Do you ever wish you could leave your phone behind but still stay connected? Imagine going for a run, hitting the gym, or just stepping out for a bit, and still being able to make calls, send texts, and get notifications right from your smartwatch or other compatible device. Well, with Verizon NumberShare, that's not just a dream – it's a reality!
If you're tired of being tethered to your smartphone and ready to embrace a new level of freedom and connectivity, you've come to the right place. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of setting up Verizon NumberShare, ensuring you can seamlessly extend your phone's number to your other devices.
Let's dive in!
Understanding Verizon NumberShare: What Is It?
Before we jump into the setup, let's quickly understand what Verizon NumberShare is. Essentially, it's a service that allows your compatible secondary devices (like smartwatches, tablets, or even certain smart home devices) to share your primary smartphone's mobile number. This means that calls and texts sent to your main phone number will also ring or appear on your connected device, even if your phone isn't nearby. It's like having your phone's capabilities mirrored onto another device, offering unparalleled convenience.
There are generally two main types:
NumberShare - Mobile: This is for devices like smartwatches (Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch, Google Pixel Watch, etc.) and other mobile connected devices. It lets you make and receive calls, send and receive texts, and get app notifications directly on your wearable.
NumberShare - Home: This is specifically for linking your Verizon mobile number to Amazon Alexa-enabled smart speakers, allowing for hands-free calling from anywhere in your home with Wi-Fi.
This guide will primarily focus on NumberShare - Mobile for wearables, as it's the most common use case.
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up Verizon NumberShare
Ready to unchain yourself from your phone? Let's get this done!
Step 1: Are You Ready for NumberShare? Let's Check!
Hey there, before we start, do you have a compatible device and the right Verizon plan? This is the most crucial first step, as not all devices or plans support NumberShare. Don't worry, we'll check together!
What you'll need:
A compatible smartphone: Your primary phone needs to be an HD Voice-enabled smartphone on the Verizon network. Most modern smartphones fit this bill.
A compatible connected device: This is where you'll be sharing your number. Common examples include:
Apple Watch: Series 3 and newer (paired with an iPhone 6s or later with the latest iOS).
Samsung Galaxy Watch: Various models are supported.
Google Pixel Watch: Both generations.
Palm companion phone with NumberShare.
Certain Fossil smartwatches, Montblanc Summit devices, and HumX.
For NumberShare - Home, you'll need an Amazon Alexa-enabled smart speaker.
Important Note: Your host smartphone and connected smartwatch must generally have the same operating system (e.g., Apple iOS for Apple Watch, Android for Samsung Galaxy Watch).
An eligible Verizon plan: Your phone and connected device typically need to be on the same standard or business account and have either an Unlimited plan or a shared data plan. NumberShare generally costs an additional monthly fee (often around $10/month, but taxes and fees can vary).
Account Owner/Manager access: To set up NumberShare, you generally need to be the Account Owner or an Account Manager on your Verizon account. Account Members can't initiate the setup.
My Verizon App or Website access: You'll be using either the My Verizon app on your smartphone or the My Verizon website on a computer to manage the service. Ensure you have your login credentials handy!
If you've checked all these boxes, fantastic! Let's move on to the actual setup.
Step 2: Preparing Your Devices
Before you dive into the Verizon portal, ensure your devices are ready for the connection.
Sub-heading: Power Up and Update
Charge both your primary smartphone and your connected device fully. A low battery can interrupt the setup process.
Ensure both devices are powered on.
Update your smartphone's operating system (iOS or Android) and any relevant companion apps (like the Watch app for Apple Watch or Galaxy Wearable app for Samsung watches) to their latest versions. Outdated software can cause compatibility issues.
Sub-heading: Initial Device Pairing (for Smartwatches)
For Apple Watch: Open the Watch app on your iPhone and follow the prompts to pair your Apple Watch if it's not already paired.
For Samsung Galaxy Watch: Install and open the Galaxy Wearable app on your Android smartphone and follow the on-screen instructions to pair your Galaxy Watch.
Follow any initial setup prompts on your connected device to get it ready for network activation. This might involve selecting a language, agreeing to terms, or setting up a passcode.
