The massive Verizon network blackout on January 14, 2026, left millions of users without a connection for nearly ten hours. While bars have finally returned to phones across the country, the conversation has shifted to compensation. Verizon has officially announced a $20 account credit for those affected, but there is a catch: it isn’t automatic. You have to go and get it.
Unlike some past settlements, this credit requires a proactive step from the account owner. You won’t see it simply appear on your next statement without action. Verizon is rolling out notifications in waves. You should receive a text message on your primary line stating that your credit is ready for redemption. Verizon has stated that business account holders will be contacted directly regarding their specific credits and service adjustments.
If your phone is still struggling to find a signal even after the outage has officially ended, Verizon recommends a full device restart to force the phone to re-register with local towers. If a reboot doesn’t work, you may need to reset your network settings, but be aware this will also wipe your saved Wi-Fi passwords.
Did you receive your text from Verizon yet? Do you think a $20 credit is a fair compensation for a ten-hour blackout? Share your thoughts in the comments! Stay updated with the latest news on this by downloading the Appleosophy App from the App Store or by visiting our website.
