Quick & Easy Verizon SIM Activation Guide

Download Article

The simple steps to activating your Verizon plan

Written by Darlene Antonelli, MA

Last Updated: May 12, 2025 Fact Checked

Download Article

Activating a Monthly Plan Online

|

Activating a Prepaid Plan

|

FAQ

|

Q&A

|

Tips

Did you just sign up with Verizon for a monthly cell phone plan or buy a prepaid line? You'll get a SIM or eSIM when you purchase a new phone and will need to activate it. Follow these easy-to-follow instructions so you can activate your SIM/eSIM online or using the mobile app.

Activate Your Verizon SIM Card

Go to My Verizon or open the mobile app, select Devices > Activate and follow the on-screen instructions to activate a new SIM. Follow the prompts, and provide information as necessary (you may need the receipt from your SIM card purchase to do so).

Section 1 of 3:

Activating a Monthly Plan Online

Download Article

1
Go to https://www.verizon.com/sales/as/home.html and log in. This is the "Activate or Switch Device" page with Verizon.
- You can also open the mobile app to activate your SIM card.
2
Click My Devices. It's a tab at the top of the page. Doing so will bring up your current phone.

Advertisement
3
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.
4
Scroll down and click Activate SIM. It's in the "Get started with a new SIM card" section.
5
Select your phone. Click SELECT DEVICE beneath the phone for which you want to activate the SIM card.
6
Enter your SIM card 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 number.
7
Click Check SIM Card. It's to the right of the "SIM ID" field.
8
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.

Section 2 of 3:

Activating a Prepaid Plan

Download Article

Follow the prompts on your phone when you turn it on. This will work for all new customers with a Verizon prepaid account.
- If you have an account, go to the bring your own device page, log in, and follow the instructions to add the prepaid phone to your account. You can also call 866-893-7723 for an automated help line.
- If you're changing devices and the SIM cards are different (like a physical SIM card to an eSIM), call Verizon customer support at 888-294-6804. ^{[1]
  X
  Research source}

Section 3 of 3:

FAQ

Download Article

1
How do I insert the new SIM card? If you're inserting a new SIM card in your phone, use a small tool like a straightened paperclip to pop out the SIM card tray, then put it in the tray according to the cutout shape (it's an irregular shape, so your SIM card will only fit in a specific position). Finally, push the SIM card tray back into the slot.
- Read more here for Androids and here for iPhones.
2
How do I know if my phone uses a physical SIM or eSIM? You can usually tell by looking at the phone and trying to locate a SIM card tray. If you can't find it, your phone most likely uses an eSIM.
- You can also turn on your phone and go to these locations:
  - iPhone: Settings > General > About.
  - Pixel & Google Phones: Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Network.
  - Samsung: Settings > Connections > SIM card manager.

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

How do I activate the network carrier?

Community Answer

Call the carrier and pay a small fee to activate, or use the website to unlock it.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 10 Helpful 18
Question

Does my new phone have to be fully charged before I activate it?

Community Answer

No. It should have at least some charge to use it, though.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 2 Helpful 1
Question

How do I transfer my old number to my new phone?

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.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 9 Helpful 0