What is the Verizon activation fee?
Verizon has eliminated activation and upgrade fees for all postpaid customers who opt into its Loyalty program, meaning the standard $40 per-device activation fee no longer applies if you enroll. Previously, the Verizon activation fee could be up to $40 per device, but that charge is now waived for Loyalty members. The activation fee is a one-time charge and is typically around $30. If you are upgrading your phone on an existing Verizon plan, you may also be subject to an upgrade fee, usually in the range of $20. This change applies to both new lines and upgrades, so the direct answer to "how much does it cost to activate a Verizon phone" is $0, provided you opt in before starting service.
How to activate a Verizon phone for $0
To get your Verizon activation fee waived, you must opt into the Verizon Loyalty program through the My Verizon app. This is a free enrollment step, and once you are a member, the system automatically removes the activation and upgrade fees from your account. The Loyalty program is designed for postpaid customers, so if you are on a prepaid plan, the fee waiver does not apply.
- Open the My Verizon app on your current device or log in at the Verizon website.
- Navigate to the "Account" or "Loyalty" section, look for a banner or prompt about the Loyalty program.
- You should see a confirmation that activation fees are now waived.
- Once enrolled, proceed to activate your new or upgraded phone through the same app or website. You may need your account PIN to activate. You may need your new phone's serial number and SIM card number.
- Sign into your My Verizon account, go to "Activate or switch device," and select the line you want to activate.
- Enter the device's 15-digit IMEI number (found in your phone's settings or on the box). The IMEI or MEID number can usually be found on the back of the phone or in the device's settings.
- If your phone supports eSIM, choose the digital activation option, no physical SIM card is needed. Otherwise, insert the SIM card from your old phone or the new one provided by Verizon.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the activation. Your phone should connect to the Verizon network within a few minutes.
This process covers both new lines and upgrades. If you are switching from another carrier, the same steps apply, and your number will transfer once activation is complete. The key is to opt into Loyalty before you initiate the activation, otherwise, the system may still charge the fee. You can call Verizon Customer Service or visit a Verizon store in person to activate.
Other costs when activating a Verizon phone
While the activation fee is now $0 for Loyalty members, activating a Verizon phone still involves other charges. Your monthly plan is the biggest recurring cost, and it varies based on whether you choose an unlimited or shared data plan. Unlimited plans include unlimited talk, text, and data, while shared data plans let you divide a pool of data across multiple devices, both options include unlimited talk and text as standard.
Beyond the plan, you will pay taxes and surcharges on every line. These are determined by your location and include federal, state, and local taxes plus regulatory fees. They typically add a few dollars to your monthly bill but can be higher depending on where you live.
If you financed your phone through a device payment plan, the cost of the device is spread over 24 or 36 months. This installment is separate from your service charges and appears as a line item on your bill.
Optional device protection is another cost to consider. Verizon offers protection plans that cover repairs and replacements for lost, stolen, or damaged devices. The price varies by coverage level, but it adds a monthly or per-incident fee on top of your plan. You can skip this if you prefer to self-insure, but it is worth factoring in if you want full coverage.
Activating a used or BYOD Verizon phone
Bringing your own device (BYOD) to Verizon is a cost-effective option, and there is no separate "add a line" charge for doing so. The activation fee is still waived under the Loyalty program, and the only costs are your monthly plan, taxes, and any device payment if you financed the phone elsewhere. To activate a used phone, you first need to confirm it is compatible with Verizon's network.
- Check the phone's IMEI number (dial *#06# or look in Settings > About Phone).
- Visit Verizon's BYOD compatibility page or use the My Verizon app to enter the IMEI.
- If the phone is compatible, you will see a confirmation. If not, you may need an unlocked device that supports Verizon's LTE or 5G bands.
- Insert a Verizon SIM card (or use eSIM if the phone supports it) and follow the same activation steps as above.
- Sign into My Verizon, select "Activate or switch device," enter the IMEI, and complete the setup.
Used phones must be unlocked and not reported stolen to work on Verizon. The IMEI check will tell you if there are any issues. If the phone was previously on another carrier, you may need to contact that carrier to unlock it before Verizon can activate it. Once activated, your number and contacts transfer normally, and you can start using the device immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to activate a Verizon phone?
Activation can take anywhere from a few minutes to a couple of hours, depending on network conditions and whether you are porting a number from another carrier.
Can I activate a Verizon phone without a contract?
Yes, Verizon offers prepaid plans that do not require a contract, and you can activate a phone on these plans month-to-month. Postpaid plans also have no annual contract, though you may need to pay for your device in full or finance it over time.
Is the Verizon activation fee a one-time charge?
Yes, the activation fee is a one-time charge applied when you start service on a new device or line, or when you upgrade an existing device. With the Loyalty program, this fee is waived entirely, so you only pay it if you skip the opt-in step.
Do I need a SIM card to activate a Verizon phone?
A physical SIM card is generally required unless your device supports eSIM, which allows digital activation without a physical card. Most newer phones, like recent iPhones and Samsung Galaxy models, support eSIM, so you can activate directly through the My Verizon app.
Can I activate a used Verizon phone?
Yes, you can activate a used Verizon phone as long as it is compatible with their network. Before activating a used phone, it's essential to ensure that it is unlocked and can be used on Verizon's network.
For the wider topic, see activating phones and SIM cards.
