Is TracFone Going Out of Business or Shutting Down?
TracFone itself is still selling service, but Verizon has been closing some of the brands it bought, and the account rules changed in 2026. Here is what is really happening.
The short answer
- ▸No, the TracFone brand is not shutting down. It still sells plans and phones as part of Verizon's prepaid group, Verizon Value.
- ▸Verizon has closed three former TracFone brands: Net10, Page Plus and GoSmart. Service ended in most states in November 2024 and ends in California in November 2026.
- ▸TracFone changed how accounts work on February 11, 2026: a 10-line limit per account, and Auto-Refill now applies to the whole account.
- ▸Newly activated phones now stay locked for 365 days instead of 60.
Who owns TracFone?
Verizon bought TracFone Wireless in November 2021. TracFone and its sister brands, including Straight Talk, Total Wireless, Simple Mobile, Walmart Family Mobile and SafeLink, now sit inside Verizon's prepaid group, Verizon Value. TracFone service runs on Verizon, T-Mobile and AT&T networks, depending on the SIM.
Is TracFone shutting down in November?
That rumor comes from other brands. Verizon announced it would discontinue Net10, Page Plus and GoSmart. Service for those brands ended in most of the country in November 2024 and continues in California until November 2026. Customers of those brands are being steered to other Verizon prepaid brands. TracFone itself is not on that list.
What changed for TracFone customers in 2026
- ▸Starting February 11, 2026, accounts are limited to 10 active lines. Larger accounts were split.
- ▸Auto-Refill now applies to every line in an account, using one payment method. Lines not on Auto-Refill were moved to a separate account.
- ▸Accounts with both SafeLink and TracFone lines were separated. The TracFone line got a new account.
- ▸Phones activated on or after January 20, 2026, can only be unlocked after 365 days of paid, active service. Before that, phones on the Verizon network unlocked after 60 days.
TracFone says these changes "pave the way for new features and benefits." Customers on our case board mostly noticed lines that stopped working or account access that changed around the switchover.
Line stopped working after the February changes? Start hereShould you stay or switch?
If your service works and the price suits you, there is no deadline forcing you to leave TracFone. If you are on Net10, Page Plus or GoSmart in California, plan your move before November 2026. If you want to switch, get your number transfer details before you cancel anything, so you keep your phone number.
How to keep your number when you leave TracFoneFrequently asked questions
Is TracFone going out of business?
No. TracFone still sells plans and phones as part of Verizon Value, Verizon's prepaid group. Verizon has closed three other former TracFone brands: Net10, Page Plus and GoSmart.
Is TracFone shutting down in November 2026?
No. November 2026 is when Net10, Page Plus and GoSmart service ends in California. Those brands already ended in most other states in November 2024. TracFone is not being shut down.
Is TracFone owned by Verizon?
Yes. Verizon completed its purchase of TracFone Wireless in November 2021.
What changed with TracFone accounts in 2026?
From February 11, 2026, accounts are capped at 10 lines, Auto-Refill applies to the whole account with one payment method, and SafeLink lines were split into separate accounts.
Sources
- Tracfone Support: Changes coming to Tracfone accounts in 2026
- Tracfone Support: Auto-Refill at the account level after Feb. 11, 2026
- Wikipedia: Verizon Value
- BGR: Phone carriers owned by Verizon
- Verizon Value Unlocking Policy (effective January 20, 2026)
Facts checked 2026-10-14. Policies change; confirm with TracFone before acting.
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