Buzz
Today, Mytour will guide you through the process of activating your Verizon iPhone or Android device, whether you're replacing an old phone or setting up a Verizon flip phone. Once activated, your phone will operate on the Verizon network. Note: If you purchase a smartphone or flip phone directly from a Verizon store and set it up there, activation will be included. This guide is tailored for Verizon users in the United States.
Steps
Preparing for Activation
Ensure you know the account holder's PIN. If your new phone is activation-locked, the system will prompt you to enter the 4-digit PIN used for Verizon services (or your identification details at a Verizon store). If you're not the account holder, request the PIN from the person who is.
- You may also need the last four digits of the account holder's Social Security Number (SSN).
You must have an account for your phone. If your new phone is an iPhone or Android smartphone, you need to have an iCloud or Gmail account, respectively. If you don’t already have one, set it up before proceeding:
- For iPhone — Create an iCloud account for your iPhone.
- For Android — Create a Gmail account for your Android.
Back up your old phone. If you want to save contacts and other data from your old phone, back it up before continuing. The process varies depending on the smartphone:
- On iPhone — You can use iCloud or iTunes to back up your iPhone.
- On Android — You can use Android settings to back up your phone.
Turn off iMessage if necessary.
Turn off your old phone. Press and hold the power button, then select Power Off when prompted.
- On some phone models, holding the power button long enough will automatically shut down the device.
Remove the SIM card from your old phone. This step is only necessary if you want to reuse your old phone number on the new device.
- Skip this step if you plan to use a brand-new SIM card provided by Verizon.
Activate iPhone
Insert the SIM card into your new iPhone. The SIM card will only fit if it’s placed in the correct orientation on the SIM tray.
Power on your new iPhone. Press and hold the power button on the top-right corner of the phone until the Apple logo appears.
- If a battery icon shows up or the screen remains blank, plug in your iPhone to charge immediately.
Enter the Verizon PIN if prompted. This is the 4-digit code the account holder uses to verify their identity with Verizon.
- You may also be asked to enter the last four digits of the account holder’s SSN.
- Since Verizon PINs are rarely required, don’t worry if you don’t see this option.
Follow the on-screen instructions. After your iPhone boots up, a welcome screen will appear. Follow the prompts to set up your iPhone, including customizing the following:
- Language
- Country
- Wi-Fi network
- Location settings
- Passcode
Restore your backup. When you reach the backup screen, you can restore a previous iPhone backup by tapping Restore from iCloud Backup (or Restore from iTunes Backup) and following the on-screen instructions.
- If your old phone wasn’t an iPhone, you’ll need to sync your contacts later instead.
Complete the remaining setup steps. Follow the rest of the on-screen instructions to finish setting up your iPhone.
Once the iPhone setup is complete, tap the Get Started button that appears on the screen. A progress bar will display at the top of the screen and will be replaced by "Verizon" once activation is complete.
- If asked whether you want Siri assistance, simply tap Dismiss.
- The activation process may take a few minutes.
Activate 4G or a prepaid plan. Depending on your current service plan and SIM card, you may need to activate one or both of the following:
- Activate 4G — Dial (877) 807-4646 from another phone and follow the instructions. Skip this step if you’re using the SIM card from your old phone.
- Activate a prepaid plan — Dial *22898 and follow the prompts. Skip this step if you were already prompted about prepaid plan details during setup.
Contact Verizon if you encounter issues. If you’re unable to activate your new phone, call (800) 922-0204 to speak with Verizon’s customer support. You can also visit a Verizon retail store for free assistance with activating your iPhone.
Activate Android Phone
Insert the SIM card into your new Android phone. The SIM card will fit only if inserted in the correct orientation.
Reinsert the battery into your new Android phone if necessary. Since some Android phones use removable batteries, you’ll need to place the battery back into the device before proceeding.
- Refer to your smartphone’s manual for specific instructions on battery installation if you need assistance.
Power on your new Android phone. Press and hold the power button until the screen lights up.
- If the screen doesn’t turn on or a battery icon appears, plug in your Android to charge before proceeding.
Enter the Verizon PIN if prompted. This is the 4-digit code the account holder uses to verify their identity with Verizon.
- You may also be asked for the last four digits of the account holder’s SSN.
- Since Verizon PINs are rarely required, don’t worry if you don’t see this option.
Follow the on-screen instructions. These steps will vary depending on your Android model, but typically include logging into your Gmail account, setting a passcode, selecting a Wi-Fi network, and more.
Restore your backup. If prompted to restore a Google backup, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
Select the activation link when prompted. While the process varies by phone, after completing the initial setup, you’ll typically reach an Activate Now or similar screen.
- The activation process may take a few minutes to complete.
- Once activated, “Verizon” will appear at the top of the screen.
- You may also be prompted to restore your Android phone if you haven’t done so already.
Activate 4G or a prepaid plan. Depending on your current service plan and SIM card, you may need to activate one or both of the following:
- Activate 4G — Dial (877) 807-4646 from another phone and follow the instructions. Skip this step if you’re using the SIM card from your old phone.
- Activate a prepaid plan — Dial *22898 and follow the prompts. Skip this step if you were already prompted about prepaid plan details during setup.
Contact Verizon if you encounter issues. If you’re unable to activate your new phone, call (800) 922-0204 to speak with Verizon’s customer support. You can also visit a Verizon retail store for free assistance with activating your Android phone.
Activate Flip Phone
Back up your current phone. If your old phone has Verizon Backup Assistant, open the software and follow the on-screen instructions to create a backup of your contacts and other data.
- You can also connect your phone’s SD card to a computer and copy the contents to a folder on your computer.
Power off your current phone. Press and hold the power button or the End (call end) button to turn off the device.
Insert and charge the battery for your new phone. Depending on the phone model, you may be able to skip this step.
- Refer to the user manual for specific instructions on battery installation and charging if needed.
- For flip phones, you don’t need to insert a SIM card.
Power on the phone. Press and hold the power button or the Send (call) button until the screen lights up.
Dial the update number. Open the phone’s dialer (if necessary), then use the keypad to enter *228 and press call.
Follow the on-screen or voice instructions to register your new flip phone with the most recently updated contacts.
Restore the backup from your old phone. If your new phone supports Verizon Backup Assistant, open the app and follow the on-screen instructions to download your data.
Activate a prepaid plan. If you’re using a prepaid plan, dial *22898 and follow the instructions to set up your service plan when needed.
Contact Verizon if you encounter issues. If you’re unable to activate your new phone, call (800) 922-0204 to speak with Verizon’s customer support. You can also visit a Verizon retail store for free assistance with activating your flip phone.
Tips
- You can always refer to Verizon’s activation FAQs for specific answers to common issues.
Warnings
- The Verizon Device Replacement Program does not cover liquid damage or "unreasonable wear and tear."
