How to Activate a Verizon SIM Card

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Written by Jack Lloyd

Last Updated: July 31, 2024 Tested

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Activating via Phone

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Activating Online

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Q&A

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Tips

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

Two Ways to Activate Your Verizon SIM Card

To activate a Verizon SIM card on your phone, call Verizon's activation number, 877-807-4646. Follow the prompts, and provide information as necessary (you may need the receipt from your SIM card purchase to do so). You can also activate online. Sign in to your Verizon account and going to My Devices > Activations.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Activating via Phone

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During the activation process, you'll be asked to provide information from the receipt.
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
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.
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.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Activating Online

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Go to https://www.verizonwireless.com/my-verizon/.
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.
It's a tab at the top of the page. Doing so will bring up your current 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.
It's in the "Get started with a new SIM card" section.
Click SELECT DEVICE beneath the phone for which you want to activate the SIM card.
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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 number.
It's to the right of the "SIM ID" field.
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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.

Community Q&A

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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.

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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.

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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.

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