Activate your mobile device FAQs

How you activate a device on the Verizon network depends on your situation:

• New device, existing line: When you order a new device from Verizon for an existing line, it's ready to activate. Just turn it on and follow the steps on-screen to activate it. After activation, Smart Setup can walk you through and help you back up and transfer content if you need to.
• Your own device, existing line: You can bring a compatible device of your own to an existing Verizon line. Start in My Verizon by selecting the device you're replacing.
  
  Note: If you need to activate eSIM on an Android™ device, call Customer Service.
• Bringing a device, new line: If you're setting up a new line and bringing a device to it, activate on our Bring Your Own Device page.
  
  Important: To activate eSIM on an Android device, you must speak to a Customer Service representative (don't use Chat).
• Swapping devices, existing lines: You can also activate and swap devices between lines on your account.
• Prepaid phones: Learn how to activate your prepaid phone.

If there are other phones on your account, you can choose to have the text message code sent to one of them. If there aren't, contact us.

It depends on the device you have. You can check your device eligibility by following the instructions on our Bring Your Own Device page.

Typically, you'll be able to use the device within a few minutes. However, in some cases, it may take up to 24 hours.

Yes. However, if you currently have a pending order on your account, you won't be able to activate a new device online until the pending order is completed or you cancel it. Learn more on our Pending Orders Information page.

An Account Owner or Account Manager can remove a pending order from an account online in My Verizon. Learn more about account access roles.

Note: If a pending order is removed, then it's canceled and the order will have to be placed again.

To remove a pending order from your account:

1. Go to the My Orders page in My Verizon.
2. Click View pending account changes.
3. Click Delete next to the pending order you wish to remove.
4. Click Delete pending account change.