It's fantastic that you're looking to activate your Total by Verizon service! Getting connected is easier than you think, and I'm here to walk you through every step. Whether you've purchased a new phone directly from Total by Verizon or you're bringing your own compatible device, this guide will ensure a smooth activation process.
The Comprehensive Guide to Activating Total by Verizon
Total by Verizon, formerly Total Wireless, offers competitive no-contract plans on the reliable Verizon network. Activating your service is a crucial first step to enjoying seamless talk, text, and data. Let's dive in!
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| How To Activate Total By Verizon |
Step 1: Gather Your Essentials – The Pre-Activation Checklist!
Alright, before we even think about pressing buttons, let's make sure you have everything you need in one place! Think of this as your mission briefing. Having these items ready will make the entire process incredibly smooth and prevent any frustrating delays.
Your Device: This might seem obvious, but make sure your phone (or other device) is fully charged and ready to go. If it's a new phone, unbox it and have it powered on.
Total by Verizon SIM Card Kit: If you're bringing your own device (BYOD), you'll need a Universal SIM Card Kit from Total by Verizon. This kit typically includes different SIM sizes (Standard, Micro, and Nano) to fit various phones.
Pro Tip: The SIM card number, often referred to as the ICCID, is a 20-digit number usually printed on the back of the SIM card itself or on the SIM card packaging. You'll need this during activation.
Your Total by Verizon Plan PIN: When you purchase a Total by Verizon service plan, you'll receive an Activation PIN. This is a crucial piece of information, so keep it handy! It might be on a physical card or emailed to you if purchased digitally.
Your IMEI/MEID/Serial Number: This is a unique identifier for your device. You'll definitely need this for activation.
How to find your IMEI/MEID/Serial Number:
For iPhones: Go to Settings > General > About.
For Android Phones: Go to Settings > About Phone. Sometimes it's under "Status" or "IMEI information."
For Basic Phones: Check the Menu > Prepaid > Serial Number.
Alternatively, you can often find it on the original packaging or on a sticker inside the battery compartment of older phones.
Stable Internet Connection: Whether Wi-Fi or mobile data (if you have it on another device), a reliable internet connection is essential for the online activation process.
Your Old Phone (if porting your number): If you're keeping your existing phone number from another carrier (a process called "porting"), you'll need to keep your old phone active until the port is complete. You'll also need specific information from your previous carrier.
Previous Carrier Account Information: This includes your old account number and the "Number Transfer PIN" or "Port-Out PIN" from your previous provider. Do NOT cancel your old service before porting! Total by Verizon will handle the cancellation once the number is successfully transferred.
Step 2: Choosing Your Activation Path
Total by Verizon offers a few convenient ways to activate your service. Select the method that best suits you!
Online Activation (Recommended): This is generally the quickest and most straightforward method.
Phone Activation: If you prefer speaking to someone, you can call their customer service.
In-Store Activation: For personalized assistance, visit a Total by Verizon retailer.
Tip: Slow down when you hit important details.
Step 3: Step-by-Step Online Activation Guide
Let's walk through the most common and efficient way to get your Total by Verizon service up and running: online activation!
Sub-heading: If You Purchased a New Total by Verizon Phone
Power On Your Device: Turn on your brand-new Total by Verizon phone.
Follow On-Screen Prompts: Your phone might automatically guide you through some initial setup steps, including connecting to Wi-Fi.
Visit the Activation Website: Open a web browser on a computer or another device and go to the official Total by Verizon activation page. It's usually found at
totalbyverizon.com/activate.Enter Device Information: You'll be prompted to enter your phone's IMEI/MEID/Serial Number.
Enter SIM Card Number (if applicable): If your phone didn't come with the SIM pre-installed or you're prompted, enter the 20-digit SIM card number.
Select "I want a new number" or "I want to keep my number":
New Number: If you want a fresh phone number, select this option. You'll likely enter your ZIP code, and Total by Verizon will assign you a new number.
Keep Your Number (Porting): If you're transferring your existing number, select this. You'll need to provide:
Your existing phone number.
Your previous carrier's account number (found on your bill).
Your previous carrier's Number Transfer PIN/Port-Out PIN.
It's crucial that this information is accurate to avoid delays.
Enter Your Service Plan PIN: Input the Activation PIN that came with your Total by Verizon service plan.
Review and Confirm: Carefully review all the information you've entered. Ensure everything is correct.
Complete Activation: Click the "Activate" or "Submit" button. The system will process your request.
Restart Your Phone: Once the online activation is complete, you'll usually be instructed to power off your phone, wait a few seconds, and then power it back on. This helps your device connect to the Total by Verizon network.
Test Your Service: Make a test call, send a text message, and try accessing the internet to confirm everything is working correctly.
Sub-heading: If You're Bringing Your Own Device (BYOD)
Check Device Compatibility: Before anything else, ensure your phone is compatible with the Total by Verizon network. You can typically do this on their website by entering your device's IMEI. Not all unlocked phones are compatible, especially if they weren't originally designed for Verizon's CDMA network (though modern phones are increasingly GSM/CDMA compatible).
Ensure Your Phone is Unlocked: If you're coming from another carrier, your phone must be unlocked from its previous network. If it's not, you'll need to contact your previous carrier to request an unlock. This can take up to 24 hours (or sometimes longer) after the request is made.
Insert the Total by Verizon SIM Card:
Power off your phone.
