How-to: Activate a new Verizon phone online / switch ESN

Is it possible to use this procedure to activate a BB Pearl from Sprint to Verizon?

Originally Posted by tavenger5

You will need to register for "My Verizon" first, as this is where you will find the online ESN changer. Follow these instructions to do the ESN change yourself:

1. Log into your "My Verizon" account
2. Under the "My Services" section, click on the black GO link, next to the picture of your phone OR click on "My Cell Phone"
3. Click on the "Activate Phone" link on the right
4. Click on the " Activate Equipment" link on the right, under the "Existing or Replacement Equipment" section (this may not be there anymore)
5. Click on "Reason for change" and select "Other", as the reason (this may not be there anymore)
6. Next you will need to enter the ESN/MEID number and hit submit. (the esn is usually found on the box near barcodes or under the battery on the phone)

After you have done this, wait 5-10 minutes and dial *228 (option #1) to program your phone. Once you hear the "Your phone has been programed successfully" message, you can hit OK, or the end key. You can make a test call by hitting #832, to confirm that your phone is working properly.

If you have any problems with this, or receive any error messages, you can call Verizon's customer service dept. for help at 1-800-922-0204. They usually charge $20 to change the ESN for you. However, if you tried it yourself first, and let the Rep. know that you had a problem, they will usually waive the fee.

great information thanks much!

Looks easy thanks

Originally Posted by tavenger5

You will need to register for "My Verizon" first, as this is where you will find the online ESN changer. Follow these instructions to do the ESN change yourself:

1. Log into your "My Verizon" account
2. Under the "My Services" section, click on the black GO link, next to the picture of your phone OR click on "My Cell Phone"
3. Click on the "Activate Phone" link on the right
4. Click on the " Activate Equipment" link on the right, under the "Existing or Replacement Equipment" section (this may not be there anymore)
5. Click on "Reason for change" and select "Other", as the reason (this may not be there anymore)
6. Next you will need to enter the ESN/MEID number and hit submit. (the esn is usually found on the box near barcodes or under the battery on the phone)

After you have done this, wait 5-10 minutes and dial *228 (option #1) to program your phone. Once you hear the "Your phone has been programed successfully" message, you can hit OK, or the end key. You can make a test call by hitting #832, to confirm that your phone is working properly.

If you have any problems with this, or receive any error messages, you can call Verizon's customer service dept. for help at 1-800-922-0204. They usually charge $20 to change the ESN for you. However, if you tried it yourself first, and let the Rep. know that you had a problem, they will usually waive the fee.

Thanks for the info. FYI: I was unable to activate my phone through the web without adding an access plan. I had to go to the local corporate store to get it done w/o the access plan.

Thanks for this!

I was activating a phone that still had service under a different account and kept getting an error message saying Verizon was unable to active my phone at this time. I assume the reason was because the phone was already assigned to my new number in the Verizon system when I set up the calling plan. I got the bright idea to skip to the programming step and dial *228. Voila, total success!

Soooo, if anyone runs into trouble activating online, you might want to consider going right to this step : ]

thanks for sharing

thanks

Actually the method above will only work if you are going from a Blackberry to a Blackberry or a simple flip phone to a simple flip phone. The method will not wok however if you are switching from Sprint to Verizon or switching from a basic style phone to a smart phone such as an android phone or Blackberry. In those cases - you would have to call Verizon support or take your phone to a Verizon store.

Also - the $20 fee only applies if you are a first time Verizon customer. If you are just swapping out phones - no charge will apply.

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The BlueDot pays top dollar for your used cell phones.

very good .. very ueseful !!!!! Thanks !!!!!!!!!!!!