If you got a new device, you may need to convert Verizon SIM to eSIM. Yes, it is an entirely new product. But luckily, we can help you set it up.
Converting your Verizon SIM can sound tricky, but it actually isn’t. It’s a pretty straightforward process and as long as you know the steps to take, you will complete it without any issues in under 10 minutes.
Don’t know how to convert your Verizon SIM to eSIM? We’ve got you covered!
To convert your physical SIM to an eSIM, first, manage your devices on your Verizon online account. Next, activate your eSIM phone on your current line. You’ll need your phone’s IMEI. Once done, contact Verizon to change your SIM to eSIM. Scan the QR code on your phone, activate your eSIM, and make test calls to complete the process.
Converting your Verizon SIM to eSIM is easy, as long as you have the necessary requirements.
Below are the things you need to prepare.
What to Consider to Convert Physical SIM to eSIM Verizon
Newer devices now allow you to use eSIM instead of physical SIM cards, and Verizon is one of the wireless carriers to support this feature.
To set up an eSIM on your new device, you will need the following.
1. Connect to WiFi
You will need WiFi to install your eSIM because it needs to be loaded onto your device. However, iPhone 14 models that are eSIM only can activate without connecting to a network.
2. Get your phone’s IMEI
When you set up a new eSIM, you may need to give Verizon your phone’s IMEI number. Take note to provide the Digital SIM IMEI exactly how it is labeled on your device.
3. SIM conversion QR code
If you can’t convert to eSIM because your device or carrier doesn’t support this option, you can contact Verizon to activate your eSIM by scanning a QR code. Once done, the change will be complete.
4. Activate your eSIM
After purchasing an eSIM plan, you will need to activate your eSIM. There are two ways to do this on Verizon.
Either you use the My Verizon app or contact Verizon customer support. Once you prepared the necessary things, you can proceed to convert your physical SIM to eSIM.
Let’s elaborate on it below.
Complete Steps How to Convert Verizon SIM to eSIM
eSIMs allow you to install eight or more eSIMs and use two phone numbers at a time.
If you’re certain not to use your removable SIM card anymore, here’s a complete guide on how to do it.
But, first, make sure you’re connected to WiFi before doing these steps.
Now that you’re all connected to the internet, let’s proceed to the steps below to complete converting Verizon SIM to eSIM.
Step #1: Manage Your Devices on Your Verizon Online Account
Now that your phone has access to the internet, we can now start the process of converting your Verizon physical SIM to an eSIM.
You do need an active internet connection as your phone will need to connect to Verizon’s servers to fully activate it.
To start off, you’re going to need to go to your Verizon account online so you can change some of the settings for the phone you want to use an eSIM.
Here’s how to go to your Verizon account and check your active devices:
- Using a web browser, go to the Verizon Sign-in page.
- Select the Sign-in option, then Sign in to my account.
- Type your Verizon user ID or your mobile number.
- Choose the authentication process you want to use.
- Enter your password, then click the Sign-in button.
Note: You can choose between a text or push notification authentication process for added security.
Step #2: Activate Your eSIM Phone on Your Current Line
Now that you have successfully logged into your Verizon online account, it’s time to manage your current phone so you can use the number that comes with your physical SIM to your eSIM.
Since all of these include Verizon accounts and numbers, it should be quick and you don’t need the usual steps like getting a transfer PIN.
Here’s how to move your physical SIM number to your eSIM:
- On your Verizon account, go to the Manage Devices option.
- Choose the phone you want to move your number to.
- Select the option to switch out your mobile number.
- Click on Activate on existing line.
- You will be asked if it was previously used on your account, select No.
Pro Tip: For this step, you can also call or chat with Verizon’s support and let them know you want to perform a physical to eSIM change on your device.
Step #3: Get Your Phone’s IMEI
At this point in the process, Verizon is going to ask for your phone’s IMEI to verify its identity. Now, this particular number is usually found on the back of your phone or in the box.
However, if you don’t have access to any of these, there’s still a way to get this information.
This is an important piece of information that you need to send over to Verizon so they can complete the process.
Here’s how to get your phone’s IMEI number:
- Open the Phone app on your phone.
- Choose the option to dial numbers.
- Type in *#06#, then press the call button.
- Write down the IMEI and IMEI2 numbers on the screen.
Note: When it comes to converting from a physical SIM to an eSIM, Verizon is going to ask for the IMEI2 number.
Step #4: Provide the IMEI number to Verizon to Convert Your SIM
Now that you have the IMEI and IMEI2 numbers of your phone, you can now move forward with the process and be a step closer to successfully converting to an eSIM.
On your Verizon online account, there’s going to be a place where you can enter the number to confirm your device’s identity.
Here’s how to send your IMEI number to Verizon:
- Continuing on the steps from Step #2, a text box will be available.
- Enter the IMEI2 of your phone as this is the number for your eSIM.
- Verizon will process this and create an ICCID or SIM number.
- Wait for the text confirmation code that they will send you.
- Enter this confirmation code, and wait for Verizon to send you a QR code.
Note: If they ask for an email address, enter it so they can send you your activation QR code.
Step #5: Setup Your eSIM by Scanning the Activation QR Code
After receiving the QR code via text or email, you can now start your eSIM setup process.
This is a step that will finalize all the changes that you want so you can successfully move from a physical SIM to an eSIM.
One thing that you need to note during this step is that there are a few more steps you need to take to avoid any activation issues.
Here are the exact steps you need to follow to set up your eSIM on your phone:
On iPhone:
- Turn Off your phone, then remove your physical SIM.
- Switch your phone On.
- Open your phone’s Settings app, then Cellular.
- Accept the agreement.
- Choose Add Cellular Plan and scan the QR code.
On Android:
- Go to your phone’s network Settings.
- Select Mobile network.
- Tap on the Don’t have a SIM card option.
- Scan the activation QR code from Verizon.
- Select Activate to add the eSIM.
Note: Use the phone that you want to use the eSIM when scanning the activation QR code.
Step #6: Check Your eSIM is Activated Correctly
The activation process after scanning the QR code should only take around 1 to 3 minutes. However, it’s not instantaneous, and you’ll run into some issues while activating it.
Whenever this happens, there are a few steps you can do to check if the process or done.
Here’s how to check if your eSIM is activated successfully:
- Wait for 1 to 3 minutes and check your eSIM status to say it’s activated.
- If it’s not, restart your phone.
- Repeat Step #5 to rescan the QR code.
- Once it’s activated, make a test call to confirm.
Note: You’ll need to check your WiFi calling settings as converting to an eSIM can deactivate it.
That’s it! As long as you follow these steps, you will successfully convert from a physical Verizon SIM to an eSIM.
If you run into any issues with the process, you can always contact Verizon for assistance, as they will be able to help you correct any issues with your account.
Read Next: Does Verizon Report to Credit Bureaus?
Bottom Line
You can convert Verizon SIM to eSIM in a few simple steps.
It can seem intimidating at first, but the steps are straightforward and you don’t need to have any deep knowledge of telecommunications technology to get it working correctly.
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. Check out more about him here.