So, you're the backbone of your Verizon account, the one calling the shots, paying the bills, and ensuring everyone stays connected. That's a big responsibility, and activating your own "account owner" line is often the first step in truly taking control. Whether you've just received a brand-new device, brought your own fantastic phone to Verizon, or simply need to reactivate your existing primary line, this guide will walk you through the process step-by-step. Let's get you connected!
Understanding Your Role: What is a Verizon Account Owner Line?
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of activation, let's clarify what an "Account Owner" line means at Verizon. The Account Owner is the primary individual financially responsible for the entire Verizon account. This person has full access and control over all lines of service under that account, including:
Making payments: You're the one paying the bills!
Changing plans: Upgrading, downgrading, or switching features for any line.
Adding or removing lines: Bringing new family members onto the plan or removing old ones.
Managing device payments: Handling agreements for phones and other devices.
Assigning Account Managers: Granting limited access to others on the account (e.g., to pay bills).
Essentially, your account owner line is the master key to your Verizon services. Activating it correctly is crucial for seamless operation.
Activating Your Verizon Account Owner Line: A Step-by-Step Guide
There are a few scenarios for activating your account owner line, each with slightly different steps. We'll cover the most common ones.
Scenario 1: Activating a New Device on Your Existing Account Owner Line (e.g., New Phone Upgrade)
This is perhaps the most common scenario. You've got a shiny new phone, and you want to use it on your existing primary number.
Step 1: Gather Your Essentials and Prepare Your Old Device
Before you do anything else, let's get organized!
Your New Device: Make sure it's fully charged, or at least has enough battery to complete the setup.
Your Verizon Account Information: You'll need your My Verizon username and password. If you use a PIN, have that ready too.
Your Old Device: Do NOT trade it in or wipe it yet! You might need it for content transfer or to confirm your identity. Ensure it's powered on for now.
SIM Card: Check if your new phone came with a pre-installed SIM card. If not, you might need to transfer the SIM from your old phone, or if it's an eSIM compatible device, you won't need a physical SIM.
Important for iPhone Users Switching to Android (or Vice-Versa): If you're moving from an iPhone to an Android, or vice-versa, make sure to turn off iMessage on your old iPhone before activating your new Android device. This prevents messaging issues. Go to Settings > Messages > iMessage and toggle it off.
Step 2: Access the Verizon Activation Portal
There are two primary ways to activate your device: through the My Verizon website or the My Verizon app. The website is generally more comprehensive for initial setup.
Option A: Through My Verizon Website (Recommended for Account Owners)
Open your web browser and go to verizon.com.
Click on "Sign In" and enter your My Verizon username/mobile number and password.
Once logged in, from your account overview, select Manage all devices.
Look for an option like "Activate your own devices" or "Activate on an existing line." The wording might vary slightly, but it will be clear it's for activating a device you have in hand.
You'll then be directed to the "Activate or Switch" page. Select Activate on an existing line.
Option B: Through the My Verizon App
Ensure your My Verizon app is up to date.
Open the My Verizon app. If prompted, enter your password, fingerprint, or Face ID.
Navigate to the Mobile tab, then tap Devices.
Scroll down and tap Add a line (even if you're activating a new device on an existing line, this is often the entry point for device management).
Select Get a new device. (If you're bringing your own device, see Scenario 2 below).
Follow the onscreen prompts to select and customize your new device.
Step 3: Identify Your Line and Device
Regardless of whether you use the website or app, you'll be prompted to identify which line on your account you want to activate the new device on. Since you're activating your account owner line, select your mobile number from the list of eligible devices on your account. Then, select "Next."
Step 4: Enter New Device Information
Now comes the part where you tell Verizon about your new phone.
You'll likely be asked if the device has been used on your account before. If it's a brand new phone, select No, then "Continue."
Every mobile device has a unique 15-digit device ID known as an IMEI. You'll need to enter this.
How to find your IMEI:
On the device packaging: It's usually on a sticker on the box.
On the device itself:
iPhones: Go to Settings > General > About.
