Joining a Verizon family plan can be a fantastic way to save money on your mobile services while keeping your entire household connected. Verizon's "myPlan" offerings are designed with flexibility in mind, allowing each member to choose the unlimited plan and perks that best suit their individual needs.
So, are you ready to simplify your wireless bill and unlock some serious savings? Let's dive into the step-by-step guide to joining a Verizon family plan!
How to Join a Verizon Family Plan: A Comprehensive Guide
Joining a Verizon family plan isn't as complicated as it might seem. Whether you're a new Verizon customer or already have an individual line, the process is straightforward.
Step 1: Discover Your Family's Needs and Engage!
Before you even think about plans, take a moment to consider what everyone in your family truly needs. This is where the engagement begins!
Who's joining the plan? Is it just you and your partner, or do you have kids, grandparents, or other relatives you want to include? Verizon allows up to 10 lines on a single account, including phones, tablets, mobile hotspots, and other connected devices.
What are their data habits? Do some family members stream endlessly, game online, or rely heavily on mobile hotspot? Others might just need basic talk and text.
Are there any international calling or travel needs? If someone frequently travels or calls internationally, this will influence your plan choice.
What devices do you have, or need? Are you bringing your own devices (BYOD), or looking to upgrade to new phones?
Pro Tip: Gather everyone and have an open discussion! Understanding individual usage will help you select the most cost-effective and suitable plan for each person, maximizing your savings.
Step 2: Explore Verizon's "myPlan" Options
Verizon's current family plans are built around the "myPlan" system, which offers a lot of customization. This is where the magic of mixing and matching happens!
Sub-heading: Understanding the Core Unlimited Plans
Verizon offers several unlimited plans that serve as the foundation of your family plan. The cost per line significantly decreases as you add more lines.
Unlimited Welcome: This is the most budget-friendly unlimited option. It offers unlimited talk, text, and data, but your speeds might be temporarily slower during network congestion. It also doesn't include mobile hotspot data by default.
Unlimited Plus: A great mid-tier option. You get unlimited premium data (meaning your speeds won't slow down during congestion), 30GB of mobile hotspot data, and access to Verizon's faster 5G Ultra Wideband network. It also includes unlimited talk, text, and data in Mexico and Canada.
Unlimited Ultimate: The premium offering. This plan provides unlimited premium data, a massive 200GB of mobile hotspot data, and extensive international talk, text, and data benefits in over 208 countries worldwide.
Sub-heading: Adding Perks to Customize
One of the coolest features of myPlan is the ability to add "perks" for an additional fee (typically $10-$15 per month, with some exceptions). Each line can choose its own perks! This means one family member might want the Disney Bundle, while another opts for extra hotspot data.
Some popular perks include:
Streaming Services: Disney Bundle (Hulu, Disney+, ESPN+), Netflix & Max, YouTube Premium, Apple One (Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, iCloud+).
Mobile Hotspot Data: Additional 100GB of Mobile Hotspot.
Travel Benefits: 3 TravelPass Days.
Other: Walmart+ membership, Apple Music Family, +play credit.
Remember: The cost savings on the core unlimited plans as you add lines are substantial. For example, Unlimited Welcome for four lines can be as low as $30 per line!
Step 3: Choose Your Path: New Account or Adding to Existing
Once you have a good idea of your family's needs and the plans available, decide whether you're starting a brand-new Verizon account or adding lines to an existing one.
Sub-heading: For New Verizon Customers
If you're entirely new to Verizon, this is your starting point.
Visit the Verizon Website or Store: Go to Verizon's official website (verizon.com) or visit a local Verizon store.
Select Your Devices: You can either bring your own devices (BYOD) or purchase new ones. If purchasing new phones, you'll select them first.
Choose Your Plans: As you add devices to your cart, you'll be prompted to select a plan for each line. This is where you'll pick your Unlimited Welcome, Plus, or Ultimate plans for each family member.
Add Perks (Optional): During the plan selection, you'll have the option to add any desired perks for each line.
Review and Checkout: Carefully review your entire order, including devices, plans, and perks. You'll see the total monthly cost, including taxes and fees.
Set Up Account: You'll create a My Verizon account, which will be your hub for managing your family plan.
Sub-heading: For Existing Verizon Customers Adding Lines
If you already have a Verizon account and want to add family members, the process is slightly different.
