Verizon's Phone-Swapping Policy: What You Need To Know

Verizon allows its customers to switch their phones by swapping phones with someone on their account or upgrading to a new phone. To swap phones with someone on your account, you must be the Account Owner or Account Manager, and both numbers must be active on the same Verizon mobile account. You can also upgrade your device by buying a new or certified pre-owned device, either at retail price or with a device payment agreement.

Activating a different device without going to a Verizon store

Yes, you can activate a different device without going to a Verizon store. There are a few ways to do this.

One way is to dial *228, option 1 on the phone you want to activate. This will prompt you to enter the number you want to program it to, as well as your password or SSN.

Another way is to log into your My Verizon account online. On the main page, under the "Manage My Device" section, there is a link to "Activate or Switch Device". This will guide you through the steps to switch devices.

Additionally, if you have a physical SIM card, you may need to check its compatibility by entering the SIM ID (ICCID). If your device supports an eSIM, you can activate it without a physical SIM card by entering the device's unique 15-digit IMEI number.

Swapping phones with someone on your account

Swapping phones with someone on your Verizon account is a straightforward process. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Requirements for Swapping Phones:

• You must be the Account Owner or an Account Manager to initiate the swap.
• Both phone numbers must be active on the same Verizon mobile account.
• Any outstanding balances on both phones should be cleared.
• Complete or cancel any pending orders on your account.
• Ensure there is no fraudulent activity associated with either phone's Device ID.

Steps to Swap Phones:

• Before initiating the swap, back up your phone to avoid losing important data.
• Contact Verizon customer support to facilitate the swap. You can do this by visiting the "Contact Us" page on their website, choosing "Mobile," and then "Shop" to reach a Customer Service representative.
• If you are swapping phones with someone who has a different data plan or equipment protection plan, you may need to update your plan to ensure compatibility. Verizon Customer Service representatives can assist you in finding a suitable plan.
• Swapping phones is free, but you may need to pay for any plan changes or upgrades.
• Once you have confirmed the swap details with Verizon, both phones will need to be powered down to reassign the phone numbers.
• After powering down the phones, click the "Swap Devices" button, and then confirm the swap.
• Activate your new phone by turning it on and following the on-screen setup assistant. Test your voice activation by dialling #832, and verify your data connection by opening the phone's web browser to https://www.verizon.com. If you encounter any issues, contact Verizon for assistance.
• Once your phone is activated, the other person can power on their new phone and follow the same activation steps.

Additional Notes:

• If you are swapping phones with someone who has an eSIM, you may need to convert it to a physical SIM first. Contact Verizon customer support or visit a corporate store for assistance with this process.
• If you are using physical SIM cards, simply swap the SIM cards between the phones and perform a factory reset before restoring your data from the cloud.

Upgrading your mobile device

First, you need to check your upgrade eligibility. To do this, go to vzw.com and sign in to your My Verizon account. On the My Verizon overview page, scroll down to the My Devices section, where you can see each of your devices listed, along with their upgrade status and any remaining payments. If you are eligible for an upgrade, you will see an "Upgrade now" link under the eligible device.

If you are the owner or manager of your account, you can also log in to My Verizon or use the app to view this information. Simply click "Upgrade Device" to get started.

If you are not yet eligible for an upgrade but can't wait, you can always purchase a new device at the retail price.

When considering an upgrade, think about which mobile technology features would be most useful to you. For example, would GPS navigation be helpful, or would a larger tablet screen make it easier to edit and review documents?

You should also consider which operating system would suit you best. If you like to customise your devices, Android might be a good option. You can personalise your Android device's homepage with live wallpapers and widgets, and it integrates seamlessly with other Google products like Gmail, Google Maps, and Google Chrome. On the other hand, if you're looking for simplicity, the streamlined iOS experience offered by Apple iPhones might be a better choice.

Once you've considered your needs and found a device that's right for you, you can complete your upgrade by following the steps outlined on the Device overview page in My Verizon. You'll be able to choose your new device, add any accessories, and select your delivery or pickup options. Finally, review and agree to the terms and conditions before placing your order.

Switching to a new Verizon phone

Once you have selected a new device, you can choose to upgrade or replace your current device. If you have any remaining payments on your current device, you will need to pay off the balance. You can then select your new device and choose any options like colour or memory size.

After selecting your new device, you will need to choose device protection coverage and add any accessories. If eligible, you can trade in your old device and receive an account credit.

The next step is to review your shopping cart, which will show the total cost of your purchase and your monthly charges. You can then proceed to checkout and review the delivery options. You can choose to have your new device shipped to you or, if available, pick it up at a local store.

Finally, you will need to review and agree to the terms and conditions before placing your order. You will receive an order confirmation email, which you should keep for your records.

Additionally, you can activate your new device by going to the My Verizon Activate or Switch Device page and following the steps provided. You will need to sign in to your My Verizon account to get started.

Verizon also offers a Smart Setup service to guide you through the process of backing up your old device and setting up your new one. This service is available for 30 days and provides 24/7 live messaging support.

Transferring upgrade eligibility

If you have multiple devices on your account and one is eligible for an upgrade, you can transfer upgrade eligibility to another line on your account when upgrading your device in My Verizon. To do this, log in to My Verizon, then go to the Upgrade Device page and click "Transfer Upgrade".

However, when you transfer eligibility from one line to another, the original line is no longer eligible for the upgrade discount. The original eligible device assumes the other device's device payment contract ending date.

Here's a step-by-step guide to transferring upgrade eligibility:

• Go to the Device overview page 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".

Before transferring upgrade eligibility, you can check your upgrade eligibility status by going to the Upgrade Eligibility page, entering your mobile number and email address, and it will tell you if you are eligible for an upgrade.

Frequently asked questions