How to Activate a Verizon Prepaid Cell Phone
Prepaid phone service, whereby you pay for all your calls in advance, is a great way to get wireless phone service without a contract. A June 2010 "Consumer Reports" survey found that prepaid service can cost less than a contract, and savings can run more than $1,000 a year. Verizon offers a number of prepaid phone service plans, and has a simple process to refill service.
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Instructions
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Buy a phone either through Verizon Wireless' website or through a walk-in store that is an authorized Verizon Wireless retailer.
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Select the type of service you want. Verizon offers daily access plans that cost between 99 cents and $3.99. With these plans, you only pay for service on days you use it. Verizon also offers monthly plans with 450 anytime minutes, 900 anytime minutes, and unlimited minutes.
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Locate the Electronic Serial Number (ESN) or Mobile Equipment Identifier (MEID) on the phone. Remove the battery, look at the space vacated by the battery to locate these numbers represented by eight to 14 characters. You will need this number to obtain your cell phone number.
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Visit verizonwireless.com/activate to activate your service. Enter your zip code and/or state.
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Choose your area code from a drop down menu, and enter your ESN or MEID number. Follow the prompts to continue activating your phone.
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You can also activate your service by using your wireless phone. Press the SEND button when the phone displays "Press SEND to activate your phone." You may also dial *22898 and then press the SEND button on your phone to activate it.
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Tips & Warnings
You can keep your old cell phone number with a prepaid cell phone as long as you stay in the same geographic area. Talk to a Verizon representative about the transfer process.
You can refill your Verizon account through the company's website, by dialing *611, visiting a walk-in store, or signing up for auto pay, which allows for automatic monthly payments charged directly to a credit or debit card.
Plan rates only apply to Verizon's coverage area. If you are outside of the area, you will be hit with roaming charges.
References
- Photo Credit cell phone image by Alexey Klementiev from Fotolia.com
