Switch to Verizon: Best Deals, Plans & Step-by-Step Guide (2026)
The thought of switching phone carriers can feel like a lot. Verizon makes it simple—and exciting—with clear steps, perks and promos in this guide to switching
Searching for a mobile experience you can count on? Verizon brings together the stability of a long-term price guarantee with the performance of America’s Best 5G network1. Switching is simpler than ever, and with our Best Value Guarantee, you can lock in your plan price for up to 3 years. Ready to get started? Whether you're keeping your current phone (BYOD), trading it in for an upgrade, or getting a brand new device, we have a pathway that works for you. Not sure what switching involves? This helpful guide can show you how to get started.
3 ways to switch to Verizon
Bring your own device. Verizon makes it simple to keep the device you love—and the number everyone knows you by—when you switch. Plus, you can get credits toward your monthly bill when you activate an eligible, unlocked device on a new line on Verizon's myPlan.
How to bring your own device:
To bring your own device (BYOD) to Verizon, first check your phone's eligibility and compatibility using our IMEI checker. Next, tell us about the device(s) you're bringing and the number you want to keep. You can then shop for your mobile plan or add a line to an existing account. Activate your service by using a physical SIM card or, for eligible devices, an eSIM, using Wi-Fi. Plus, when you bring your own device and choose a 36-month myPlan, you can earn monthly bill credits.
Get started with your own device.
Trade in a device:
If you’re looking for an upgrade, you can trade in an eligible, unlocked device when you switch and get instant credit, bill credits or a gift card you can use to purchase a new Verizon device. You don't even have to trade in your old device right away. Verizon's Device Trade-in Program lets you shop for a new phone, tablet or smartwatch now and trade in your old device later and still receive the same trade-in value.
How to trade in a device:
To trade in your old device, first tell us about the device(s) you want to trade in. Before sending it, remember to back up the data from your device to the cloud or a computer and then clear the data from your device. One of the best perks of trading in with Verizon is that you can "shop now, trade in later at the same value," giving you a full 30 days to mail your old device to us to receive the credit. Once we receive and process the old device, you'll get credit toward your new one. For complete details, visit the Device Trade-in Program page.
Get a new device from Verizon:
If you need a device, Verizon offers deals on phones—like the latest iPhone, Samsung or Google device—when you activate a new line on Verizon's myPlan.
How to get a new device:
To get started, shop for the device you want on Verizon.com, where you can find the latest flagships from iPhone, Samsung, and Google Pixel. Once you select your device, you can choose how you want to pay, either in full or through convenient monthly installment payments. Next, select the Verizon myPlan that fits your needs. As a final step, you can choose to get a new phone number or keep your old one. Be sure to check out the latest device and plan offers on the Verizon Deals page before finalizing your switch.
For complete details, visit the get a new device page.
Does Verizon offer deals for switching carriers?
Verizon invites AT&T and T-Mobile customers to bring a recent phone bill to any of our local stores for a free review and a chance to find out how to get a Better Deal2 with us. A Verizon rep can help you determine things like which lines, add-ons or streaming bundles you're using and which you can do without. You'll also find out how Verizon's 3-year price lock guarantee compares to teaser rates that may jump after an introductory period.
Why switch to Verizon mobile plans?
Verizon's mobile plans offer value and the flexibility to pair the plan you want with the coverage you need and the perks you love. You'll also get discounts on top streaming platforms and be able to save even more on your monthly phone bill when you bundle your mobile and home internet plans with Verizon.
Enjoy unlimited talk, text, and data, so you can message and surf the web with no data limits on our expansive 5G and 4G LTE networks, featuring typical download speeds of 162-622 Mbps on 5G Ultra Wideband and 35-148 Mbps on 5G/4G LTE. Plus, every current plan comes with a 3-year price-lock guarantee (excluding taxes and fees)—the price you sign up for today is the price you keep for 3 years.
Get the phone you want with the same great phone deals for everyone, guaranteed with an eligible trade-in, in any condition, on any current plan3. You can also gain peace of mind with free family monitoring on all plans, including GPS tracking and location check-ins, and a Call Filter spam blocker that screens incoming calls to filter out the ones you don’t want.
Save money and simplify your digital life with discounted entertainment on streaming services and online gaming, all managed directly from your Verizon account. You can also access financial tools and services like credit card and high-yield savings account options to help you save on your monthly phone bill. Plus, stay connected even when traditional service is unavailable with free satellite texting on all plans4.
How to Switch to Verizon: Step by Step
Whether you're bringing your own device, trading in an old one or buying a new device, Verizon has clear, easy steps you can follow:
- Check your device eligibility and evaluate trade-in options. The first step is to determine how you will get a device on the Verizon network. You can check if your current phone is compatible by using the Verizon Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) checker. If you plan to upgrade, you can check the value of your old phone using the Verizon Trade-In estimator to see how much credit you can get toward a new device or your bill.
- Choose the Verizon myPlan that suits your coverage needs. Verizon offers multiple Unlimited myPlan tiers, such as Unlimited Welcome, Unlimited Plus, and Unlimited Ultimate, designed to fit different data needs, ranging from essential coverage to premium data and hotspot allowances. These plans serve as your foundation for service. You can review a detailed side-by-side comparison of all available myPlans on the Verizon plans comparison page to select the best fit.