Locate the SIM card tray on your device. This is usually on the side or top, and sometimes under the battery cover for older Android phones.
Use a SIM ejector tool (often included with new phones or SIM kits) or a straightened paperclip to open the SIM tray.
Carefully select the correct SIM size (Standard, Micro, or Nano) from your Total by Verizon SIM kit.
Align the SIM card with the notch and gently place it into the tray.
Slide the SIM tray back into your phone.
Power your phone back on.
Visit the Activation Website: Go to
totalbyverizon.com/activate.Enter Device Information: Enter your phone's IMEI/MEID/Serial Number.
Enter SIM Card Number: Input the 20-digit SIM card number from your Total by Verizon SIM kit.
Select "I want a new number" or "I want to keep my number": Follow the same steps as described in the "New Total by Verizon Phone" section above.
Enter Your Service Plan PIN: Input the Activation PIN.
Review and Confirm: Double-check all details.
Complete Activation: Click "Activate" or "Submit."
Restart Your Phone: Power off, wait, and power back on.
Test Your Service: Confirm calls, texts, and data are working.
Step 4: Troubleshooting Common Activation Issues
Even with the best preparation, sometimes things don't go exactly as planned. Here are some common issues and their quick fixes:
Tip: Don’t just glance — focus.
Sub-heading: "SIM Not Provisioned" or "No Service"
Restart Your Phone: This is the most common fix. A simple power cycle often resolves connection issues.
Re-seat the SIM Card: Power off your phone, remove the SIM card, and then reinsert it firmly. Ensure it's correctly seated in the tray.
Check for Service Outages: Occasionally, there might be a network issue in your area. Check Total by Verizon's website or social media for any known outages.
Wait a Little Longer: Activation can sometimes take a few minutes, or even up to 24 hours in rare cases (especially with number ports). Be patient.
Sub-heading: Activation Error Message
Double-Check Entered Information: A common cause for errors is a typo in your IMEI, SIM card number, or activation PIN. Carefully re-enter the information.
Verify IMEI/SIM Compatibility: If you're bringing your own device, ensure it's truly compatible and unlocked. An incompatible device will always fail activation.
Contact Customer Support: If you've tried the above and are still getting an error, it's time to reach out to Total by Verizon customer service at 1-866-663-3633. Be ready to provide them with the exact error message you're receiving.
Sub-heading: Porting Number Delays
Incorrect Porting Information: The most frequent cause of porting delays is incorrect information provided for your previous carrier account (account number, PIN, or even the billing address). Double-check these details with your old provider.
Old Account Lock/Protection: Some carriers have "Number Lock" or other security features that prevent unauthorized porting. Ensure this is disabled on your old account.
Pending Orders on Old Account: If you have any pending changes or upgrades on your old account, it can block the port. Clear those first.
Contact Total by Verizon Porting Department: If your number hasn't transferred after 24-48 hours, contact Total by Verizon's porting department directly. They can investigate the status. Remember, don't cancel your old service until the port is complete!
Step 5: Enjoy Your Total by Verizon Service!
Once activated, take a moment to explore your new Total by Verizon service!
Set up Voicemail: Follow your phone's prompts or Total by Verizon's instructions to set up your voicemail.
Download the My Account App: Total by Verizon likely has a "My Account" app. Download it to easily manage your plan, check data usage, and add more services.
Explore Features: Check out any included international calling, hotspot allowances, or other features of your plan.
Transfer Content (Optional): If you moved to a new phone, transfer your contacts, photos, and other data from your old device using cloud services (like iCloud or Google Drive) or content transfer tools.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
QuickTip: Focus more on the ‘how’ than the ‘what’.
How to find my IMEI/MEID/Serial Number for activation?
For iPhones, go to Settings > General > About. For Android, it's usually Settings > About Phone. Older phones might have it under the battery or on the box.
How to know if my phone is compatible with Total by Verizon?
Visit the "Bring Your Own Device" section on the Total by Verizon website and enter your phone's IMEI to check compatibility instantly.
How to transfer my current phone number to Total by Verizon?
During online activation, select the option "I want to keep my number." You'll need your old carrier's account number and a Number Transfer PIN (Port-Out PIN).
How to get a Number Transfer PIN from my old carrier?
Contact your previous carrier's customer service or check their online account portal. Many carriers allow you to generate it by dialing a specific short code (e.g., #PORT for Verizon).
How to insert a SIM card correctly?
QuickTip: Keep a notepad handy.
Power off your phone. Locate the SIM tray, use a SIM ejector tool or paperclip to open it, align the SIM with the cut-out corner, and gently slide the tray back in.
How to troubleshoot "No Service" after activation?
Restart your phone first. If that doesn't work, re-seat the SIM card. Check for network outages in your area or contact Total by Verizon customer support.
How to set up voicemail on my new Total by Verizon phone?
After activation, dial your own phone number from your device, or simply press and hold the '1' key on your dial pad. Follow the voice prompts to set up your voicemail greeting and password.
How to check my data usage with Total by Verizon?
Download the My Account app from Total by Verizon (available on Android and iOS), log in, and you'll see your current data usage. You can also typically check by logging into their website.
How to contact Total by Verizon customer support for activation issues?
You can reach Total by Verizon customer support by dialing 1-866-663-3633. Have your account information and any error messages ready.
How to add more data or change my Total by Verizon plan?
You can easily manage your plan, add more data, or change your service plan through the My Account app or by logging into your account on the Total by Verizon website.
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