Can I Switch SIM Cards Between Verizon Phones? (Facts!)

You may be wondering how can I switch SIM cards between Verizon phones.

If you are considering changing phones on Verizon you are not alone. A lot more people exchange phones. As a result, Verizon has made it possible to swap SIM cards.

To switch SIM cards between Verizon phones, you should be on a group or family plan. If this is the case, log in to your account and swap phones with other family members. To swap, click on Devices and select Activate or Swap Devices. Select the device to swap with from the list.

If you choose to switch to a device that is not already on your plan, there are a few necessary steps. For instance, eSIM transfer will take a lot of time.

Read further, to find out the best way to swap SIM cards on Verizon.

Why Switch SIM Cards Between Verizon Phones

Understanding why you want to switch your SIM cards can explain whether it is possible.

There are several motivations behind switching SIM cards on Verizon. The motivations vary greatly from one user to another. 

The common reasons why people switch SIM cards are as follows:

1. Your device is damaged and you need to make a call or notify Verizon
2. You want to  upgrade from your current device to a new one
3. Your device has run out of power and you would like to borrow from someone else
4. You like to exchange your device with that of a family member for a day

How Can I Switch SIM Cards Between Verizon Phones

If you are under any of the above situations, you may be asking, can I switch SIM cards between phones.

Verizon Ideally, allows you to Swap any SIM card that is compatible with your phone.

Given that Verizon SIM cards are compatible with all Verizon phones, swapping should not be a problem.

Having established it is possible to swap SIM cards, it is important to know how each type of swap is done. Let us look at how each option is done.

How to Swap SIM Cards on a Verizon Shared Plan?

If you share a plan with your spouse or another family member, you do not have to swap SIM cards. You can simply request a phone swap.

With this option, you can transfer your phone plan to your spouse’s phone and use it. However, this option requires that you have both phones in a functional state.

Here are the steps to follow to swap a phone on a family plan.

1. Download Verizon App and Log in

The first step should be to download the Verizon app on both phones. If you already have the application, simply log in.

The account owner should be the one to initiate any process. Even if the account owner doesn’t have access to their phone, they can initiate the process online.

Here are the steps to initiate a phone swap on a shared plan

1. Go to Google Play or Apple Store and download the My Verizon app
2. Sign in to the My Verizon app using your user ID or mobile phone number and password. 
3. You must be the account owner or an account manager to perform a phone swap.
4. Click on the Devices tab and select “Activate or switch device.”
5. Click on “Swap numbers” and select the phones you want to swap.

Once you select the phone, you may have to review some aspects of your plan.

Remember that, factors such as equipment protection for the new device are added to your account. 

2. Review Your Plan and Changes to Be Made

With that, you are ready to activate a plan change. If you have already selected the device and in order to make changes, the app will require your confirmation.

To complete the process, review your decisions and confirm.

Steps to review and confirm phone swap on shared plan

1. Select an equipment protection plan and data plan if prompted.
2. Review the changes you’ve made to your plan and click “Confirm.”
3. Back up both phones to avoid losing valuable data.
4. Turn both phones off and click the “Swap Devices” button.
5. Confirm the swap by clicking “Yes.”
6. Activate your new phone by following the on-screen instructions and dialing #832 to confirm voice activation.

Note: If the phone activation process fails, the chances are that your SIM card is not compatible with the type of device. Some of the older devices may not be compatible with modern Verizon SIM cards.

3. Swapping Verizon Into Another Used Verizon Phone

In case you have a Verizon phone but do not share a plan with any person at the moment, you are still allowed to swap.

This is because Verizon allows its customers to use any SIM card on their phones. All you have to do is transfer your new SIM card into your new device.

You will receive internet settings automatically. Once received, proceed to enjoy your services.

Steps to using a Verizon SIM card in another independent Verizon device 

1. Obtain a phone that works on Verizon’s network.
2. Back up the data on your old phone.
3. Turn off iMessage if you are switching from an iPhone to an Android.
4. Activate your new phone by following the on-screen instructions 
5. Dial #832 to confirm voice activation or try calling one of your friends
6. Test the data connection by visiting https://www.verizon.com on your phone’s web browser. 
7. If it fails, call Verizon for assistance.

Note:You will only be successful if the Verizon devices you are using are unlocked. For Verizon, you must wait for at least 60 days from the time of activation to unlock.

4. Swap eSIM Cards on Verizon Phones

If you intend to use a physical SIM card on another Verizon device, the process is much easier.

However, things get much more complicated if you intend to swap eSIM cards. You cannot transfer your eSIM card to another phone temporarily.

In most cases, the eSIM profile will be saved. However, if you are on a Verizon eSIM plan, you can still transfer.

How to Swap eSIM on Verizon

1. Make sure that the new device is compatible with eSIM and has the feature activated. 
2. Remove the physical SIM card from both devices if it has one. This is important because eSIMs cannot be activated if there is already an active physical SIM in the device.
3. On the old device, go to Settings  and select Cellular  for iPhone
4. Tap on Add Cellular Plan and select “Download a new plan” 
5. Follow the prompts to download a QR code from the Verizon website
6. On the new device, go to Settings and select Cellular
7. Tap on Add Cellular Plan
8. Tap on “Enter Details Manually” and enter the ICCID (Integrated Circuit Card Identifier) number 
9. The ICCID number is found on the physical eSIM card or in the paperwork that came with the device.
10. Follow the prompts to complete the eSIM activation process. 
11. This includes entering a confirmation code sent via SMS or email.
12. Once the eSIM is activated on the new device, you can delete the eSIM from the old device.
13. Go to Settings > Cellular > Manage Plans and tap on the eSIM you want to delete.

Note: In some instances, the eSIM activation process may fail if it does not fulfill certain conditions. For instance, if one of the phones does not support eSIM technology, things may be difficult.

Summary

The simple answer is that you can switch your SIM cards between two unlocked Verizon phones. However, there are specific terms to be observed.

When asking can I switch SIM cards between Verizon phones, your phone should already be unlocked.

Besides the phone being unlocked, you can easily switch if you share a plan. For devices that rely on eSIM cards, the process for transfer is slightly different.

Read Next: How Do I Unlock My Verizon SIM Card?