- Customize your service by adding the perks you want. A key feature of Verizon myPlan is the ability to add specific services and content à la carte. For a fixed monthly price per perk, you can enhance your plan with popular options like discounted streaming services (Netflix & HBO Max (With Ads), and Disney+, Hulu & ESPN+ (With Ads)), cloud storage, mobile hotspot data, and security services. Browse all available add-ons on the Perks page to fully tailor your mobile experience.
- Transfer your current number or get a new one. If you wish to keep your existing phone number, you will need to initiate a number transfer (or port-in) during the sign-up process. To authorize the transfer from your current carrier, you will likely need a special Number Transfer PIN (sometimes called a port-out PIN or security PIN) which you must obtain from your old provider before starting the switch. While most transfers are seamless, note that the process usually completes within a few hours. Alternatively, you can always choose a new number.
- Activate your new Verizon service. Once your plan and device are set up, you can activate your service. If you purchased a new device or are using a compatible BYOD phone, activation can often be completed quickly online, with many modern smartphones supporting an instant eSIM setup. For hands-on assistance or same-day service, you can also complete your activation by visiting any Verizon store.
Switching to Verizon from T-Mobile
When switching from T-Mobile, ensure you request your Number Transfer PIN directly from T-Mobile's customer service or via their app, as this is separate from your account password. T-Mobile often uses its own network technology, so confirming that your device is fully unlocked and compatible with the Verizon network via the BYOD checker is an important step to prevent activation delays.
Switching to Verizon from AT&T
Users switching from AT&T should make sure their account is in good standing and any installment plans are settled, as AT&T can sometimes delay a port-out for these reasons. Like T-Mobile, AT&T requires a specific Number Transfer PIN—which you must generate through your myAT&T account—to authorize the transfer of your number to Verizon.
How Long Does It Take to Switch to Verizon?
Switching to Verizon can be a quick and seamless process. The time it takes largely depends on whether you are keeping your existing phone number and how you choose to activate your device.
The number transfer process (port-in) is often the most time-sensitive step if you choose to keep your existing phone number. While most transfers are seamless, the process usually completes within a few hours.
For activation, if you purchase a new device or are using a compatible Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) phone, activation can often be completed quickly online, with many modern smartphones supporting an instant eSIM setup. For hands-on assistance or same-day service, you can also complete your activation by visiting any Verizon store.
More value, more flexibility. Switch to Verizon today
If your current cell phone plan isn't designed for the way you live, work and play, it could be time to switch phone carriers. Are you ready for great coverage and more value? Verizon makes it easy to say hello to hassle-free flexibility—and so long to the same old phone plans. Because switching shouldn’t be a chore, it should be a smart move.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I switch to Verizon and keep my phone number?
To keep your existing phone number, you need to initiate a number transfer (port-in) during the sign-up process. You must obtain a specific Number Transfer PIN (sometimes called a port-out PIN or security PIN) from your current provider to authorize the transfer.
Can I keep my current phone when switching to Verizon?
Yes, you can bring your own device (BYOD) to Verizon. You must first check your phone's eligibility and compatibility using the Verizon IMEI checker. If eligible and unlocked, you can activate it on a new line and may receive monthly bill credits when choosing a myPlan.
Does Verizon pay off my phone when I switch?
Verizon does offer deals for switching, and for AT&T and T-Mobile customers, they offer a free bill review to find a "Better Deal." You may be able to trade in an eligible device for instant credit, bill credits, or a gift card to use toward the purchase of a new Verizon device.
How long does it take to switch to Verizon?
The switch can be quick and seamless. The number transfer (port-in) process, if you keep your existing number, usually completes within a few hours. Activation can often be completed quickly online via instant eSIM setup for eligible devices, or same-day service is available at any Verizon store.
What is the Verizon price-lock guarantee?
The Verizon price-lock guarantee means the price of your mobile plan is locked in for three years (excluding taxes and fees), unlike introductory rates offered by some competitors.
What switch deals does Verizon currently offer?
Verizon offers credits toward your monthly bill when you activate an eligible, unlocked Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) on a new myPlan line. We also offer deals on new phones (like iPhone, Samsung, or Google devices) when you activate a new myPlan line, and the same great phone deals for everyone with an eligible trade-in. AT&T and T-Mobile customers can bring in their bill for a free review to find a "Better Deal."
Is it free to switch to Verizon?
There may be costs associated with activating a new line or purchasing a new device.
How do I switch to Verizon from AT&T?
To switch from AT&T, make sure your account is in good standing and any installment plans are settled. You must generate a specific Number Transfer PIN through your myAT&T account to authorize the transfer of your number to Verizon.
How do I switch to Verizon from T-Mobile?
When switching from T-Mobile, request your Number Transfer PIN directly from T-Mobile's customer service or via their app (it is separate from your account password). Also, confirm that your device is fully unlocked and compatible with the Verizon network via the BYOD checker to prevent activation delays.
Can I switch to Verizon and get an eSIM instead of a physical SIM?
Yes, for eligible devices, activation can be completed quickly online, with many modern smartphones supporting an instant eSIM setup.
Plus get a discount on your home internet plan when you bundle it with your Verizon mobile phone plan.
Verizon Plan Perks
Get more out of your Verizon Unlimited plan and save on perks ranging from
entertainment, protection & productivity, safety, mobile perks, banking and cards.
This content is provided for information purposes only. All information included herein is subject to change without notice. Verizon is not responsible for any direct or indirect damages, arising from or related to use or reliance of the above content.