How to activate a Verizon phone (2024)

Troubleshooting

Learn how to get your phone up and running, whether you want to activate a Verizon phone or bring your own device.

Troubleshoot your device.

Use our Troubleshooting Assistant to fix your device issues.

Five things to know about bringing your own phone to Verizon

  1. Backup Your Content

  2. Activate a phone from Verizon

  3. Activate your own phone

How do I backup content on my old phone and transfer it to my new phone?

You should always backup the data on your old phone prior to activating your new phone. The process for backing up and transferring data will depend on the type of phone you are coming from and going to. The easiest way to learn how to transfer data is to follow the steps in our Smart Setup tool.

How do I activate a phone I purchased from Verizon or a Verizon Authorized Retailer?

When you order a new phone from us, it will be ready to activate when you turn it on. Simply follow the steps on your screen to complete activation and set up your iPhone®, Android™ or prepaid device.

For additional assistance, visit our Smart Setup tool.

Note: Activation typically takes minutes, but in some situations may take up to 24 hours.

What should I do if my new phone doesn't activate automatically when I turn it on?

If the activation process doesn't complete automatically when you power on your new phone for the first time, check the following:

  • Ensure a SIM card is inserted in your phone and is attached to your Verizon account. This can be done via My Verizon.
  • Make sure your old phone is powered off. If it was on, turn it off then power your new phone off and back on.
  • Make sure you're at a location with adequate Verizon network signal.

How long does it take to bring my phone number to Verizon from another carrier?

Moving a mobile number between carriers can take up to 24 hours. Moving a landline number to a mobile account can take up to 10 business days.

How do I activate a phone that I didn’t purchase from Verizon on your network?

Visit our Bring Your Own Device page to check eligibility. If your phone is compatible with our network you'll be taken through the steps to activate it .

How do I get a SIM card for a phone I’m bringing to Verizon?

You can order a physical SIM card from us on My Verizon. Or, if your have an eSIM compatible phone, you can activate it immediately without a physical SIM.

Visit our SIM and eSIM FAQs to learn more.

How to activate a Verizon phone (2024)

FAQs

How to activate a Verizon phone? ›

Go to verizon.com and sign in to your My Verizon

My Verizon
The My Verizon app allows you to manage your Verizon account. You'll get a personalized view of all the newest tech, entertainment, deals and more. Plus, if you've linked your accounts, you can easily switch between your Mobile, 5G Home and Fios accounts using the app's sophisticated dashboard.
https://www.verizon.com › my-verizon-mobile
account. From your account overview, select Manage all devices. To continue changing a device on an existing line, select Activate your own device. From the Activate or Switch page, select Activate on an existing line.

What does *228 do? ›

The PRL is built by an operator and is normally not accessible to the user. Many operators provide the ability for the user to download the latest PRL to their device by dialing an Over-the-air (OTA) feature code. In the United States, for Verizon / MetroPCS / US Cellular, this feature code is *228 (*ACT).

What number do I dial to activate My Verizon phone? ›

Call (800) 837-4966.

This is Verizon's Customer Service number, and the customer service rep can activate your phone for you.

Can I activate a phone myself? ›

Yes, you can activate a new cell phone by yourself, whether you want to set up a new iPhone or activate a new Samsung Galaxy S24. But how you go about activating your cell phone may depend on what kind of device you have.

How do I activate my own phone on Verizon? ›

Activate a New Android Smartphone

Power both phones down. If necessary, insert the SIM card into the new Android™ phone. Power on the new phone then follow the on-screen prompts to complete activation and setup. Restore your content to the new phone using the Content Transfer Center.

What does * 3370 do on your phone? ›

Pressing the *3370# keys on your iPhone or Android device does not improve your cell phone signal. As mentioned, the code *3370# activates Enhanced Full Rate Codec on specific devices. Since users would experience better voice quality after entering the code, many assumed it was due to better signal.

What is * 74 on your phone? ›

To program your Speed Calling 8 list, dial *74. Listen for the dialtone, then dial the one-digit number (2 through 9) you would like to use to dial a frequently called number. Then, dial the entire number you wish to designate for that code, followed by #. Remember to dial 1 and the area code for long-distance numbers.

What are the * codes for Verizon? ›

# Codes and * Codes
Code to call:Use when you need to:
#832Place a test call
*611Call Verizon Customer Service
*67 + 10-digit phone numberBlock Caller ID for a single call
*71 + 10-digit phone numberForward unanswered calls (mobile phone will ring first)
10 more rows

How to activate a SIM card with Verizon? ›

How do I activate a SIM card? To activate a new or replacement SIM card in your device, visit the Activate or Switch Device page in My Verizon.

How to activate a Verizon phone without a SIM card? ›

How do I activate eSIM to change devices on my existing line?
  1. Choose the line you want to activate at the Activate a Device on an Existing Line page in My Verizon.
  2. Choose the eSIM to activate: iPhone 10-13: Choose IMEI2 for eSIM. ...
  3. Follow the prompts to activate your device.

Can you just switch SIM cards to activate a phone? ›

Can you just swap SIM cards between phones? Yes, you can switch SIM cards between phones as long as they are compatible with the same carrier network. Your SIM card should also be compatible with the new phone in terms of size (micro, nano, and standard size).

How to activate mobile number? ›

You need to send an SMS to USSD code 121. The syntax or format of the SMS will look like this: SIM<20 digit new SIM card number of your new SIM> The message should be sent from existing mobile number. Post that, you will receive an SMS for confirmation. Respond by 1.

How can I activate my SIM myself? ›

How to activate SIM card on Android
  1. Remove the SIM card from your old phone. Open the SIM card tray by pushing a SIM-eject tool or paperclip into the hole. ...
  2. Insert the SIM card into your new phone. Open the SIM tray using the same method as above. ...
  3. Almost there. ...
  4. Follow on-screen prompts.

How much does it cost to activate a Verizon phone? ›

If the phone is activated on a new line, you will see a $35.00 activation fee on your bill.

How can I activate My Verizon prepaid phone? ›

How do I activate devices on a new Verizon Prepaid plan?
  1. Turn on your new phone.
  2. Select New customer.
  3. Follow the onscreen prompts to connect your phone to your Verizon account.
  4. Make a call from your phone to complete the activation.

Can I check to see if my phone is unlocked? ›

Launch your phone settings and open “Network & Internet.” Tap the “plus” icon to see if the phone displays other networks. For some phones, you may need to navigate to Settings → Connections → Mobile Networks → Network Operators. If the phone shows other networks, it is unlocked.

Does Verizon still use *228? ›

Only our 3G capable phones would need to dial *228 (send) option 1 to activate, or 2 to update roaming capabilities. 4G phones, however, do not need to do this option and auto update based on the sim card and power cycling the phone. If you have any further questions, please let me know. Thanks!

What does dialing * 288 do? ›

Dial *288# on your cellphone. Convenience means managing your DStv account in the palm of your hand. With USSD you can check what you owe, clear error codes, view your last four transactions, transfer funds between your accounts and reconnect packages.

What is the code to boost phone signal? ›

There are claims that the *3370# code can access a secret battery reserve and boost cell signal. But it's important to understand that those two things are not the same. A fuller battery is better for cell signal than an empty one, but it won't improve it. Secondly, there is no such thing as a “secret battery reserve”.

How do I refresh my Verizon cell towers? ›

A simple reboot of the phone forces the phone to refresh its connection with the network and updates the preferred tower list.

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