BYOD: How to bring your own device, phone, tablet, smart watch & switch

Here is a quick summary on what to do if you break your phone and need to switch to a new one and an explanation of how to easily switch Verizon.

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Accidents will always happen, but we realize that now is not the best time to have a broken or lost phone. 

The good news is that Verizon makes it very simple to switch to another phone that you might have lying around your house — even if you didn’t buy it from Verizon. And if you're switching to Verizon, we can help you keep your existing number and easily get back up and running. 

The process is easy whether you are an existing Verizon customer or not. 

Getting started

First, if you are an existing Verizon customer, simply sign into your My Verizon account, click “devices” and then go to “switch or activate devices.” If you are moving to Verizon from another carrier or want to add a new line, head over to verizon.com/bringit and click “Switch Now.”

Next, choose whether you are bringing a smartphone, tablet, smartwatch or another device with you and enter the kind of device you are bringing. You can bring almost any 4G LTE or 5G phone that is unlocked and paid off. If you aren’t sure if your phone is unlocked, give your existing phone company a call and they can unlock it for you. 

Making the switch

You then need to enter your device ID, also known as an IMEI. This is easily found in your phone settings under the “About” section on both Android and Apple smartphones and tablets.

Once you confirm the device you have, click next and choose whether you need a Verizon SIM card. If you don’t have one, we will quickly mail you a new one.

If you want to move your current phone number to Verizon, enter it on the next page. You will also be given the option to choose a smartphone protection plan. 

Once you're done, simply click “add to cart,” choose your Verizon data and calling plan and you are good to go. 

More reasons to switch

What’s more, if you switch now and bring your own phone, tablet or Apple Watch, you can get a prepaid gift card for up to $250.1 If you are an existing customer and want to add a line — say you want to hook up an extra phone for your kid to play with while you work from home — you can get a $100 prepaid gift card.2

Visit verizon.com/bringit to learn more and check out this quick tutorial video

1 $250 via Verizon e-gift card (sent w/in 8 wks). Port-in & activation on eligible plan and 4G LTE phone req’d. Line must remain active for 45 days; $250 charge back if cancelled w/in 6 mos. See verizon.com/bring-your-own-device for details.

2 $100 Verizon e-Gift Card (sent w/in 8wks)  when you add a new smartphone line with your own 4G or 5G smartphone on an eligible Verizon unlimited postpaid unlimited plan.  Line must remain active for 45 days; $100 charge back if cancelled w/in 6 mos.

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