So, you’re trying to figure out how to activate an old Verizon phone, but you can’t find the perfect guide for it? Don’t fret because, in this guide, we will teach you how you can activate an old and used Verizon phone.
To reinstate the services of your old Verizon device, you need to sign in to your Verizon account (My Verizon). From there, click on My Account > Activate, Switch, or Bring Your Own Device (BYOD).
Hit on the option that says, “Text Me the Code,” then type in the SIM card number for the mobile device you’re activating.
There actually are quite a few different ways on how you can reinstate the services on an old Verizon device. We’ll gladly cover all of them in this guide so don’t worry!
But why do you need to activate an old phone?
Why You Need to Activate or Reinstate an Old Verizon Device
The need to switch on an old Verizon phone capability can be a cause of different scenarios. But the most common of these would be:
Current Phone or Device is Broken
The most customary reason is that your current phone got broken and you want to stay with Verizon.
You remember that you have an old phone with Verizon, so you decide to have it activated and just purchase a new phone under that from Verizon, too.
Temporary Use of a Different Line
You can have it reinstated or activated because you might need a temporary number or line.
It can be because a foreign family member went on a vacation if you want to let other people use it temporarily, and so on.
More Lines on the Account
Akin to other providers, Verizon has offers on accounts with multiple lines.
For instance, if your account now has two (2) lines, and you want to get a discounted rate for additional services, but it requires three (3) lines, you can have an old Verizon phone activated.
These are the common reasons why you would want to switch on an old Verizon phone.
You can also actually buy old mobile devices that were previously registered to Verizon and activate it by following this guide!
So, without further ado, let’s get into how you can do it!
How to Activate an Old Verizon Phone
First things first, activating or switching on an old and used Verizon phone can be done in multiple ways.
We’ll cover all those ways so you can skim on different options. Reinstating an Old 3G Phone (The Dial Method) This method is considered to be the easiest and the simplest.
Moreover, this works best if you’re activating or reinstating older-model devices and phones.
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide on how you can activate it via the dial method.
Step 1: Dial *228
On the phone, you’re looking to activate, dial *228 from the keypad.
Step 2: Input All Required Information
You’ll then be prompted to input the mobile no., as well as the billing account password. Wait for the system to perform verification and programming.
Step 3: Follow the Prompts
You’ll know that it was successful when the mobile phone power cycles or restarts automatically.
Just follow the guided prompts so you can complete the activation.
NOTE:
This method is only applicable to CDMA phones and devices or older-phone models such as the iPhone 3G, old Blackberry phones, and the like.
My Verizon Activation (Online Method)
“How do I activate an Old Verizon phone with my number?” – If this is what your question is, then this is the method is that you need to follow.
You just have to follow these steps to be able to do so:
Step 1: Use a SIM Card That’s Previously Been Activated
The first step is to find a SIM card; this is going to be for the number that you want to be activated. This said SIM card would need to be compatible with the mobile phone in question.
Once you have it, insert it onto the mobile phone you want to add.
Step 2: Log Into My Verizon Account
After so, what you want to do is to log into you’re My Verizon account. Enter your User ID and your Password on the information field.
Next, choose the option that says Activate, Switch, or Bring Your Own Device (BYOD). Then, choose the specific line that you want to activate back to your account.
NOTE:
Toggle the check box to NO if haven’t used this particular phone yet on your specific account, and YES, if it’s an old and deactivated line.
Step 3: Find “Text Me the Code”
You’ll be prompted with the options, and hit on Text Me the Code,and input the number you want the code to be sent to.
When you receive the code, type the code in and verify that it was you who initiated the activation.
Step 4: Type in the SIM Card Number
What you want to do next is to type in the SIM card number for the mobile device you’re activating on your account.
You can locate the SIM card no. by looking at the SIM card or by going into your mobile device’s settings.
Step 5: Follow the Prompts
From here, you’ll just have to follow the guided prompts to activate your old Verizon device into your current and existing account!
This method is what many consider the best and the most effective option. It can be your best choice, too!
How to Activate Used Verizon Phone Via Verizon Stores or Support
This particular method is the method you can take and choose if the thought of doing it online or via the phone confuses you.
We’ll separate it into two (2) different methods: the store method and the phone support method.
The first (1st) option, of course, would require you to visit a Verizon store to have it activated.
You just have to make sure that you have the mobile device you want to activate with you; should you have the SIM card, you can bring it to for them to check if it’s still easily compatible with your plan.
The second (2nd) and the last option, on the other hand, will just require you to contact Verizon’s customer support team and request activation over the phone.
They’ll proceed to all their troubleshooting steps, you just have to follow it. Akin to visiting a store, you would need to have the mobile device ready.
I Don’t Have a SIM Card
One of the main requirements on how you can reactivate a mobile device on a Verizon account is the SIM card. But what if you don’t have the original SIM card that came with the phone with you?
This one’s easy – you can tell Verizon that you don’t have the SIM card that you had previously. What they’ll do is issue a new SIM card, change the SIM card number on the account, and that’s it!
As you can see, you’ll never encounter a huge roadblock if you’re stuck in asking how to activate an old Verizon phone.
You don’t have to be an expert to do it – it’s easy, fast, and inexpensive!
The next time you feel the need to reinstate or activate an old and used Verizon device, you can easily follow this guide!
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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.