Androids: Go to Settings > About phone (or "About device" or "System").
You can also often dial *#06# from the phone's dialer to display the IMEI.
Some devices, especially newer ones, may also have an IMEI2 or support eSIM. If you're activating an eSIM, you'll use the Digital IMEI. When in doubt, IMEI2 is generally a good choice for eSIM activation.
Once you've located the device ID, enter it and select Check Device.
Step 5: Account Verification and SIM Card Information
For security purposes, Verizon will typically require you to complete an account verification. This might involve:
Receiving a text message with a code to your old device.
Answering security questions.
Entering your account PIN.
Once verified, you'll be prompted about your SIM card:
Physical SIM: If your new device uses a physical SIM card, Verizon will ask if you have it. It might be pre-installed or shipped alongside your device. If you need to transfer your old SIM, ensure it's the correct size for your new phone.
eSIM: If your device supports eSIM and you entered the Digital IMEI, you might skip physical SIM steps. Verizon will provision the eSIM digitally.
If you have a physical SIM card that wasn't pre-installed, you may need to enter its SIM ID (ICCID). Instructions on how to find this will be provided.
Step 6: Review and Confirm
Before finalizing, Verizon will present a summary of your activation details. This is your chance to double-check everything:
The correct phone number.
The new device's information.
Any changes to your plan (if applicable, though typically for device upgrades on an existing line, the plan remains the same).
Device protection options (you might see an option to add or change protection).
If everything looks good, select Confirm changes or a similar button.
Step 7: Final Steps on Your Device
Verizon will send activation signals to your new phone.
You will likely need to power off and power on your new device. This helps it connect to the Verizon network and complete the activation process.
Be patient! Activation can take a few minutes. Sometimes it's instant, sometimes it takes longer. If it seems stuck, try restarting your phone again after a few minutes.
Once activated, you should see the Verizon network signal, be able to make calls, send texts, and access data!
Scenario 2: Activating a "Bring Your Own Device" (BYOD) as the Account Owner
If you're bringing a phone you already own (or purchased from a third party) to Verizon as the account owner, the process is similar but with a crucial initial step.
Step 1: Check Device Compatibility and Unlock Status
This is the most critical step for BYOD.
Compatibility: Your phone must be compatible with Verizon's network. Verizon has a dedicated "Bring Your Own Device" (BYOD) page on their website where you can enter your IMEI to check compatibility.
Unlocked: Your device must be unlocked from its previous carrier. If it's not, you'll need to contact your previous carrier to unlock it before you can activate it on Verizon. Unlocking can take up to 24 hours.
Step 2: Access the BYOD Activation Portal
Go to
verizon.com/byod You'll be prompted to enter your device's IMEI to check compatibility.
Once compatibility is confirmed, you'll proceed to select a mobile service plan (if you're a new customer) or add it to your existing account.
Step 3: Follow Activation Prompts
The remaining steps will largely mirror Scenario 1 (Steps 3-7), where you'll:
Choose to activate on an existing line (if adding to your current account) or set up a new account (if you're a completely new Verizon customer).
Enter your device's IMEI.
Provide SIM card information (physical or eSIM). You may be prompted to order a physical SIM if your device doesn't support eSIM and you don't have a compatible Verizon SIM.
Complete identity verification.
Review and confirm.
Power cycle your device.
Scenario 3: Reactivating a Previously Used Device on Your Account Owner Line
If you have an old Verizon device that you want to start using again on your account owner line, the process is usually very straightforward.
Step 1: Ensure Device Readiness
Charge it: Make sure the device has sufficient battery.
SIM Card: Ensure the correct Verizon SIM card is inserted (if it uses a physical SIM). If you're unsure, or if it's an eSIM device, you can usually proceed and Verizon will guide you.
Power Off Old Device: If you were using a different phone on that line, power it off completely before attempting to activate the older one.
Step 2: Use My Verizon to Activate
Log in to your My Verizon account on the website or through the app.
Go to Manage all devices.
Select the line you want to reactivate the device on.
