Activate a Verizon Cell Phone

Activating a smartphone on Verizon is done during the initial setup when powering on your device. You will need the password for the Verizon account that handles billing for your plan or the last four digits of the social security number associated with the account. You can also activate phones from previous account usage or phones used with other carriers from the “Bring Your Own Phone” section of your account page.

Steps

Activating an iPhone

1. Power on your new iPhone. The power button is on the right. After the initial startup “apple” you will be taken to the Activation screen.
2. Confirm your phone number. This will be displayed on the page. If it matches your expectations you can proceed, otherwise contact Verizon support.
3. Tap Next.
4. Enter the password of the Verizon billing account. You may also be able to enter the last four digits of the social security number associated with the billing information on the account instead.
5. Tap Next.
6. Wait for your iPhone to activate.
   • If you receive a SIM card error, ensure that you have the correct SIM card inserted in the iPhone.
7. Proceed with iPhone setup. With activation complete, you will be prompted to finish configuring your device preferences.
   • See Activate-an-iPhone for more information.

Activating an iPhone with iTunes

1. Power on your iPhone. The power button is on the right.
2. Open iTunes on your computer. You must be running iTunes version 10.7 or later. You can check for updates in the App Store (Mac) or download the latest version for Windows.
   • If you are having trouble running iTunes, try closing all other applications on your computer.
3. Connect the iPhone to your computer via USB.
4. Enter the last 4 digits of the social security number. You will be taken to the Verizon Account Information page and be prompted for the last four digits of the SSN associated with the billing for your Verizon account..
5. Click Continue.
6. Continue with iPhone setup. On the iPhone, you can choose to set up the iPhone as a new device or restore information from an iTunes backup.
   • If choosing to setup as a new device, see Activate-an-iPhone for more information.

Activating an Android Device

1. Power on your new device.
   • If you're activating a used device, make sure to insert your own SIM card first.
2. Select a Language.
3. Tap Next. This button appears in the lower right.
4. Tap Activate Now. This button may also appear as Next.
   • Activation amy begin automatically. If not you will be prompted for Verizon account information before proceeding..
5. Power Off your old Verizon device. Verizon will automatically deactivate your old device if necessary. Once powered off, you must wait several seconds for the device to finish deactivating.
6. Enter the password of the Verizon billing account (if prompted). You may also be able to enter the last four digits of the social security number associated with the billing information on the account instead.
7. Complete the initial device setup. You will be prompted to setup various accounts or services to start using your device. You can read more Use-an-Android-Phone or tap the ⏭ Skip option on each page to do it later. Your phone will be activated and ready to use.

Switching Your Previous Phone to Verizon

1. Ensure that your device will be compatible. Go to https://www.verizonwireless.com/bring-your-own-device/ in your web browser. The page includes step by step instructions for locating and verifying the necessary information on your device to determine if it will function with the Verizon network.
2. Navigate to https://www.verizonwireless.com/vzw/browse/devicechange/home.jsp. If not already logged in, you will be prompted for your Verizon username and password.
3. Click Activate a device on an existing line. You will be taken to a list of devices on your account.
4. Click the line you want to activate the device on.
5. Select Yes or No. Choose Yes if this device has been used previously on your Verizon account. Otherwise choose No.
6. Enter your Device ID (if No). The page for this selection mirrors that in the first step. Once your device is confirmed as compatible, you can proceed.
7. Select another phone on your account. For authorization purposes, Verizon will send you a code via text message to another phone associated with your account
   • If no other phone line exists on your account or is active, you will need to contact customer service to complete the switch.
8. Click Text Me the Code. After a few moments, the authorization code will be sent to the selected line.
9. Enter the code from the text message. This information goes into the Online Authorization Code field.
10. Click Confirm. You will be prompted to confirm the compatibility of your SIM card. If you do not have a SIM card or know it is compatible, then you can skip the next step.
    • If you do not have one, you will need to purchase one in order to use your phone with Verizon.
11. Enter your SIM ID number. You can find instructions for locating this information by clicking “Finding Your SIM Card and SIM ID”
12. Click Check ID.
13. Select an equipment protection option (if prompted). This options will only appear if you previously had equipment protection or have recently upgraded.
14. Click Confirm.
15. Select a compatible service plan (if prompted). This option will only appear if the device you're activating is not compatible with your current plan.
16. Click Confirm Feature & Plan Changes. Your device activation is now complete.

Using Non-Automatic Activation

1. Purchase a Verizon SIM card if you don't have one. You will need a SIM card in order to connect to the 4G LTE network. You can order one from the Verizon website, by calling the Customer Service line, or by visiting a Verizon store.
2. Get your device's IMEI number. You can get the IMEI number for most phones by dialing *#06#. You may be prompted for this number during the activation process.
3. Call (800) 837-4966. This is Verizon's Customer Service number, and the customer service rep can activate your phone for you. You may need to give your IMEI number as well as prove that you are the account holder.
4. Visit a Verizon store. Most customer service reps should be able to activate your phone in just a few moments. Make sure to bring in your SIM card, or let the employee know that you need to purchase a new SIM card.

Tips

• All phones must be compatible with the Verizon network and have a Verizon SIM card to use the network.
• If at any time you encounter difficulties activating, you can call Verizon customer service at (800) 837-4966. Be sure to have your IMEI/IMSI/MEID handy as well as your account details.
• If switching from an iPhone to an Android phone, make sure to turn off iMessage on your iPhone before changing your number over. This will help ensure that no problems occur when communicating with others still using iMessage moving forward:
  • Tap Settings
  • Tap Messages
  • Tap iMessage
  • Tap the slider to turn it off.

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Sources and Citations

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