How to Activate a Replacement Verizon Wireless Phone

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This wikiHow teaches you how to activate a new Verizon iPhone or Android to replace your old iPhone or Android, as well as how to activate most Verizon flip phones. Activating your phone registers it for use on the Verizon network. Keep in mind that purchasing a smartphone or flip phone from a Verizon store and setting it up there will usually involve activating the phone.

Part 1
Part 1 of 4:

Getting Ready

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  1. If your new phone is activation-locked, you'll be prompted for the four-digit PIN that you use to log into Verizon services (or identify yourself in Verizon stores). If you aren't the account holder, speak to the Verizon account holder for your plan to obtain the code.
    • You may instead need to know the last four digits of the account holder's Social Security Number.
  2. If you're switching over to an iPhone or an Android smartphone, you'll need to have an iCloud or a Gmail account set up, respectively. If you don't already have such an account, set one up before proceeding:
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  3. If you want to save your contacts and other information on your phone, back the information up before proceeding. This process will vary depending on your current smartphone:
    • iPhone — You can use iCloud or use iTunes to back up an iPhone.
    • Android — You can use your Android's settings to back it up.
  4. If you're switching from an iPhone to an Android smartphone (or a flip phone), you'll need to disable iMessage on your iPhone before proceeding: [1]
    • Open
      iPhone Settings App Icon
      Settings.
    • Scroll down and tap Messages
    • Tap the green "iMessage" switch.
  5. Press and hold the phone's "Power" button, then select the Power Off option if prompted.
    • For some phones, holding the "Power" button for long enough will turn off the phone.
  6. Remove the old phone's SIM card . This is only necessary if you want to use the same phone number on your new phone as you used on your old phone.
    • Skip this step if you're using a brand-new SIM card from Verizon.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 4:

Activating an iPhone

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  1. Insert the SIM card into your new iPhone . It will only fit one way into your iPhone's SIM tray.
  2. Press and hold the iPhone's "Power" button, which is in the upper-right corner of the iPhone's housing, until you see the Apple logo appear.
  3. This is the four-digit code your account holder uses to identify themselves to Verizon.
    • You may instead be prompted for the last four digits of the account holder's Social Security Number.
    • You won't always be asked for the Verizon PIN, so don't worry if you don't see this option.
  4. Once your iPhone is on, you will arrive at a greeting screen. You can then follow the on-screen prompts to set up your iPhone, which will include customizing the following:
    • Language
    • Country
    • Wi-Fi network
    • Location settings
    • Passcode
  5. When you arrive at the backup page, you can restore your previous iPhone's backup by tapping Restore from iCloud Backup (or Restore from iTunes Backup ) and following the on-screen instructions. [2]
    • If your previous phone wasn't an iPhone, you'll need to sync your contacts later instead.
  6. Follow the rest of the on-screen instructions to finish setting up your iPhone.
  7. This option will appear when the setup process is complete. Once you tap this button, you will see a progress bar at the top of the screen; when the activation is complete, the progress bar will disappear and the word "Verizon" will appear at the top of the screen. [3]
    • If you are asked if you want help from Siri, just tap Dismiss .
    • The activation process can take several minutes.
  8. Depending on your service plan and the SIM card you're using, you may need to activate one or both of these options: [4]
    • Activate 4G — Dial (877) 807-4646 on a different phone, then follow the spoken prompts. Skip this step if you used your old phone's SIM card.
    • Activate a Pre-Paid Plan — Dial *22898, then follow the spoken prompts. Skip this step if you were prompted for your pre-paid plan information during setup.
  9. If you can't activate your replacement phone, call (800) 922-0204 to speak with a Verizon support. You can also visit a Verizon retail outlet to have the employees activate your iPhone for free.
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Part 3
Part 3 of 4:

