restrictions cannot block V CAST Mobile TV and will not prevent use during any established timeframe.

      Of course, numbers on the Blocked Numbers list are always restricted from calling and messaging with the controlled line.

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  2. Will Family Locator work with Usage Controls?

    Controlled lines on Family Locator can be located and will generate Scheduled and Arrival & Departure Updates, except during restricted times designated by the account owner.

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  3. Do Usage Controls Time Restrictions work with devices that have an “always on” data connection?

    Time Restriction settings may not immediately take effect on devices with "always on" data connections (e.g., Smartphones) and may not immediately restrict data usage, regardless of whether you have established a Time Restriction for one or more of those devices on your account.

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Trusted Numbers

  1. Which phone numbers can be added to the Usage Controls Trusted Numbers list?

    Trusted Numbers can include 10-digit mobile or landline numbers. Communication between Trusted Numbers is always allowed. However, all voice, data and messaging usage will be billed in accordance with your applicable plan, feature or package.

    Voice usage associated with non-Verizon Wireless Trusted Numbers will count toward Usage Controls allowances, unless calls are placed during free calling periods (i.e. Nights & Weekends).

    All messages (except those associated with Mobile to Mobile messaging) will count toward Usage Controls allowances.

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