Content

• Steps
• Advice
• Warning

This wikiHow teaches you how to activate a Verizon iPhone or Android phone to replace your old iPhone or Android, as well as how to activate most Verizon flip phones. After activating the subscription, the phone will use the Verizon network. Note: if you purchased a smartphone (smartphone) or a flip model from the Verizon store and set it up here, the phone activation will be included. This article is intended for Verizon users in the US.

Steps

Part 1 of 4: Preparing for Activation

1. 

   Settings.
2. Scroll down and tap Messages (Message)
3. Tap the green "iMessage" switch.

4. 

   
   
   Power off old phone. Hold down the power button and select Power Off (Power Off) when prompted.
   • With some phones, when you hold down the power button long enough, the phone turns off.

5. 

   
   
   Remove the SIM card from the old phone. This is only necessary if you want to use the old number on your new phone again.
   • Skip this step if you're going to be using a brand new SIM card from Verizon.
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Part 2 of 4: Activate iPhone

1. 

   
   
   Insert the SIM card into the new iPhone. The SIM card will only fit if it is inserted in the correct orientation on the SIM tray.

2. 

   Power on the new iPhone. Hold down the power button in the upper right corner of the case until the Apple logo appears.
   • If the battery pattern appears or the screen does not light up, you need to plug in and charge your iPhone immediately.

3. 

   Enter your Verizon PIN if requested. This is the 4-digit code the account holder uses to prove identity with Verizon.
   • You may be asked to enter the last 4 digits of the account holder's SSN.
   • You rarely have to enter your Verizon PIN, so don't worry if you don't see this option.

4. 

   Follow the instructions on the screen. Once your iPhone boots up, a welcome screen will appear. You can follow the onscreen instructions to set up your iPhone, including the following options:
   • Language
   • nation
   • WIFI network
   • Set up your location
   • Code

5. 

   Restore backup. When you get to the backup page, you can restore the previous iPhone backup by tapping Restore from iCloud Backup (or Restore from iTunes Backup) and follow the instructions on the screen.
   • If the old phone is not an iPhone, you need to sync your contacts later instead.

6. 

   Complete the rest of the setup. Follow the rest of the on-screen instructions to complete the iPhone setup.

7. 

   When the iPhone is done setting up, press the button Get Started (Start) appears on the screen. The progress bar will appear at the top of the screen and replace it with the word "Verizon" after the activation is complete.
   • If you're asked if you want Siri to help, just tap Dismiss (Skip).
   • Activation may take a few minutes.

8. 

   Activate 4G or prepaid service package. Depending on your service plan and current SIM card, you may need to activate one or both of the following:
   • Activate 4G - Dial (877) 807-4646 on another phone and follow the instructions. Skip this step if you are using SIM card of old phone.
   • Activate prepaid package - Dial * 22898 and follow the instructions. Skip this step if you were prompted for prepaid plan information during setup.

9. 

   Contact Verizon if you get stuck. If you cannot activate your new phone, call (800) 922-0204 to speak to a Verizon support call center. You can also go to a Verizon retail store to have the staff activate the iPhone for free. advertisement

Part 3 of 4: Activate Android phone

1. 

   Insert the SIM card into your new Android phone. The SIM card will fit if inserted in the correct orientation.

2. 

   Reinsert the battery in your new Android phone if necessary. Since some Android phones use removable batteries, you need to reinsert the battery in the back of the device before proceeding.
   • Refer to the smartphone's instruction manual for specific instructions on how to insert the battery if you need assistance.

3. 

   Open source new Android phone. Hold down the Android power button until the screen lights up.
   • If the screen doesn't light up or shows a battery icon, you need to plug in the Android charger before continuing.

4. 

   Enter your Verizon PIN if requested. This is the 4-digit code the account holder uses to prove his identity to Verizon.
   • You may be asked for the last 4 digits of the account holder's SSN.
   • You rarely have to enter your Verizon PIN, so don't worry if you don't see this option.

5. 

   Follow the instructions on the screen. These instructions will differ for each Android model, but usually you have to sign in to your Gmail account, set a password, choose a Wi-Fi network, and so on.

6. 

   Restore backup. If prompted to restore your Google backup, follow the on-screen instructions.

7. 

   Select the link to activate the phone when prompted. Again, each phone is different, but once the initial setup is complete, you should reach the screen. Activate Now (Activate now) or similar.
   • The activation process may take a few minutes to complete.
   • When the phone is activated, the word "Verizon" will appear at the top of the screen.
   • You may now be prompted to restore your Android phone if you haven't already.

8. 

   Activate 4G or prepaid service package. Depending on your service plan and current SIM card, you may need to activate one or both of the following:
   • Activate 4G - Dial (877) 807-4646 on another phone and follow the instructions. Skip this step if you are using SIM card of old phone.
   • Activate prepaid package - Dial * 22898 and follow the instructions. Skip this step if you were prompted for prepaid plan information during setup.

9. 

   Contact Verizon if you get stuck. If you are unable to activate your new phone, call (800) 922-0204 to speak to a Verizon support call center. You can also go to a Verizon retail store to have the staff activate the free Android phone. advertisement

Part 4 of 4: Activate the flip phone

1. 

   Backup current phone. If your old phone has Verizon Backup Assistant, open the software and follow the on-screen instructions to make a backup of your contacts and other information.
   • You can also connect your phone's SD memory card to your computer and copy the content on the memory card to some folder on the computer.

2. 

   Power off current phone. Hold down the power button or key End (end call button) to turn off the phone.

3. 

   Insert and charge your new phone. Depending on the phone model in use, you can skip this step.
   • If necessary, refer to the specific steps to insert and charge the phone in the manual.
   • With flip phones, you don't need to insert a SIM card.

4. 

   Power on the phone. Hold down the power button or key Send (call button) until the screen comes on.

5. 

   Dial the update. Open the phone's dialer (if necessary), then use the keypad to enter *228 and press call.

6. 

   Follow the onscreen or voice instructions to register your new flip phone with the most recently updated contacts.

7. 

   Restore old phone backup. If your new phone supports Verizon Backup Assistant, open the app and follow the onscreen instructions to download the data.

8. 

   Activate prepaid service package. If using prepaid plan, you need to call the number *22898 and follow the instructions to set up the service pack as needed.

9. 

   Contact Verizon if you get stuck. If you cannot activate your new phone, call (800) 922-0204 to speak to a Verizon support call center. You can also visit a Verizon retail store to have the employee activate the free flip phone.advertisement

Advice

• You can always refer to the frequently asked questions when activating your Verizon phone to see specific feedback on common issues.

Warning

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