Log In to My Verizon: Go to the My Verizon app or website and sign in with your Account Owner or Account Manager credentials.
Navigate to "Add a Line": Look for an option like "Add a Line," "Shop for a new device," or "Manage My Account."
Choose Device for New Line: Decide if the new family member is bringing their own device (BYOD) or if you're purchasing a new device for them.
Select Plan for New Line: Choose the appropriate "myPlan" unlimited option (Welcome, Plus, or Ultimate) for the new line. Remember, you can mix and match!
Add Perks (Optional): If desired, add any perks for the new line.
Review and Confirm: Review the changes to your account and confirm the addition of the new line and its associated plan.
Step 4: Activating Your Devices and Enjoying the Plan
Once your order is placed or the lines are added, the final steps involve activating the devices.
Receive Your Devices (if applicable): If you ordered new phones, they will be shipped to you.
Activate SIM Cards: New devices typically come with pre-installed SIM cards. For BYOD, you might need a new SIM card from Verizon, which you can usually get at a store or have shipped.
Follow Activation Instructions: Verizon provides clear instructions for activating your devices, often involving a simple online process or a call to customer service.
Download My Verizon App: Encourage all family members to download the My Verizon app. While only the Account Owner or Manager has full control, members can monitor their own usage and manage certain aspects of their line.
Explore Verizon Family App (Optional): If you have children on the plan, consider using the Verizon Smart Family app. This app offers parental controls, location services, and activity monitoring (with consent).
Congratulations! You've successfully joined a Verizon family plan. Now, enjoy the shared benefits and streamlined billing!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to choose the best Verizon family plan for my family?
The best plan depends on your family's data usage, need for hotspot, international calling, and desired perks. Consider "Unlimited Welcome" for basic needs and cost savings, "Unlimited Plus" for moderate to heavy users with hotspot, and "Unlimited Ultimate" for heavy users and frequent international travelers.
How to add someone to an existing Verizon family plan?
Log in to My Verizon (app or website) as the Account Owner or Manager. Navigate to the "Add a Line" or "Shop" section. Choose to add a new device or activate a device the person already owns, then select their desired "myPlan" unlimited option and any perks.
How to check upgrade eligibility on a Verizon family plan?
In My Verizon, go to the "Devices" or "Overview" section. Under each device, you should see an "Upgrade now" link if it's eligible, or an option to "Check Upgrade Options" to see the eligibility date.
How to share data on a Verizon family plan?
With Verizon's "myPlan" unlimited offerings, data is not typically "shared" in the traditional sense. Instead, each line gets its own unlimited data allowance. Mobile hotspot data is a separate allowance specific to each line's chosen unlimited plan (e.g., 30GB on Unlimited Plus, 200GB on Unlimited Ultimate).
How to switch from an individual plan to a family plan on Verizon?
If you're the account owner, you can convert your individual line into the primary line for a new family plan by adding additional lines. If you're joining someone else's existing family plan, the account owner of that plan will need to add your line to their account.
How to manage lines and roles on a Verizon family plan?
The Account Owner has full control. They can manage lines, change plans, add/remove perks, and assign roles (Guardian, Dependent, Member) through the My Verizon app or website. Guardians in the Verizon Smart Family app can also manage certain parental controls.
How to get the best deals on devices when joining a Verizon family plan?
Verizon often offers significant discounts or trade-in promotions, especially when adding new lines or upgrading devices on eligible unlimited plans like Unlimited Ultimate or Unlimited Plus. Check their website or ask a sales representative about current promotions.
How to contact Verizon customer support for family plan assistance?
You can contact Verizon customer support by calling 1-800-922-0204 (for service and technical support) or 1-800-225-5499 (for sales). You can also use their online chat or visit a Verizon retail store.
How to understand the billing for a Verizon family plan?
Your Verizon bill will itemize each line's plan cost, any chosen perks, device payments (if applicable), and taxes/fees. The Account Owner is financially responsible for the entire bill. You can view detailed bills in your My Verizon account.
How to move a line from one Verizon family plan to another?
This typically involves the Account Owner of the receiving family plan adding the line to their account. The line will need to be released from its current family plan (or individual account) first. It's best to contact Verizon customer service or visit a store for smooth transfer of ownership.