Look for an option to "Activate a different device" or "Switch devices."
You'll be prompted to enter the IMEI of the device you wish to reactivate. Since it's been on your account before, Verizon often has its details on file, making this process quick.
Confirm the details and complete the activation.
Power off and power on the reactivated device.
Troubleshooting Common Activation Issues
Even with a step-by-step guide, sometimes things don't go perfectly. Here are a few common issues and solutions:
"Activation Failed" or "No Service":
Power cycle: Turn your phone completely off, wait 30 seconds, and turn it back on. Do this a few times.
Check SIM: Ensure the SIM card is properly seated in the tray. If it's a new SIM, make sure it's the right size and inserted correctly.
Network Signal: Are you in an area with good Verizon coverage? Move to a different location if possible.
Old Phone Off: Confirm your old phone (if applicable) is powered off.
Wait: Sometimes, it just takes a bit longer. Give it 15-30 minutes and try again.
Incorrect IMEI/SIM ID: Double-check that you entered the correct 15-digit IMEI and/or ICCID. Even one wrong digit will cause issues.
Account Verification Loop: If you're stuck in a verification loop, try clearing your browser's cache and cookies, or try a different browser/device.
Device Unlocked? For BYOD, if you're certain it's compatible but it won't activate, the most likely culprit is that it's still locked to the previous carrier. Contact your old carrier.
Need a New SIM Card? If your old SIM card isn't compatible with your new phone, or if you don't have one for a BYOD, you can order a new physical SIM from My Verizon or visit a Verizon store for a quicker replacement. eSIM devices eliminate this concern.
Still Stuck? Contact Verizon Support! If you've tried everything and are still having trouble, don't hesitate to contact Verizon Customer Service at 1-800-922-0204. They can often push the activation through from their end or diagnose specific issues. You can also visit a Verizon retail store for in-person assistance.
10 Related FAQ Questions (How to...)
Here are 10 common "How to" questions related to Verizon account owner lines and their quick answers:
How to check if my phone is compatible with Verizon?
You can check device compatibility by visiting Verizon's "Bring Your Own Device" (BYOD) page on their website (
How to find my Verizon account owner PIN?
Your account owner PIN is usually a 4-digit code you set up. If you've forgotten it, you can reset it through the My Verizon website or app by going to "Profile & Settings" and looking for PIN management, which will require identity verification.
How to transfer data from my old phone to my new Verizon phone?
Verizon offers several methods, including their "Content Transfer Center" or "Smart Setup" tools online, which guide you through using cloud services (iCloud for iPhone, Google Drive for Android) or direct transfer apps/cables.
How to add an Account Manager to my Verizon account?
As the Account Owner, you can add Account Managers through the My Verizon website or app under "Account" > "Account settings" > "Account managers." You'll need their legal first and last name and may also add their mobile number and email.
How to order a new or replacement SIM card from Verizon?
You can order a new or replacement physical SIM card by logging into My Verizon. If your phone supports eSIM, you might not need a physical card at all.
How to switch phones with someone else on my Verizon account?
As the Account Owner, log in to My Verizon, go to "Manage all devices," select the lines involved, and choose the option to "Switch devices" between lines. You'll enter the IMEI of the devices being swapped.
How to change the Account Owner of a Verizon account?
Changing the primary Account Owner typically requires contacting Verizon Customer Service by phone, as it involves a transfer of billing responsibility and may require credit checks for the new owner.
How to activate an eSIM on a new Verizon line?
For new lines with eSIM-capable devices, you'll generally activate directly through the My Verizon app or website. During the activation process, you'll select the eSIM option, and Verizon will provision it digitally.
How to troubleshoot "No Service" after activating my Verizon phone?
First, power your phone off and on several times. Check your SIM card is properly inserted. Ensure you're in an area with Verizon coverage. If issues persist, contact Verizon Customer Service.
How to return a device to Verizon after activation?
Verizon has a return policy, typically within 30 days of purchase. You'll need to contact Verizon Customer Service or visit a Verizon store to initiate the return process, which may involve restocking fees.