eSIM FAQs

An eSIM is an embedded SIM inside your device. With eSIM, there's no physical SIM card that you need to insert.

Like a traditional SIM card, the eSIM stores data that is needed for your device to connect to and use the Verizon network.

When activating an unlocked device on the Verizon network some services may not work once you’ve switched.

Devices that have Dual SIM with an eSIM have both a physical SIM card and an eSIM. This allows you the option to have two different phone numbers on the same device.

Yes. Some carriers lock devices that have been active for less than 60 days. If your device has been active on another carrier for 60 days or less, you may need to contact them first before you can bring your own device to Verizon. After the carrier has unlocked the device, it can take up to 24 hours before you can activate your device with Verizon.

Visit our Bring your own device using an eSIM page to learn how to bring your own eSIM or Dual SIM device to Verizon.

Devices that are eSIM-only do not have a physical SIM card; instead all of the information needed to connect your device to use on the Verizon network is stored on the eSIM inside the device.

Motorola razr

In order to make changes to the account, you must be the Account Owner or Account Manager. To activate your eSIM-only device, contact us to get assistance and instructions.

The following devices support Dual SIM with an eSIM:

Apple®

• iPhone® 12
• iPhone 12 Pro
• iPhone 12 Pro Max
• iPhone 12 mini
• iPhone SE
• iPhone 11
• iPhone 11 Pro
• iPhone 11 Pro Max
• iPhone XR
• iPhone XS
• iPhone XS Max

Google

• Pixel 4
• Pixel 4 XL
• Pixel 4a
• Pixel 4a 5G UW
• Pixel 5

Dual SIM with an eSIM opens up many possibilities that were previously unavailable with only a physical SIM. For example:

• Having two phone numbers and two different plans tied to a single device
• Being able to have a data plan on a foreign carrier while traveling abroad without swapping SIMs

Yes, you can combine two separate phone numbers onto a single dual SIM with an eSIM capable device, including:

• Two personal numbers that are on the same account
• Two personal numbers that are on separate accounts
• One personal and one business number

To make changes to your personal line, you'll need to verify that you are authorized to do so when you contact us. To make changes to your business line, contact your company's single point of contact (SPOC) to make sure your company supports the dual SIM with an eSIM feature.

On 5G phones with Dual SIM with an eSIM, you can only have one active phone number in order to access the 5G network on that phone. If you have two phone numbers on a 5G phone with Dual SIM, you’ll need to temporarily disable one of the numbers before you can connect to the 5G network.

Yes, if you have a compatible device, you can activate Verizon service with your eSIM and don't need a physical SIM card from Verizon. Visit our support page for more information on activating using the My Verizon app and your eSIM.

Note: If you purchase your device from Verizon, it will come with a pre-inserted physical SIM card, which will be used with Verizon service. The eSIM can be used if you purchased your device through another carrier, or a non-Verizon reseller.

When activating an approved unlocked device on the Verizon network, some Verizon services may not work once you've switched.

Yes, you can activate the eSIM on a Dual-SIM with an eSIM-capable iPhone using the IMEI2.

To activate an eSIM:

1. On your phone, turn on and connect to Wi-Fi. You must be connected to a Wi-Fi network to continue.
2. Find the IMEI2 on your iPhone by going to Settings > General > About.
3. Refer to eSIM Activation Instructions for iPhone.

Yes, when you contact us, tell the Verizon customer service representative that you’d like to activate an eSIM and provide them with the IMEI2. You can find the IMEI2 on your iPhone by going to Settings > General > About.

At this time prepaid service is unavailable with dual SIM with an eSIM technology.

Yes, if you have both SIMs active it means that you have two different phone numbers.

Yes, you can make and receive calls and messages from both phone numbers you have. However, if you're on a call with one of your phone numbers, calls to your other phone number will go to voicemail. You also won't receive a notification for the missed call. Call Waiting will work if you receive a call from the same number that you are currently using.

Yes, if you have a device active on the eSIM, that device can be upgraded to a new one.

If the device you upgrade to has eSIM functionality, follow the instructions in the box to complete setup and activation. When prompted to select the Default line, please select Secondary as the default line.

If you have an Apple iPhone, follow the instructions to add a data plan.

If you have an Android™ phone, visit Device Support, then select your manufacturer and model. Then find “SIM Card” from the drop-down.

Visit Apple's support page for more information.