To operate your phone on any carrier, a SIM card is a primary component. Even though today people can use their smartphones without sim cards, they cannot be replaced. Not even by eSIMs used by some Verizon devices. Verizon has made it easy for its customers to acquire SIM cards. Whether ordering for the first or a replacement, Verizon SIM card are free of charge. Depending on your device model, sometimes you can use both the eSIM and SIM card on a single phone.
In short, the SIM technology in Verizon is widely diversified. In this article, we bring you all the information you need to acquire a Verizon free SIM card. Additionally, we will answer all the questions that may have troubled you previously pertaining Verizon SIM card.
How to Order a Free Verizon SIM Card
Verizon devices come with their SIM card. Nevertheless, different situations can prompt the need for a new one. Either you lost yours and want a replacement or you are joining from another carrier. In such instances, you have three different ways to order your free verizon SIM card. These include;
- Ordering online
- Visiting a Verizon local store
- Applying at an authorized retailer
1. How to order online
- Head to Verizon website and log in to MyVerizon Account
- Select Activate a device option
- Key in your mobile phone ID This can be the IMEI or MEID
- Choose the option for the SIM card to be mailed to you. Also, you can choose to collect your SIM card at a specific place. Verizon has established pick up points all over some even in form of curbside. Verizon provides a 2-day shipping policy and 24/7 customer support. So, you can expect your SIM card within 2 days.
2. Visiting a Verizon shop
This is perhaps the most straightforward method. All you need are a few identification documents and you are good to go. To verify your identity, you may need a government-issued ID or any other as requested.
Sometimes, you may need to schedule an appointment through My Verizon app due to congestion. The good thing with this method is that you can walk out with your SIM card on the same day. If you don’t know your nearest Verizon shop, you can use the online shop locator on their page. When you get to the shop, their customer care correspondents will guide you through the process.
3. Ordering from authorized retailers
Verizon also works with certain retailers to enhance their service delivery. Just like in the Verizon shops, you can order your SIM card from there. All the rules applied at Verizon stores will apply here. However, note that since these are third party partners, Verizon allows them to charge some fees. So, don’t be surprised if you are asked to pay some fees.
The above methods apply for people applying SIM cards for devices bought at Verizon shops. For example, replacements or getting new SIM cards. If you have a device you want to move to Verizon, the SIM card application method may differ significantly.
Ordering a BYOD SIM Card Online
Technically, an online application for a Verizon SIM isn’t easy as it may appear. If you want to move your current device to Verizon, below are the steps you should follow to get your SIM card;
- Visit Verizon page and click on Bring Your Own Device
- Select “I am not with Verizon” option
- Input your phone IMEI then click continue
- Wait for some seconds as the compatibility test runs. If your device is compatible with Verizon network, you’ll receive a congratulatory message for your device.
- On the next page, click I need a SIM card and Add to cart
- Click ‘continue’ to cart to explore the available option. However, understand that you cannot complete the order until you choose a plan. By default, Verizon subscribes you to the $40 plan. If you want a different one, click edit option. You will be prompted to choose your preferred plan some of which come with additional data. So, what are the available plans you can choose?
Picking a Plan and Features
Verizon offers 3 plans which include;
- $30 per month-This plan has the following features;
- Unlimited text and talk time for all customers within US
- Unlimited texts for customers in Mexico and Canada
- $45 per month
- Unlimited text and talk time for all customers within US
- Unlimited texts for customers in Mexico and Canada
- 2GB high speed data
- Has an Always-On data feature. This means you can access internet though at lower speeds when you exhaust your allotment
- Supports mobile hotspot
- $60per month
- Unlimited text and talk time for all customers within US
- Unlimited texts for customers in Mexico and Canada
- 5 GB high speed data
- Always-On data feature which allows you to browse at slow speeds when you exhaust the 5GB allotment
- Extra 1GB data if you subscribe to AutoPay program
- It supports mobile hotspot
Verizon SIM Activation Process
After receiving your Verizon free SIM card, you now need to activate it to start functioning. To do this, follow the steps below;
- Note down your phone IMEI
- Insert the SIM card in its appropriate slot. You may be forced to remove the battery depending on the type of your phone
- If you had powered off the phone, power it on.
- Contact Verizon customer care using another phone for activation. For individual SIM card, you call them on (877)- 807-4646. If yours is a business line, contact Verizon via (800) 922-0204.
- When connected to a customer attendant, explain that you want to activate a SIM. You’ll be asked some authentication details such as the IMEI. Within minutes, your SIM will be activated.
Is My Phone Compatible With Verizon?
Buying a new phone so that you can use a certain carrier is a painful episode. If you are wondering whether your phone will work with Verizon, don’t freak. There is a way to check this. In general, Verizon is compatible with thousands of phones that we can’t exhaust naming here.
The most anxious people about compatibility are iPhone users. Though, the good news is that Verizon works with many iPhones including iPhone 5 and 6 generics. To check whether your phone is compatible with Verizon, just get its IMEI and feed it in the online checking section. Verizon online checker will give you an answer within seconds.
FAQs
How can I secure my Verizon SIM card?
You can secure your SIM card with a PIN. By default, a Verizon SIM card doesn’t have a PIN. Although, you can create one anytime you want. The process will vary from device to device. Once you introduce a PIN, you’ll be prompted to input it every time you turn on your device. So, for anyone to use it, they must have the PIN even if the change the devices.
What should I do if I forget my SIM PIN?
Visit Verizon page and click My Device on My Verizon page. You will find all Verizon devices listed under that tab. Select your device then click PIN and Personal Unlocking Key to see the two. In case your phone is already locked after entering the PIN too many times, use the PUK to unlock it. However, if you changed the universal PIN to a unique one, Verizon cannot retrieve it for you.
What precautionary measure should I take when handling a Verizon SIM card?
Mishandling your SIM card can easily spoil it. For that reason, you should always observe the following guidelines;
- You should not touch the gold segment
- You should always store the SIM card and never bending it
- To function properly, align the gold contacts of the phone and the SIM card. There’s always a mark on the top of the slot on how to install the SIM.
- The SIM card should always be dry and clean
- Don’t expose your SIM card to magnetic fields or extreme conditions
Can one use their Verizon 4G LTE or 5G SIM cards in multiple devices?
Yes, you can use your SIM card in as many devices as possible as long as they are compatible with Verizon. Although, whenever you purchase a new Verizon device, it is advised you use their new SIM that.
Can I use my two Verizon SIM cards in my dual phone?
Yes, you can use all your SIM cards though at different times. When calling with one, all call to the other SIM go to voicemail. That means you can’t use them at the same time. However, you can receive messages to both of them at the same time.
Can I upgrade my eSIM device?
Yes, you can upgrade your eSIM device to a new one. However, when choosing a default line, you should make the secondary as your default line.
Can Verizon prepaid service work on my dual eSIM phone?
No, as at now, there is no Verizon prepaid service for dual eSIM devices.
Conclusion
Verizon is one of the four major carriers in the US. When surveying that market for a service provider with the best plans and offers, Verizon name will be there. Their free SIM card is one of those interesting but troubling services. Once in a while, you’ll find people struggling to understand the process. If you have been following this article from the start, you must be out of these statistics.
