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.
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Troubleshooting
How to activate a Verizon phone
Learn how to get your phone up and running, whether you want to activate a Verizon phone or bring your own device.
If these answers don't solve your issue, visit our Troubleshooter. You can expect to fix most issues in under 5 minutes. If you need more help we'll connect you to a Customer Service Representative.
Five things to know about bringing your own phone to Verizon
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Length: 2:17
Video Transcript
Let's say you have a newer phone. Not even a year old. But you're just not crazy about your network. I was in the same boat, so I set it up with Verizon. Got the new Verizon Plan, and now I have the best of both worlds. I get to keep my phone and phone number, plus I get a better network and plenty of data. And I did it all right here. And I wanted to share 5 things I learned so that you can set up your own device.
Number 1 - Bringing your device over to Verizon saves you from having to transfer everything from your old phone over to a new one. Your contacts, your pictures, videos, maybe from that trip to the petting zoo where the goat bit your finger... yeah, I'm looking at you. They all stay on your phone without having to do anything at all.
Number 2 - To get started, there's only one site you need to visit. Check out this URL to see if your device can be activated.
There's tools on there to help you find the information on your phone that you'll need. It pretty much walks you through the whole process step-by-step. After that, you can check out which plan works best for you and activate your device with Verizon. So we've covered set up, but there's some other good stuff to know.
Number 3 - Like the fact that bringing your own device doesn't come with any crazy fees buried in a contract. Some people with compatible devices from another carrier may still need to unlock their phone before they can activate it, but all you have to do is call your previous carrier and they'll take care of it. And if your device actually isn't compatible, it still may have some value. You're probably asking yourself, wouldn't device trade-in be perfect for that? Good question and, yes, it definitely is.
Number 4 - Your device may be to eligible to trade-in for a Verizon gift card. Put that gift card toward a new Verizon phone or one of their lower priced pre-owned phones, and you'll be up and running in no time.
The last bit of info I have for you is definitely the most important. OK, so this one's not really a tip but it is true.
Number 5 - Activating my own phone on Verizon was seamless. And since I downloaded the My Verizon app, I can manage my whole account any time.
Now that you know how easy it is to bring your device over to Verizon, the only thing left to do is click below and get started.
Bring your own device.
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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.
Note: Activation typically takes minutes, but in some situations may take up to 24 hours.
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. Find more information on our Activate or Switch page.
- 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.
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.
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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.
Order a physical SIM card from our Activate or Switch page. Or, if you have an eSIM compatible phone, go to SIM and eSIM FAQs to learn more.
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