Step 3: Initiating NumberShare Through My Verizon
This is where you'll tell Verizon you want to enable NumberShare. You can do this via the My Verizon website or the My Verizon app. We'll cover both.
Option A: Using the My Verizon Website
Sign In: Open a web browser on your computer and go to the official Verizon website (
www.verizon.com Navigate to Services & Perks: From the "Account Overview" screen, select "Services & perks".
Find NumberShare:
If no lines on the account currently have NumberShare - Mobile, navigate to: Mobile > Number Share - Mobile > Get it now.
If NumberShare - Mobile is already active on your account for another device, navigate to: Manage services & perks > Number Share - Mobile > Add.
Select Your Line and Device: If necessary, select the desired line(s) (your primary smartphone line) and then select "Continue". You might also need to select the connected device you want to add NumberShare to.
Accept Terms & Confirm: Check the box next to "I accept the Terms & Conditions" then tap "Confirm".
Almost Done! You should see an "You're almost done" screen. This indicates Verizon has enabled NumberShare on their end for your account. Now, you need to complete the activation on your device.
Option B: Using the My Verizon App
Open the My Verizon App: Launch the My Verizon app on your smartphone. If prompted, enter your password, fingerprint, or Face ID. Remember, only Account Owners or Account Managers can perform these steps.
Go to Services & Perks: Depending on your plan, tap the "Mobile" or "Home" tab.
Locate NumberShare:
If no lines on the account have NumberShare - Mobile, navigate to: Shop services & perks > Number Share - Mobile > Get it now.
If NumberShare - Mobile is already active, navigate to: My services & perks > Number Share - Mobile > Add.
Select Line(s): If necessary, select the desired line(s) and then tap "Continue".
Accept & Confirm: Check the box next to "I accept the Terms & Conditions" then tap "Confirm".
Near Completion: You'll see a "You're almost done" message. Now, proceed to the final activation steps on your connected device.
Step 4: Activating NumberShare on Your Connected Device
This is the device-specific step where your smartwatch (or other connected device) connects to Verizon's network and links with your shared number. The process varies slightly depending on your device.
Sub-heading: For Apple Watch
Open Watch App: On your iPhone, open the Watch app.
Set Up Cellular: Tap on "Cellular" or "Mobile Data".
Configure Cellular Plan: Tap "Set Up Cellular" or "Add a New Plan".
Sign In to Verizon: You'll be redirected to a Verizon sign-in page within the app. Enter your Verizon phone number and My Verizon password.
Add Device: Follow the on-screen prompts to "Add device" or select your Apple Watch. You might need to confirm your selection.
Review and Agree: Review the Verizon Wireless Customer Agreement and then tap "Confirm" or "Agree".
Complete Activation: Your Apple Watch will now attempt to activate cellular service and link with your iPhone's number. This may take a few minutes. Once complete, you should see confirmation on your Apple Watch that cellular is active.
Sub-heading: For Samsung Galaxy Watch (via Galaxy Wearable app)
Open Galaxy Wearable App: On your Android smartphone, open the Galaxy Wearable app.
Go to Mobile Networks: Tap on "Mobile networks" or "Bands".
Set Up Mobile Plan: Tap "Set up mobile plan".
Choose NumberShare: You'll likely be given an option to either get a new number for the watch or use NumberShare. Select the option for NumberShare or to share your phone's number.
Sign In to Verizon: You'll be prompted to sign in to your My Verizon account. Enter your Verizon phone number and password.
Confirm Activation: Follow the on-screen instructions to confirm the activation and link your watch to your phone's number. This often involves reviewing terms and tapping "Connect" or "Activate."
Wait for Connection: The watch will connect to the mobile network and link with your number. This process can take a couple of minutes. Once successful, you'll see a confirmation message.
Sub-heading: For Amazon Alexa-enabled Smart Speakers (NumberShare - Home)
This process is slightly different as it involves the Alexa app.
Open Alexa App: Launch the Amazon Alexa App on your smartphone or tablet.
Go to Settings: Tap "More" > "Settings".
Select Communication: Tap "Communication".
Choose Verizon: Select "Verizon".
Sign In: Tap "Sign in" and enter your My Verizon password, fingerprint, or Face ID if prompted.
