How to 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.

Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Activating an iPhone

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    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.
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    Confirm your phone number. This will be displayed on the page. If it matches your expectations you can proceed, otherwise contact Verizon support.
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    Tap Next.
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    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.
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    Tap Next.
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    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.
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    Proceed with iPhone setup. With activation complete, you will be prompted to finish configuring your device preferences.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Activating an Android

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    Power on your new device.
    • If you're activating a used device, make sure to insert your own SIM card first.
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    Select a Language.
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    Tap Next. This button appears in the lower right.
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    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..
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    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.[1]
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    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.
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    Complete the initial device setup. You will be prompted to setup various accounts or services to start using your device. You can read more here or tap the ⏭ Skip option on each page to do it later. Your phone will be activated and ready to use.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Switching to Verizon

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    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.
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    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.
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    Click Activate a device on an existing line. You will be taken to a list of devices on your account.
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    Click the line you want to activate the device on.
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    Select Yes or No. Choose Yes if this device has been used previously on your Verizon account. Otherwise choose No.
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    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.
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    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.[2]
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    Click Text Me the Code. After a few moments, the authorization code will be sent to the selected line.
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    Enter the code from the text message. This information goes into the Online Authorization Code field.
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    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.
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    Enter your SIM ID number. You can find instructions for locating this information by clicking “Finding Your SIM Card and SIM ID”
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    Click Check ID.
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    Select an equipment protection option (if prompted). This options will only appear if you previously had equipment protection or have recently upgraded.
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    Click Confirm.
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    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.
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    Click Confirm Feature & Plan Changes. Your device activation is now complete.
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Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Calling Verizon

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    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.
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    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.
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    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.
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    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.
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Community Q&A

  • Question
    Why doesn't my Verizon sim card allow me to use the internet and limits me to 1x?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You are most likely out of a data service area. If you are in an area where you know you should get service and are still having problems, try restarting your phone. If that does not work you may need to contact customer support.
  • Question
    What is the test call number
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    #832 is the Verizon test call number. You can also try calling a friend or another phone on hand to make sure the phone is working properly.
  • Question
    How do I activate a Verizon phone without a sim card?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You can activate the phone from your account page using the "Bring Your Own Phone" option. However, you will need to acquire a SIM card in order to use your device effectively.
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References

  1. ↑ https://www.verizonwireless.com/support/knowledge-base-203267/
  2. ↑ https://www.verizonwireless.com/support/activate-switch-or-bring-your-own-device-faqs/

About This Article

wikiHow Staff
Co-authored by:
wikiHow Staff
wikiHow Staff Writer
This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff. Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. This article has been viewed 1,035,445 times.
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Co-authors: 17
Updated: July 28, 2022
Views: 1,035,445
Categories: Verizon | Telecommunications Service Providers
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