How to Activate a Verizon SIM Card

This wikiHow teaches you how to activate a Verizon SIM card so that you can use it in your iPhone or Android.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Activating via Phone

  1. Image titled Activate a Verizon SIM Card Step 1
    1
    Make sure that you have your SIM receipt. During the activation process, you'll be asked to provide information from the receipt.
  2. Image titled Activate a Verizon SIM Card Step 2
    2
    Open your phone's "Phone" app. Tap the receiver-shaped app icon on your phone's home screen.
    • You may also have to tap Keypad or an image of a keypad to bring up the dial pad before proceeding.
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  3. Image titled Activate a Verizon SIM Card Step 3
    3
    Enter the Verizon activation number. Type in 8778074646, then tap the "Call" button.
    • You can call this number from any phone to activate your SIM card.
  4. Image titled Activate a Verizon SIM Card Step 4
    4
    Follow the voice prompts. Depending on your SIM card and the phone you're using, these steps may vary.[1]
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    5
    Complete the activation call. Once you've finished the call, your SIM card is active. In most cases, you shouldn't have to replace the physical SIM card as Verizon usually transfers information digitally.
    • If you do have to switch out the SIM card, make sure that your phone is turned off, then remove the current SIM card from either the tray on the side of the phone (iPhone) or a slot on the back of the phone (Android) and replace it with your new one.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Activating Online

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    1
    Open the Verizon website. Go to https://www.verizonwireless.com/my-verizon/.
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    2
    Sign into your account. Enter your phone number (or user ID) and password in the appropriate fields on the left side of the page, then click Sign in.
    • Skip this step if you're already signed into your account.
    • You may first have to click Sign In in the top-right side of the page to open this page.
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    3
    Click My Devices. It's a tab at the top of the page. Doing so will bring up your current phone.
  4. Image titled Activate a Verizon SIM Card Step 9
    4
    Scroll down and click ACTIVATING MY PHONE. You'll find this under the "Learn About My Device" subheading in the "Support" section, though "PHONE" is usually replaced with your phone's manufacturer and name.
  5. Image titled Activate a Verizon SIM Card Step 10
    5
    Scroll down and click Activate SIM. It's in the "Get started with a new SIM card" section.
  6. Image titled Activate a Verizon SIM Card Step 11
    6
    Select your phone. Click SELECT DEVICE beneath the phone for which you want to activate the SIM card.
  7. Image titled Activate a Verizon SIM Card Step 12
    7
    Enter your SIM card's number. Do so in the "SIM ID" text field near the bottom of the window. You should have this number on the SIM card receipt or on the card itself.
    • If your SIM card is already in the phone, follow the Verizon instructions in the middle of the page to find the the number.
  8. Image titled Activate a Verizon SIM Card Step 13
    8
    Click Check SIM Card. It's to the right of the "SIM ID" field.
  9. Image titled Activate a Verizon SIM Card Step 14
    9
    Follow the on-screen instructions. Depending on your card and phone type, your actions after checking the SIM ID will vary. Once you've completed the on-screen setup, you should be able to use your phone.
    • If you have to switch out the SIM card, make sure that your phone is turned off, then remove the current SIM card from either the tray on the side of the phone (iPhone) or a slot on the back of the phone (Android) and replace it with your new one to complete the activation.
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Community Q&A

  • Question
    How do I activate the network carrier?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Call the carrier and pay a small fee to activate, or use the website to unlock it.
  • Question
    Does my new phone have to be fully charged before I activate it?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    No. It should have at least some charge to use it, though.
  • Question
    How do I transfer my old number to my new phone?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Remove the sim card in your old phone and put it in your new one. If you have a very old phone and you are upgrading to a new one, you may need to contact your service provider.
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References

  1. ↑ https://www.verizonwireless.com/support/how-to-activate-4g-smartphone/

About This Article

Jack Lloyd
Written by:
Jack Lloyd
wikiHow Technology Writer
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Jack Lloyd. Jack Lloyd is a Technology Writer and Editor for wikiHow. He has over two years of experience writing and editing technology-related articles. He is technology enthusiast and an English teacher. This article has been viewed 280,898 times.
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Co-authors: 6
Updated: August 10, 2022
Views: 280,898
Categories: Verizon | Telecommunications Service Providers
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