SIM card and eSIM FAQs

SIM stores information your device uses to connect to a carrier's mobile network. It also identifies your device and your plan with the carrier.

SIM can be stored on either:

• A removable, physical SIM card
• A built-in, digital, embedded SIM (aka eSIM)

Note: SIM doesn't store apps or media. If your device has a memory card slot you may be able to increase storage space with a new memory card.

Check the settings on your device to see what kind of SIM your device has:

• Apple - Settings > General > About
• Google - Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Network
• Samsung smartphones - Settings > Connections > SIM card manager

Yes. Your phone's SIM card (or eSIM profile) is associated with a carrier, plan and billing account. To switch carriers, your device needs a new SIM (eSIM or physical card) to connect to a new network.

Currently, eSIM and compatible 4G and 5G SIM cards work on the Verizon 5G network. Check compatibility of the SIM at our BYOD page when you click Join Verizon or I'm with Verizon.

Important: Moving a 5G SIM card to a 4G device won't enable that device to connect to the 5G network.

Manufacturers determine how many and what type of SIM a device can have. Having more than one SIM may allow you to:

• Change carriers without needing a new SIM card.
• Bring the same device when you travel.
• Carry one phone for business and personal use.

Learn more about 2 numbers on 1 phone.

If you have a standard monthly Verizon phone plan, visit our Move your current Verizon mobile line to an eSIM device FAQs to learn how to change from a physical SIM to an eSIM.

To activate a new or replacement SIM card in your device, visit the Activate or Switch Device page in My Verizon.

Before you get a new SIM card, check to see if your mobile device has an eSIM you can use instead.

If your mobile device doesn't have eSIM available:

1. Log in to My Verizon to order a new or replacement SIM card.
2. Choose home delivery or in-store pickup depending on your timeframe:
   • Verizon stores offer same day SIM card replacement.
   • Authorized retailers provide SIM cards within 3 days.

Important: In-store pickup must be made by the Account Owner or Account Manager, with a valid, government-issued photo ID.

All Verizon SIM cards have "1111" as the default SIM PIN. You can change the default SIM PIN to prevent others from using your SIM card. To reset your SIM PIN, choose your device from our device support page and follow the steps.

Important: Verizon Customer Service can't see your unique SIM PIN. Remember it so you can:

• Turn your device on for the first time after you set the SIM PIN.
• Move the SIM card to another compatible device.

Here’s what to do if you set a unique SIM PIN and forgot what it is:

1. Have the Account Owner or Account Manager log in to the My Verizon website.
2. From Manage Devices, choose the device you need to unlock.
3. Scroll to "PIN and Personal Unblocking Key (PUK)".
   • You won't be able to see the unique SIM PIN you set.
   • You can see the Personal Unblocking Key (PUK) to unblock your SIM card.

The SIM PUK is a code that provides added protection against SIM card theft.

• If someone tries the wrong SIM PIN too many times, we ask for the PUK to verify ownership.
• Only a logged-in Verizon Account Owner or Account Manager can find the PUK code in My Verizon.
• If the wrong PUK is entered incorrectly 3 times in a row, the SIM card is permanently locked and can't be reused.

Here's what to do if you're permanently locked out of your SIM card:

• Check to see if your device has an eSIM you can activate instead.
• If you don't have an available eSIM, order a new or replacement SIM card