In case you’re wondering how to activate unlocked phone on Verizon, we got you! A lot of people are currently thinking about making the switch, but they’re not entirely sure how they can hook their unlocked phones to the Verizon network!
You’re lucky, because, in this guide, we will guide you through the steps on how you can use an unlocked phone on the Verizon network!
To activate a new unlocked phone on the Verizon network, the first step is to check the device and see if it’s eligible for the program. Then, you can choose to do it either in-store or online!
Before we get to the process, is it really possible to bring a device over to Verizon? Can you use an unlocked phone to be used in the Verizon network?
Can You Use an Unlocked Phone on Verizon?
Yes, in fact, this is called the BYOD or the Bring Your Own Device program where an unlocked device would house a Verizon SIM card.
While this is all possible, not all smartphones are eligible to be part of this program. There are certain restrictions on using an unlocked phone on Verizon, and these factors include:
- Where the smartphone was purchased
- The type of smartphone
- Features of the device
To further discuss the process of how this can be done, here’s the step-by-step process of how to use an unlocked phone on Verizon!
How to Activate Unlocked Phone on Verizon?
This guide will be covering everything, from the checking of eligibility to the step-by-step procedure of activating an unlocked device that hasn’t been purchased from Verizon.
Step #1: Check the Device’s Eligibility
The first step you need to take is to check if the device you’ll be bringing in is eligible.
You should never skip this step because this is the step that would determine whether or not you’ll be able to use your unlocked phone on the Verizon network.
Here’s how you can check the eligibility of your smartphone:
- Go to Verizon Device Details Page.
- Enter the make and model of your device (e.g. iPhone 12)
- After that, you’ll be asked where you purchased the device.
- Then, enter the IMEI of your device.
- Lastly, hit on Continue and wait for the system to detect its eligibility.
Finding IMEI on iPhones
To get the IMEI of your iPhone, go to Settings > General > About. Scroll down and you’ll see IMEI information.
Finding IMEI on Android Devices
To get the IMEI of your Android device, go to Settings > About Phone > Status. Locate the subject line labeled as IMEI Information.
Once the system tells you that it’s eligible, you can then go to the next step, which is…
Step #2: Prepaid or Postpaid Plan?
From here, you can select the type of Verizon plan you want to be under.
You can choose to enroll in a prepaid plan (no annual and long-term contract plan) or a postpaid plan. Whatever you choose, you’ll be billed cheaper than the rates when you purchase a device from Verizon.
Step #3: Get a Verizon SIM Card
After this, you’ll then have to get a Verizon SIM card that you’ll need to install on your device. There are two (2) ways to get a SIM card, you can order it online or you can purchase it in-store.
Purchasing a SIM Card Online
In purchasing a SIM card online, Verizon will mail you a SIM card after you click Continue on the device eligibility page.
After that, you’ll have to fill out a credit application so they can get your information so they can process your account.
NOTE: The SIM card they’ll send to you would be free 2-day shipping. But, expect that it’ll come within a week.
Purchasing a SIM Card In-Store
On the contrary, you can choose to purchase the SIM card by going in-store to purchase it.
You’ll have to do the same process; the only difference is that you’ll have to fill out the credit application in-store.
Moreover, you will be able to get the SIM card after the transaction.
Step #4: Install the New SIM Card to the Phone
When you have the SIM card, the next thing you want to do is to install the new SIM card on the phone that you have.
- Turn the smartphone off. Make sure that it doesn’t have power.
- You might need a SIM card pin to reach the mechanism of the tray.
- If it has an old SIM card, take it out and replace it with the new one.
- Otherwise, just insert the new SIM card on the tray.
- Once done, turn the device on and wait for it to reinitialize.
Step #5: Continue the Process and Follow On-Screen Instructions
After turning it on, it might ask you for the IMEI of your device. You can just input it to start using your unlocked phone on Verizon!
After doing these steps, it’ll only be a matter of time until you’re able to use your unlocked phone on the Verizon network!
Purchasing an Unlocked Phone From Verizon
Should your unlocked phone be incompatible with the Verizon network, or if you’re not sure if you want to use the phone or not, you can have the option to purchase an unlocked phone from Verizon directly.
Yes, the company is selling pre-unlocked phones that they offer to people who are looking to purchase unlocked phones to be used on the Verizon network.
Part of the main benefit of purchasing an unlocked phone and opting to go with a prepaid plan is the fact that you wouldn’t be locked into a contract.
With a Verizon prepaid plan, you can choose to go out of the plan at any time!
To purchase unlocked phones from Verizon, follow these steps!
- Go to Verizon Bring Your Own Device Page.
- Scroll down until you see Check Out More Unlocked Devices.
- Navigate to Unlocked Smartphones and scroll until you see the device you want.
It’s an easy process where you don’t need to put on much effort. You’ll find the functionality simple and convenient to work with!
Read Next: Does Verizon Video Calling Use Data?
If you’re wondering how you can activate an unlocked phone on Verizon, first check if it’s eligible to be used under the service. After that, secure a SIM card, and then install it on the unlocked phone.
Bottom Line
Whether you’re already fed up with your current provider, or if you have an unlocked phone and you want a backup device under Verizon’s umbrella, you can use it!
With our guide on how to activate unlocked phone on Verizon, you won’t ever need any other guide to start with! Even if you’re not tech-savvy, you can follow our guide and successfully activate an unlocked phone!
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.