Activating an Android

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  1. Insert your SIM card into the new Android . Your SIM card should only insert one way.
  2. Since some Android phones come without the battery attached, you may need to plug the battery into the back of the Android before proceeding.
    • Consult your smartphone's manual for specific instruction on battery installation if you need help.
  3. Press and hold the Android's "Power" button until the screen lights up.
    • If the screen doesn't light up or if you see a battery icon, you'll need to hook up your Android to a charger before trying again.
  4. This is the four-digit code your account holder uses to identify themselves to Verizon.
    • You may instead be prompted for the last four digits of the account holder's Social Security Number.
    • You won't always be asked for the Verizon PIN, so don't worry if you don't see this option.
  5. These will differ for each Android, but you'll usually have to sign into your Gmail account, set a passcode, select a Wi-Fi network, and so on.
  6. If prompted to restore your Google backup, follow the on-screen instructions.
  7. Again, the screens are different on every phone, but once the initial setup is complete, you will arrive at a screen that says something like Activate Now .
    • The activation process may take a few moments to complete. [5]
    • When the phone is activated, you will see the word “Verizon” at the top of the screen.
    • You may be prompted to restore your Android at this point if you weren't already prompted to do so.
  8. Depending on your service plan and the SIM card you're using, you may need to activate one or both of these options:
    • Activate 4G — Dial (877) 807-4646 on a different phone, then follow the spoken prompts. Skip this step if you used your old phone's SIM card.
    • Activate a Pre-Paid Plan — Dial *22898, then follow the spoken prompts. Skip this step if you were prompted for your pre-paid plan information during setup.
  9. If you can't activate your replacement phone, call (800) 922-0204 to speak with a Verizon support. You can also visit a Verizon retail outlet to have the employees activate your Android for free.
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Part 4
Part 4 of 4:

Activating a Feature Phone

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  1. If your phone has Verizon Backup Assistant, open it and follow the on-screen instructions to make a backup of your phone's contacts and other information. [6]
  2. Press and hold the Power or End button to do so.
  3. Depending on the phone you're using, you might skip this step.
    • Consult your phone's manual for specific steps on installing the battery and charging the phone if necessary.
    • You shouldn't need to insert a SIM card into your phone if it's a flip phone. [7]
  4. Press and hold the phone's Power or Send button until the screen lights up.
  5. Open the phone's dialer if necessary, then use the dial pad to type in *228 and press Send . [8]
  6. This will allow you to register your new flip phone with the most up-to-date directory.
  7. If your new phone supports Verizon Backup Assistant, open it and follow the on-screen instructions to download your data.
  8. If you're using a pre-paid plan on your phone, dial *22898 and follow any prompts to set up the plan as necessary.
  9. If you can't activate your replacement phone, call (800) 922-0204 to speak with a Verizon support. You can also visit a Verizon retail outlet to have the employees activate your flip phone for free.
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Common Questions: Activating a Replacement Verizon Phone

How do you activate a Verizon phone by yourself?

To activate your replacement phone, turn off your old phone, insert your existing Verizon SIM card into the replacement, and then turn on your new phone. If it doesn't work right away, you can activate it in the Activate or Switch Device area of My Verizon.

Why is My Verizon SIM card not working?

Make sure your SIM is properly inserted, and try rebooting your phone. If you're activating a phone you didn't get from Verizon, go to the Activate or Switch Device area of My Verizon to switch your SIM to the new phone.

What should you do if the Verizon phone activation number isn't working?

If you can't reach Verizon by phone for activation help, you can chat with a support representative at https://www.verizon.com/support/smart-setup .

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Warnings

  • The Verizon Device Replacement Program does not cover liquid damage or “unreasonable wear and tear.”
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References

  1. ↑ https://www.verizonwireless.com/support/knowledge-base-209087/
  2. ↑ https://www.verizonwireless.com/support/how-to-activate-4g-phone-upgrade/
  3. ↑ http://www.verizonwireless.com/support/knowledge-base-64726/
  4. ↑ https://www.verizonwireless.com/support/activate-switch-or-bring-your-own-device-faqs/#item2
  5. ↑ http://www.verizonwireless.com/support/how-to-activate-lg-g2-upgrade/
  6. ↑ https://www.verizonwireless.com/support/backup-assistant/
  7. ↑ https://www.verizonwireless.com/support/knowledge-base-52469/
  8. ↑ http://smallbusiness.chron.com/activate-new-phone-existing-verizon-account-56058.html

About This Article

Article Summary X

1. Insert the new SIM card.
2. Turn on the phone.
3. Enter SIM code if prompted.
4. Sign in to your Google account.
5. Tap Activate Now .
For more tips, including how to activate a replacement Verizon iPhone, read on!

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