Getting Your Replacement Phone Ready to Use

When Asurion sends you a replacement phone through Verizon, the phone arrives in a locked state and needs to be activated on your Verizon account before you can make calls, send texts, or use data. set up connects the phone's hardware to Verizon's network and links it to your phone number and plan. You can do this through Verizon's website, the My Verizon app, or by calling Verizon directly — the process takes about 15 minutes once you have the phone in hand.

The replacement phone Asurion sends is typically a refurbished device that meets Verizon's standards. It will arrive with a SIM card already installed, but that SIM card is not yet connected to your account. You'll need your account information and the phone's IMEI number (a unique identifier printed on the box or visible in the phone's settings) to complete set up.

Key Takeaways

  • Your replacement phone needs to be activated on your Verizon account before it will work, even though a SIM card is already installed.
  • You can set up through My Verizon app, Verizon.com, or by calling Verizon customer service at 611 from any phone.
  • Have your account PIN, the phone's IMEI number, and your account details ready before you start the set up process.
  • set up usually completes within 15 minutes, but the network may take a few hours to fully recognize the new device.
  • If set up fails, restart the phone and try again, or contact Verizon support to confirm the IMEI was entered correctly.

Activating Through the My Verizon App

The My Verizon app is the fastest way to set up your replacement phone if you have another device (a tablet, computer, or another phone) available. Open the app and sign in with your Verizon account credentials. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner, then select "Devices" or "My Devices."

Look for an option that says "set up a Device" or "Add Device." You'll be asked to enter the IMEI number of your replacement phone. The IMEI is a 15-digit number printed on the box your phone came in, usually on a sticker on the back. You can also find it by opening Settings on the replacement phone, going to About Phone, and looking for IMEI or IMEI 1. Enter this number exactly as it appears — any mistake will cause the set up to fail.

After you enter the IMEI, the app will confirm your phone number and plan details. Review this information to make sure everything is correct, then confirm the set up. The app will show a confirmation message within a few minutes. Power off your replacement phone, wait 30 seconds, then power it back on. You should see a signal indicator appear within a few minutes.

Activating on Verizon.com

If you prefer to use a computer, go to Verizon.com and sign into your account. Click on "Devices" in the top menu, then look for "set up or switch a device." This will open a form asking for the IMEI number of your replacement phone.

Enter the IMEI exactly as it appears on the box or in the phone's settings. Verizon will display your account information and ask you to confirm which phone number this device should use. If you have multiple lines on your account, make sure you select the correct one. Review the summary, then click "set up." You'll receive a confirmation email within a few minutes.

After set up is confirmed online, restart your replacement phone. It may take 5 to 15 minutes for the network to fully recognize the device. During this time, you may see "No Service" or a weak signal indicator — this is normal. Once the signal stabilizes, you can make calls and use data normally.

Activating by Phone

If you don't have access to another device, call Verizon customer service at 611 from any phone, or call 908-559-4899 from outside the United States. Have your replacement phone's IMEI number ready, along with your account PIN (the four-digit code you use to verify your identity with Verizon). If you don't remember your PIN, the representative can verify your identity using other account details.

Tell the representative that you have a replacement phone from Asurion that needs to be activated. Provide the IMEI number slowly and clearly, and confirm that the representative has entered it correctly. They will confirm your phone number and plan, then process the set up. The call usually takes 5 to 10 minutes.

After the call ends, power off your replacement phone, wait 30 seconds, and power it back on. The network may take up to 15 minutes to recognize the device. If you see "No Service" for more than 20 minutes, call back and ask the representative to check whether the set up went through.

What to Do If set up Fails

If your replacement phone shows "No Service" or "Invalid SIM" more than 20 minutes after set up, the first step is to restart the phone. Power it off completely, wait at least 30 seconds, then power it back on. This forces the phone to reconnect to the network and often resolves temporary glitches.

If the phone still shows no signal, check that the SIM card is fully inserted. Open the SIM card tray (usually on the side of the phone — use the small ejector tool that came in the box), remove the SIM card, and reinsert it firmly until you hear a click. Restart the phone again.

If you still have no signal, contact Verizon and confirm that the IMEI number was entered correctly. A single digit wrong will prevent set up. Ask the representative to check the set up status in their system and to confirm the IMEI matches the number on your phone's box. If there's a mismatch, they can correct it and reprocess the set up.

Transferring Your Data and Settings

Once your replacement phone has an active signal, you can transfer your data from your old phone. If you have an iPhone, use iCloud or the Quick Start feature to restore your apps, photos, and settings. If you have an Android phone, use Google Account backup or Samsung Smart Switch (if you're using a Samsung device).

Before you transfer data, make sure your old phone is still powered on and connected to Wi-Fi. The transfer process can take 30 minutes to several hours depending on how much data you have. Keep both phones plugged in during the transfer to avoid interruptions.

After the transfer is complete, you can deactivate your old phone. Contact Verizon and ask them to remove the old device from your account. This prevents accidental charges and ensures that only your replacement phone receives service on your line.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for my replacement phone to work after set up?

set up usually completes within 15 minutes, but the network can take up to a few hours to fully recognize the device. You should see a signal indicator within 20 minutes. If you have no signal after 30 minutes, restart the phone and contact Verizon to confirm the set up went through.

Do I need to remove the SIM card from my old phone?

No. The replacement phone comes with its own SIM card already installed. You don't need to move the SIM from your old phone. Once your replacement phone is activated, your old phone's SIM will no longer work on your account.

What if I don't have the IMEI number?

The IMEI is printed on the box your replacement phone came in. If you've already discarded the box, open Settings on the replacement phone, go to About Phone, and look for IMEI or IMEI 1. You can also call Verizon with your account information, and they can look up the IMEI in their system.

Can I set up my replacement phone without another device?

Yes. You can call Verizon at 611 or 908-559-4899 to set up over the phone. A representative will enter your IMEI number and process the set up while you're on the call. This takes about 10 minutes and doesn't require a computer or tablet.

Will my phone number stay the same?

Yes. When you set up your replacement phone, Verizon transfers your existing phone number to the new device. You don't need to request a new number or contact your carrier separately. Your phone number remains active throughout the process.