How to Activate a Prepaid Verizon Phone That is Still Active on an Existing Account (7 Steps)
By Maya Austen
There are two general types of Verizon Wireless phone plans: “prepaid” and “postpaid.” With prepaid service, you pay for your phone calls in advance. Verizon does not check your credit, and you do not have to commit to a long-term contract with Verizon. You pay as you go. With postpaid service, you are committed to a long-term contract with Verizon and you pay a monthly rate for select services. If you have a prepaid Verizon cell phone, it is possible to upgrade the phone’s service to a postpaid plan. It is also possible to add the prepaid phone to an existing postpaid service account.
Switch from Prepaid to Postpaid Service
Step 1
Dial *611 on your Verizon wireless prepaid phone. Follow the prompts to get the phone’s account balance.
Step 2
Use up the remaining minutes on your Verizon prepaid account.
Step 3
Call Verizon’s telesales department at 1-800-256-4646. Tell the Verizon customer service representative that you want to switch from Verizon’s prepaid service to Verizon’s monthly postpaid service. The customer service representative will evaluate your qualifications for postpaid service. If you qualify, the representative will then walk you through the process of setting up a postpaid account.
Add a Prepaid Phone to an Existing Postpaid Account
Step 1
Dial *611 on your Verizon wireless prepaid phone. Follow the prompts to get the phone’s account balance.
Step 2
Use up the remaining minutes on your Verizon prepaid account.
Step 3
Remove the phone’s battery cover. Take out the battery. Write down the “ESN” or “MEID” number printed on the label inside the phone’s battery compartment.
Step 4
Contact the Verizon Wireless customer support center (the phone number is printed on your Verizon Wireless billing statement). Tell the Verizon customer service representative that you want to add a prepaid Verizon cellphone to your postpaid service account. Have your Verizon Wireless account number handy (this number is also printed on your Verizon wireless billing statement) and the prepaid phone’s “ESN” or “MEID” number available. You will be asked to supply this information. The customer service representative will walk you through the process of moving the prepaid phone to your postpaid account.
Writer Bio
Maya Austen began freelance writing in 2009. She has written for many online publications on a wide variety of topics ranging from physical fitness to amateur astronomy. She's also an author and e-book publisher. Austen has a Bachelor of Arts in communications from the New England Institute of Art and currently lives in Boston, Mass.