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 mobile device FAQs.
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Upgrade your Verizon mobile device FAQs
Learn how to replace a device that's using a mobile line on your Verizon account with a new device.
- How do I upgrade a mobile device on my Verizon account?
- How do I upgrade and change my monthly mobile data plan?
- I did an upgrade. How do I check the status of my order?
To upgrade now, go to your Device overview in My Verizon. Or shop our Upgrade deals.
About upgrading your mobile device
- 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.
What is a device upgrade?
When can I upgrade a mobile device on my Verizon account?
You can upgrade a device if your account is not past due and you bought the device you want to replace:
*When you pay off your device agreement, any monthly promotional credits you get for that device will stop.
How do I know if a device on my Verizon account is upgrade eligible?
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.
Can I upgrade my mobile device online if I have a pending order on my account?
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 Account Changes page.
Can I upgrade a non-phone device on my account?
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.
Upgrading a device on your Verizon mobile account
- Go to your Device overview in My Verizon.
- 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.
- Choose a plan option and follow the prompts to complete your order.
How do I upgrade a mobile device on my Verizon account?
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.
How do I upgrade and change my monthly mobile data plan?
When you upgrade your device you can choose to change your plan or keep the same plan:
Switching device upgrade eligibility with another device
- Is no longer eligible to be upgraded.
- Assumes the other device's device payment contract ending date.
- Go to your Device overview in My Verizon in My Verizon.
- Select a device that has an "Upgrade now" link.
- 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. - Select the mobile number of the device to which you want to transfer. Click Transfer.
How can I transfer upgrade eligibility from one device to another?
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:
To transfer eligibility:
Upgrade fee, order status and billing
- 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.
- 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 - Provides self-paced, step-by-step help to back up your phone for content and contact transfer, to migrate your information and set up your device.
- 2-day shipping for online orders or ship from store.
- 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.
- Password changes
- Personal info
- Technical support
- Service quality
What is the device upgrade fee? Is it the same as the device activation fee?
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:
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:
I did an upgrade. How do I check the status of my order?
You can check your order status on your My orders page in My Verizon. Tap an order to view its status.
If I upgrade to a new device, will the charge go directly to my bill?
You must be signed up for the Bill to Account option to have equipment purchases charged to your account:
Learn more with our Bill to Account FAQs.
How can I get help with services I pay for through +play?
For help with a service you pay for through +play, contact the content provider. They can resolve service-related issues, like: