Have you ever found yourself in a situation where a family member or trusted friend needed to manage your Verizon account, but you weren't around to do it? Perhaps they needed to pay a bill, check data usage, or even troubleshoot an issue. If so, you've likely realized the importance of having an authorized user on your Verizon account. This comprehensive guide will walk you through, step by step, how to add an authorized user (which Verizon refers to as an Account Manager) via the My Verizon app, empowering those you trust to handle essential account tasks.
Let's dive in!
Understanding Account Roles on Verizon
Before we jump into the steps, it's crucial to understand the different roles on a Verizon account and what each role can do:
Account Owner: This is the person who originally opened the account and is financially responsible for it. The Account Owner has full access to all account information and can manage all lines of service, including adding and removing Account Managers and changing the Account PIN. There's only one Account Owner per account.
Account Manager: This is the role we'll be focusing on. An Account Manager is assigned by the Account Owner and has extensive access to account information. They can manage most aspects of the account, such as viewing and paying bills, upgrading phones, changing plans, and adding new lines. However, they cannot assign other Account Managers or change the Account PIN. Most accounts can have up to 3 Account Managers, but some older accounts with 4 or more active lines can have up to 6.
Account Member: Any other mobile number on the account that isn't the Account Owner or Account Manager is typically an Account Member. They have limited access to information about their specific line of service but generally don't have access to sensitive billing information. They can usually make one-time payments, check minutes and messages, and manage personal preferences for their line.
Now that we know the roles, let's get to the main event!
Step 1: Prepare for Success – Gather Your Essentials!
Alright, before we even open the My Verizon app, let's make sure you're set up for a smooth process. This initial preparation can save you a lot of time and potential frustration!
Sub-heading: What You'll Need:
Your Verizon Account Owner Credentials: You must be the Account Owner to add an Account Manager. This means having your My Verizon User ID and Password readily available.
The My Verizon App: Ensure you have the latest version of the My Verizon app installed on your smartphone or tablet. Updates often include bug fixes and new features, so it's always a good idea to be current.
Information about the Authorized User: You'll need the legal first and last name of the person you want to add as an Account Manager. This name should match their government-issued ID to avoid any issues if they need to contact customer service or visit a Verizon store.
Their Mobile Number (if applicable): If the person you're adding already has a line on your Verizon account, you'll need to know which mobile number is theirs.
Their Email Address: An email address is crucial for the Account Manager to receive important notifications and potentially set up their own My Verizon access.
Your Account PIN: While not always explicitly requested in the app for adding a manager, having your Account PIN handy is always a good practice for any account changes, as it might be required for verification at some point or for the new Account Manager to manage the account via customer service.
Step 2: Logging In as the Account Owner
This step is critical because only the Account Owner can add an Account Manager. If you're logged in as an Account Member, you won't see the options to perform this action.
Sub-heading: Accessing Your Account:
Open the My Verizon App: Locate the My Verizon app icon on your device and tap it to open.
Sign In: You'll be prompted to sign in with your Verizon User ID and Password.
If you've forgotten your credentials, tap on the "Forgot User ID" or "Forgot Password" link and follow the on-screen instructions to recover them.
If you're already logged in, double-check that you are indeed logged in as the Account Owner. You can usually confirm this by looking at your profile or account overview within the app, where your account role should be displayed.
Step 3: Navigating to Account Managers
Once you're successfully logged in as the Account Owner, it's time to find the section where you can manage account roles.
Sub-heading: Finding the Right Settings:
Tap the "Me" Tab: At the bottom of the My Verizon app, you'll typically find a navigation bar. Look for and tap the "Me" tab. This section often contains your profile, settings, and account management options.
Go to Profile & Settings: Within the "Me" tab, you'll usually see an option for "Profile & settings" or something similar. Tap on it.
Select "Account Managers": In the "Profile & settings" menu, scroll down until you find "Account managers" or "Account roles." Tap this option. This is where you'll be able to see existing Account Managers and add new ones.
Step 4: Adding a New Account Manager
Now for the core task – adding your authorized user!
Sub-heading: Entering Their Information:
Tap "Add Manager": On the "Account Managers" screen, you should see a button or link that says "Add manager" or similar. Tap it to begin the process.
Enter the Account Manager's Details:
Legal First Name: Carefully enter the legal first name of the person you're authorizing.
Legal Last Name: Carefully enter the legal last name of the person. Remember, this is important for identification purposes if they interact with Verizon directly.
Mobile Number (Optional but Recommended): If the person you're adding has a mobile number on your Verizon account, select it from the provided list. If they don't have a line on your account, there should be an option like "No Line Assigned" or similar to select.
Email Address: Enter their email address. This is crucial for them to receive notifications and set up their own My Verizon access.
Review and Add: After entering all the required information, review it carefully for any typos. Then, tap "Add Manager" or "Continue."
Step 5: Reviewing Terms & Conditions and Verifying Your Identity
Verizon takes account security very seriously, so there will be a couple of verification steps to ensure you are indeed the Account Owner making these changes.
Sub-heading: The Final Confirmations:
Review Terms and Conditions: You will likely be presented with the Terms and Conditions for adding an Account Manager. It's highly recommended to read these carefully to understand the permissions and responsibilities associated with the role. Once you've reviewed them, check the box indicating your agreement and tap "Continue."
Customer Verification: For your security, Verizon will usually send a verification request to you, the Account Owner. This is typically done via:
Text Message (SMS): A code will be sent to one of the mobile numbers on your account. You'll need to enter this code into the app.
Email: A verification link or code might be sent to the email address associated with your Account Owner profile.
Follow the Prompts: Select the preferred method of verification and follow the on-screen prompts. Once you receive the code, enter it into the designated field in the app and tap "Confirm" or "Verify."
Confirmation: Once the verification is successful, you'll receive a confirmation message in the app indicating that the Account Manager has been successfully added to your account. You might also receive an email confirmation.
Step 6: What Happens Next for the New Account Manager?
The process isn't entirely over once you've added them. The newly authorized user will need to take a small step to gain their own access.
Sub-heading: Enabling Their Access:
My Verizon Registration: If the new Account Manager doesn't already have a My Verizon account associated with their line, they may need to register for one. They can do this by visiting the My Verizon website or downloading the My Verizon app and choosing "Register." They'll use their assigned mobile number and potentially the Account PIN (which you should share with them for this purpose, and for future interactions with Verizon) to complete the registration.
Gaining Access: Once registered, they will be able to log in to the My Verizon app and website with their own credentials and manage the account according to their Account Manager permissions.
Congratulations! You have successfully added an authorized user (Account Manager) to your Verizon account via the My Verizon app. This empowers your trusted individual to help manage your services, ensuring you're always connected and your account is well-maintained.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common questions about authorized users on Verizon accounts:
How to check if someone is an authorized user on my Verizon account?
You can check this by logging into the My Verizon app as the Account Owner, navigating to the "Me" tab, then "Profile & settings," and finally "Account managers." This section will list all current Account Owners and Managers.
How to remove an authorized user from my Verizon account?
As the Account Owner, log into the My Verizon app, go to "Me" > "Profile & settings" > "Account managers." In the "Current Account Managers" section, find the manager you wish to remove and tap "Delete" or the trash can icon next to their name. Confirm the removal when prompted.
How to understand the difference between an Account Owner and an Account Manager?
The Account Owner is the financially responsible party with full control, including the ability to add/remove managers and change the Account PIN. An Account Manager has extensive management capabilities (paying bills, changing plans, upgrading phones) but cannot change the Account PIN or add/remove other managers.
How to ensure my authorized user has the right permissions?
Verizon's "Account Manager" role automatically grants a standard set of extensive permissions. There aren't granular permissions you can adjust within the app for this role; their access is largely fixed to "all account information, but can't assign other Account Managers or change the Account PIN."
How to troubleshoot if I can't add an authorized user in the app?
Ensure you are logged in as the Account Owner. Check your app is updated to the latest version. Double-check that you're entering the correct legal name and other required information. If issues persist, try adding them via the My Verizon website or by contacting Verizon Customer Service.
How to give my authorized user access to My Verizon app?
Once you've added them as an Account Manager, they will need to register for their own My Verizon account using their mobile number on your account (if applicable) or their email. They can then download the app and log in with their newly created credentials.
How to find my Verizon Account PIN?
The Account PIN is usually set when you create your account. You can typically find or reset it by logging into your My Verizon account (website or app) and navigating to your profile or security settings. If you can't find it, you'll need to contact Verizon Customer Service for assistance.
How to deal with an unauthorized person trying to manage my Verizon account?
If you suspect unauthorized activity, immediately change your My Verizon password and Account PIN. Review your list of Account Managers in the app and remove any unfamiliar users. Contact Verizon Customer Service immediately to report the suspicious activity and secure your account.
How to know what actions an authorized user can perform?
An Account Manager can generally view and pay bills, upgrade devices, change plans, add new lines, troubleshoot issues, and contact customer service on your behalf. They cannot change the Account PIN or add/remove other Account Managers.
How to protect my Verizon account after adding an authorized user?
Only add individuals you completely trust as Account Managers. Share your Account PIN only when absolutely necessary and ensure the Account Manager understands the extent of their access. Regularly review your account activity and the list of authorized users.
