If you have recently purchased a Verizon SIM card but do not have a phone, you may be wondering how to activate Verizon SIM card without phone.
At first, it may seem impossible, and certainly, Verizon tries its best to stop customers from doing this. However, with the tips on this page, you can activate a Verizon SIM card without a phone.
Although, it is worth noting that you need specific conditions for it to work.
In the guide below we will show how this is done and will also walk you through the steps of activating a Verizon phone without a SIM card.
How to Install a Verizon SIM Card – Official Rule
Most of the devices will come with a SIM card already installed. For the activation process, check the instructions in your SIM packet and follow them.
You can also refer to Verizon simulators to activate the same in case of any issues.
But what about if you don’t have a phone or want to activate the SIM card without any device?
Let’s find it out.
Activating a Verizon SIM Without a Phone
While it may seem pointless to get a Verizon SIM card without a phone, there are several reasons why this may happen.
Perhaps you had a phone, but it broke and you are waiting to save up for a new one. Maybe you need a Verizon SIM to put into a mobile router.
One problem you have is Verizon makes it almost impossible to activate one of its SIM cards without a phone. There is a workaround, but even that is not guaranteed to work every time.
Using an IMEI Number to Activate a Verizon SIM
The big problem is Verizon requires an IMEI number to activate a SIM card.
If you are unfamiliar with an IMEI, it is a 15-digit number that is unique to each smartphone. No two IMEIs are the same.
You can find the IMEI number of a handset by looking at the sticker on the box, sometimes on the device itself, and other times in the documentation.
Needless to say, if you do not have a phone for your SIM card you also do not have an IMEI number.
So, when you go to the Verizon phone activation web portal, you have no number to offer and cannot activate your SIM card.
Because the only way to activate the Verizon SIM is to have an IMEI number, you need to find a way to get one without a phone.
There are places online where you can get IMEI numbers both free and paid. These numbers are attached to a smartphone, which presents some obstacles.
Does an IMEI Number Work to Activate a Verizon SIM?
When you try a random IMEI number, there’s a good chance the phone is still active.
The only way using an IMEI number from another device would work is if the other phone is no longer being used. Still, this remains the only way to activate a Verizon SIM card without a phone.
Even then, Verizon sometimes asks users to confirm their IMEI number via a message to their phone.
You might get lucky and find an IMEI that is not in use that you can use to activate the SIM without Verizon asking for confirmation.
While it is unlikely, it has happened and some users have been able to activate a Verizon phone without a SIM card.
How to Activate a Verizon Phone Without a SIM Card?
Fortunately, activating a phone you have bought from Verizon without a SIM card is easier. In fact, you can use the device straight out of the box with minimum fuss.
Firstly, it is worth noting all Verizon smartphones come unlocked.
This is a unique feature that comes from an agreement the company has with the FCC. It means Verizon phones work with SIMs from any network and in any region.
Activate Your Verizon Phone on Android and iOS
You have several options for activating a Verizon phone without a SIM card from the company.
For example, you can use a SIM card from another company such as AT&T. Of course, when it comes to activating the device, you will be signing up for the rival network and not Verizon.
If you have no SIM at all, you can still activate your Verizon smartphone. Setting a phone up does not require a SIM card.
In fact, you can set up an iPhone on iOS or an Android device by creating an account with the phone company (Apple, Samsung, etc.).
With a Verizon phone without a SIM card, you will not be able to access any of the company’s services.
For example, you will not have access to the cellular network or Verizon mobile data (4G or 5G). In every other department, your Verizon phone will work perfectly provided you have a Wi-Fi connection.
You will even be able to make and receive calls through services such as WhatsApp and Skype.
Furthermore, you can download apps, play games, take and save phones and videos, and do most other tasks you normally do on a phone.
FAQs
How to Activate Verizon Replacement SIM?
According to Verizon to activate a replacement SIM, you need to visit the Verizon Activation Page and follow the on-page instructions. So, activation of a replacement SIM without any smartphone is out of the equation.
Can the Verizon SIM be used on Any Device?
Any Verizon SIM is compatible with Company certified devices. For some devices, you may need to change the plans.
In the case of a newly purchased device, it is recommended to use a new Verizon SIM for a better experience.
Read Next: How to Fix Verizon Mobile Data Not Working?
Conclusion
Sometimes circumstances throw up strange situations, such as needing to activate a Verizon SIM card without a phone.
While this is difficult to do because of Verizon’s rules, you can use the workaround above with IMEI numbers and hopefully activate your card with minimum fuss.
Still, we recommend getting a SIM card from Verizon to activate your phone, especially because the network’s SIMs are completely free.
Kevin has over five years of experience working in various Tech startups and providing Technical solutions. He has contributed to many Tech publications and websites.