Upgrade your Verizon mobile device FAQs

An upgrade is when you buy a mobile device through Verizon to replace a mobile device that's already using a line on your account.

You can upgrade by buying a new or certified pre-owned device, and paying full price or using device payments. (The device must be "upgrade eligible" to use device payments).

You can also replace a device on your account with a device you already own. Learn more on the Bring Your Own device page.

You can upgrade a device if your account is not past due and you bought the device you want to replace:

• At retail price - you can upgrade to a new device any time.
• With a device payment agreement - you can upgrade when any of these applies:
  • You paid off your device payment agreement.*
  • You do an early upgrade. Learn more about the iPhone early upgrade program.
  • You bought your device at a discount for signing a 2-year contract and that contract ended.
    

*When you pay off your device agreement, any monthly promotional credits you get for that device will stop.

To learn if your current device can be upgraded, go to your Device overview in My Verizon. Scroll down to view your devices. "Upgrade now" appears under eligible devices.

To find the upgrade eligibility date for other devices, tap the device, then tap Check Upgrade Options.

No. Pending orders must be completed or removed before you can upgrade a device

An Account Owner or Account Manager can remove a pending order on your My orders page in My Verizon. Tap or click View pending account changes then follow the prompts to delete the pending account change.

Learn more on our Pending Orders Information page.

Yes. You can upgrade an upgrade-eligible, non-phone device (e.g., mobile hotspot, tablet, smartwatch, etc.).

If you use device payments for the new device, then you can only upgrade to the same type of device (i.e., a connected device or a tablet/internet/home device). If you pay full price, you can upgrade to any device type, including a phone.

If your account is not past due and you have an upgrade eligible device, you can upgrade by visiting your Device overview in My Verizon. Choose the device you want to replace and follow the prompts.

When you upgrade your device you can choose to change your plan or keep the same plan:

1. Go to your Device overview in My Verizon.
2. Tap Upgrade now under the device and follow the prompts to choose a new device and optional accessories. You’ll have the option to keep your plan or explore a new plan.
3. Choose a plan option and follow the prompts to complete your order.

If you have a device on your account that's "upgrade eligible" you can transfer that eligibility to a device on your account that isn't eligible.

When you transfer eligibility to another device, the original eligible device:

• Is no longer eligible to be upgraded.
• Assumes the other device's device payment contract ending date.

To transfer eligibility:

1. Go to your Device overview in My Verizon in My Verizon.
2. Select a device that has an "Upgrade now" link.
3. Click Transfer upgrade.
   
   If the Transfer Upgrade link doesn't appear, you may not be eligible to transfer, or don't have an eligible device.
4. Select the mobile number of the device to which you want to transfer. Click Transfer.

We charge a one-time $35 fee per device activated or upgraded on the Verizon network. This fee applies regardless of the device type, since each device is set up individually:

• The activation fee is a one-time charge for activating a new line of service on the Verizon network. This includes when you bring your own device (BYOD).
• The upgrade fee is a one-time charge for changing to a new device on the Verizon network. This fee is refunded if you return the device within 30 days of the date of purchase.

For this charge, Verizon gives access to a range of services, tools and personalized support to help ensure your device is set up for a seamless experience on America's most awarded network:

• 30 days of personalized tech support for smartphones (60 days if purchased online). Upon activation or upgrade, the line is sent a free Verizon text with a 30 (or 60) day link for personalized support.
• Provisioning and troubleshooting of a Verizon SIM card.
• Verizon Smart Setup - Assists in setting up the device, migrating your information, backing up your phone (facilitating content and contact transfer) and helping you process any trade-in.
• 2-day shipping for online orders or ship from store.

You can check your order status on your My orders page in My Verizon. Tap an order to view its status.

You must be signed up for the Bill to Account option to have equipment purchases charged to your account:

• You must have a standard monthly account with Verizon for at least 6 months to bill equipment to your account.
• Bill to Account isn't available for prepaid accounts.

Learn more with our Bill to Account FAQs.