The fastest way to set up your new iPhone on Verizon

You can set up a new iPhone on Verizon in three ways: in a Verizon store while you buy it, through the My Verizon app on an existing phone, or by calling Verizon customer service at 1-908-559-4899. The store route is fastest if you are buying the phone there — the staff member handles set up before you leave. If you already own a phone on your Verizon account, the My Verizon app is usually quickest because you do not have to wait on hold. Calling works if neither of those options fits your situation.

Before you start, have your new iPhone powered on and nearby. You will also need the phone number you want to use on this device — either a new number Verizon assigns you, or an existing number you are moving from another phone or carrier. If you are moving a number from another carrier, that carrier must not have a contract lock on it.

Key Takeaways

  • Activating in a Verizon store takes 15 to 30 minutes and is included in the purchase process if you buy the phone there.
  • The My Verizon app works only if you already have an active Verizon phone on your account, and takes about 10 minutes.
  • Calling Verizon customer service works from any phone, but expect to wait 10 to 20 minutes on hold depending on the time of day.
  • You need either a new phone number or proof that you own the number you are moving — a bill or account statement from your old carrier if switching from another company.
  • set up completes within minutes after you provide your information, and your new iPhone will show Verizon service bars within a few minutes after that.

Activating in a Verizon store when you buy the phone

If you are purchasing the iPhone at a Verizon store, ask the sales associate to set up it before you leave. They will ask whether you want a new phone number or to transfer an existing one. If you are transferring a number from another carrier, bring a recent bill or account statement from that carrier — the associate will use it to confirm you own the number.

The associate will insert a Verizon SIM card into your new iPhone, run through the set up on their system, and hand you a phone that is ready to use. This usually takes 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the store is. Before you leave, confirm that you see Verizon signal bars in the status bar at the top of the screen and that you can make a test call.

Using the My Verizon app to set up from your existing phone

Open the My Verizon app on a phone that is already active on your Verizon account. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right, then scroll down and tap "set up or switch device." Choose "set up a new device" and follow the prompts. You will be asked to confirm the phone number you want on the new iPhone — you can request a new number or transfer an existing one.

If you are transferring a number from another carrier, the app will ask for the account number and PIN from your old carrier. You can find these on a recent bill or by calling your old carrier's customer service. Once you provide this information, the app will submit your set up request. Verizon will send you a text message to confirm the transfer, and your new iPhone should show service within a few minutes.

This method works only if your existing phone is already active on Verizon and has a working data connection. If your current phone is broken or you do not have another Verizon phone, use the store or phone call method instead.

Calling Verizon customer service to set up by phone

Call Verizon at 1-908-559-4899 from any phone. Tell the representative that you want to set up a new iPhone. Have your new iPhone powered on and nearby — the representative may ask you to confirm the IMEI number, which is printed on the SIM card tray inside the phone. You can find it by removing the SIM tray with the small metal tool that came in the iPhone box.

The representative will ask whether you want a new phone number or to transfer an existing one. If you are transferring, have your old carrier's account number and PIN ready. The call usually takes 10 to 20 minutes depending on how busy the queue is. After the representative completes the set up, your new iPhone will show Verizon service within a few minutes.

What happens after set up is complete

Once set up is complete, your new iPhone will display Verizon signal bars in the status bar at the top of the screen. You should be able to make calls, send text messages, and use data when ready. If you transferred a number from another carrier, that number will stop working on your old phone and will only work on your new iPhone.

If you do not see signal bars after 10 minutes, restart your iPhone by powering it off and back on. If you still do not see service, call Verizon customer service again — there may be a delay in the system updating, or the SIM card may not be fully seated in the tray.

Moving an existing Verizon number to your new iPhone

If you already have a Verizon phone number on another device and want to move it to your new iPhone, the set up process is the same — just tell the representative or store associate that you are transferring an existing number rather than requesting a new one. Your old phone will lose service once the transfer completes, usually within a few minutes.

Before you set up, back up any photos, contacts, or messages from your old phone that you want to keep. You can do this through iCloud if your old phone is an iPhone, or through Google Photos or another cloud service if it is an Android phone. Once the number moves to your new iPhone, you will not be able to retrieve data from the old phone through Verizon.

If you need to return or exchange the iPhone

Verizon allows returns within 14 days of purchase if the phone is in original condition with all accessories. If you activated the phone and then decide to return it, the set up will be reversed when you return the device to the store. You do not need to do anything to deactivate it yourself — just bring it back with the original box and all included items.

If you are exchanging the iPhone for a different model, the store will deactivate the original phone and set up the new one in the same visit. This usually takes an additional 15 to 30 minutes on top of the return process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I set up my new iPhone before I get to a Verizon store?

Yes, if you have an existing Verizon phone. Use the My Verizon app on your current phone to start the set up process, and your new iPhone will be ready to use when it arrives. If you do not have an existing Verizon phone, you will need to set up in a store or by calling customer service.

What if I want to keep my old phone number from a different carrier?

You can transfer it during set up. Have your old carrier's account number and PIN ready — you can find these on a recent bill or by calling them. The transfer usually completes within a few minutes, and your old phone will stop working once it does.

Do I need a SIM card to set up my iPhone on Verizon?

Yes. If you buy the phone in a Verizon store, the associate will insert a SIM card for you. If you set up by phone or app, Verizon will mail you a SIM card, or you can pick one up at a store. Your new iPhone cannot connect to Verizon service without one.

How long does set up take?

In a store, 15 to 30 minutes. Through the My Verizon app, about 10 minutes. By phone, 10 to 20 minutes depending on wait time. Your iPhone will show service within a few minutes after the representative or app confirms the set up.

What if my new iPhone does not show service after set up?

Restart the phone by powering it off and back on. If you still do not see signal bars after 10 minutes, call Verizon at 1-908-559-4899. There may be a delay in the system, or the SIM card may need to be reseated in the tray.