Activating your eSIM device on a standard monthly plan FAQs

eSIM is a digital SIM built into mobile devices. eSIM lets you activate a device on a cellular network without a physical SIM card.

• Newer devices can have eSIM in addition to or instead of removable SIM cards.
• See what type(s) of SIM your device has in the general Settings, usually under About or About Phone.

Visit our Move your current Verizon mobile line to an eSIM device FAQs to learn how to easily change your number to a different device.

If you have a Prepaid account, learn how to activate devices on Verizon Prepaid. For Verizon Business lines visit eSIM Activation Instructions for Business.

How you activate an eSIM device on a new line of service depends on whether you're opening a new account or you're adding a new line to an existing account.

If you have a standard monthly plan, follow the instructions below. (These steps aren't for devices on Prepaid and Business plans.*)

• If you're switching to Verizon - Use the My Verizon app to quickly enable the eSIM device on your new Verizon line.
  • My Verizon app - Install and open the app, then follow the prompts for your device.
  • My Verizon website - Visit our Bring your own device (BYOD) page; choose a mobile service plan and follow the steps to install the eSIM onto your device.
• If you're adding a line to an existing Verizon account - Use the Add a Line page of the My Verizon website to set up and activate your eSIM.
  • Or, if you have the phone you're activating in hand, you can use the My Verizon app. Go to Shop > Bring your device and follow the prompts.

Important: To activate, your device has to be unlocked from any carrier other than Verizon. If needed, contact your previous carrier to unlock. After unlocking, it can take up to 24 hours before you can activate your device with Verizon.

*If you have a Prepaid account, visit our how to activate devices on Verizon Prepaid to learn how to connect to our network with aneSIM. For Verizon Business lines visit eSIM Activation Instructions for Business.

While you're setting up your eSIM-capable device some devices will need a QR code. If so, you'll get it during set-up. If you can't find it or aren't sure if you need one, see below:

• iPhone X and iPhone 11 - Use the phone’s camera to scan the QR code. If you don't receive it by email, scan it from Apple iPhone - Add Cellular Plan Using an eSIM.
• Android - Some Android devices need a QR code to download an eSIM profile. See the steps for your specific device.
• iPhone 12 and newer don't need a QR code.

If you still need help activating eSIM, call us (don't use Chat).

Visit our Move your current Verizon mobile line to an eSIM device FAQs to learn how to easily change your number to a different device.

Visit our Move your current Verizon mobile line to an eSIM device FAQs to learn how to change which SIM you're using.

Note: If your device is Dual SIM and you want to change from using the SIM card to using the eSIM, you may need to remove the card first.