How to Activate a Prepaid Verizon Phone

The steps required to activate Verizon phones are relatively simple and easy to execute on the prepaid plans. The absolute easiest way to activate the prepaid phone is to have it done at the point of purchase.

However, you can activate the plan at home and even recharge the plan with minutes and data at home. In many cases, activation at home is required because you purchased the phone through an online retailer. In this case, the phone requires activation before it works.

Before you activate the phone, you must prepare it for use. First, install the SIM card that came with the prepaid phone plan purchase. To install it, locate the pinhole on the SIM tray. Insert a paperclip end to pop the tray open.

Before inserting the SIM, write down the 20-digit number located on the card. You need this for the activation, so double-check to ensure you have the correct number. Insert the SIM and close the tray.

Now, plug the phone into the charger and wait for it to charge fully. The setup is typically quick but starting with a full charge is always a good idea. At the least, you can use the initial charge as an opportunity to gauge charging time and the battery life for your phone.

Activating by phone is easy, but you need another phone for the initial call. Your cellphone is not activated, and it cannot dial out at all. Borrow a phone from a friend or locate a landline to make the activation call.

Dial 866-893-7723 to connect with the activation line. The call is automated and requires a response to several basic prompts to move the call forward. You are asked for the type of device being activated. Enter the phone option and then type your 20-digit SIM number when prompted. After the SIM is accepted, enter your 5-digit ZIP code to set the phone location.

At this point, Verizon has everything needed for the phone setup. Go ahead and enter your Verizon PIN or credit card information to send and confirm the payment. You will receive a phone number and security code. Write down the number and code accurately for the final activation.

Turn on the phone and connect to a Wi-Fi network. Restart if you already turned on the phone and make the connection. It will walk you through the final steps to activate the phone. Keep in mind that it may require 10 to 15 minutes of waiting before the phone is ready for the final activation.

You can activate the prepaid plan online or by calling. The online process is easy and efficient to complete. Head to the Verizon website and set up a My Verizon account if you don't have one already. If you do have the account, log in to access your information.

When you are set up with a username and password, access your account area. Click the Activate option and select the Switch or Bring Your Own Device option. Choose Activate a Device on an Existing Line or Set up a New Line.

Next, add the SIM card number to the account and click Check ID followed by Confirm. If you chose to activate on an existing line, it will work with that phone number, and you can purchase the prepaid plan.

On a new phone, you will receive the Verizon activation number or security code and phone number. Set up your phone on Wi-Fi and follow the prompts to enter the number and code for the final activation. Test the phone at this point to finalize and the new plan.