Verify Account: Select a verification method (e.g., text message to your phone) and enter the authorization code you receive. Tap "Next".
Verify Info: Review the information displayed and tap "Next".
Accept Terms & Conditions: Check the box to accept the Terms & Conditions and tap "Confirm".
Consent to CPNI: Tap "Agreed and continue" on the "Consent to use & share CPNI" screen.
Provide Emergency Address: This is crucial for 911 calls. Provide your emergency address and tap "Continue".
Name Address & Select Devices: Name the address you entered and select the Alexa-enabled devices at that location that you want to enable NumberShare on. Tap "Save".
Step 5: Testing Your NumberShare Connection
Once you've completed all the steps, it's time to verify everything is working as expected.
Reboot Devices: Turn both your smartphone and your connected device off and then back on. This can help solidify the connection.
Test Calls:
From your connected device: Try making a call from your smartwatch (or smart speaker). It should show your primary phone number as the caller ID.
To your connected device: Have someone call your primary phone number. Your connected device should ring or receive the call, even if your smartphone is out of range or turned off (as long as the connected device has a cellular signal).
Test Texts:
From your connected device: Send a text message from your smartwatch. It should appear to come from your primary phone number.
To your connected device: Have someone send a text message to your primary phone number. Your connected device should receive the message.
Check My Verizon: Log back into the My Verizon app or website and go to the "Manage your Number Share Devices" page. Verify that your connected device is appearing correctly next to your host device. This confirms NumberShare is set up.
Congratulations! You've successfully set up Verizon NumberShare. Enjoy the newfound freedom of staying connected without always needing your phone by your side.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Verizon NumberShare
Here are 10 common "How to" questions about Verizon NumberShare with quick answers:
How to check if my device is compatible with Verizon NumberShare?
You can find a list of compatible devices on the Verizon support website under the "Number Share - Mobile FAQs" section or by checking your device's specifications on Verizon's site. Generally, most newer smartwatches (Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch, Google Pixel Watch) are compatible.
How to find out the cost of Verizon NumberShare?
Verizon NumberShare typically costs around $10 per month per connected device, but this can vary based on your plan and any promotions. It's best to check the "Services & perks" section in your My Verizon account or contact Verizon customer service for exact pricing with taxes and fees.
How to turn off Verizon NumberShare on a device?
You can turn off NumberShare via the My Verizon app or website. In the My Verizon app, go to "My services & perks," select "Number Share - Mobile," then choose the connected device and select "Convert to standalone plan" or similar option to disable NumberShare for that device.
How to switch a connected device to a different NumberShare line?
You can switch a NumberShare device to a different line on your account through the My Verizon app or website. Navigate to "Manage Number Share," then drag and drop the connected device to the desired smartphone number, or select the new host number.
How to troubleshoot if Verizon NumberShare isn't working?
First, ensure both devices are powered on and updated. Then, try turning both devices off and on again. Verify that NumberShare is showing as active on your My Verizon account. If issues persist, contact Verizon customer support, as they can diagnose network-related problems.
How to make emergency calls with Verizon NumberShare?
For NumberShare - Mobile on smartwatches, 911 calls work as they would from your phone, using the connected device's cellular connection. For NumberShare - Home on Alexa devices, you can make 911 calls, but it's crucial to keep your emergency address updated in the Alexa app as this is the location provided to emergency responders.
How to use NumberShare for texting?
When NumberShare is active, text messages sent to your primary phone number will appear on your connected device. You can reply and send new texts directly from your smartwatch, and they will appear to come from your primary phone number.
How to know if my Verizon plan supports NumberShare?
Most Verizon Unlimited plans and shared data plans support NumberShare. You can confirm your plan's eligibility by attempting to add NumberShare through the My Verizon app or website, or by contacting Verizon customer service.
How to add another NumberShare device to my account?
If you already have NumberShare active, you can add another compatible device by going to "My services & perks" or "Manage services & perks" in My Verizon, selecting "Number Share - Mobile," and then choosing the "Add" option to set up a new connected device.
How to get customer support for Verizon NumberShare issues?
If you encounter persistent issues, you can contact Verizon customer support by calling their support number, using their online chat, or visiting a Verizon store. Be prepared to provide details about your devices and the steps you've already taken.
