How to Reactivate a Used Pay As You Go Verizon Phone
By Kelli Peacock Dunn
If you have acquired a used Verizon phone that requires you to pre-pay for services, you are in luck. As long as the Verizon phone has not been reported lost or stolen and no one else has the number issued to this phone active on a different Verizon Wireless account, you can reactivate the phone. You can accomplish this process in a matter of minutes from the Verizon Wireless website.
Step 1
Set your location. Go to the Verizon Wireless prepaid activation site and enter the ZIP code for the area in which you will be using your phone the majority of time, then select the "Submit" link. You also have the option to enter the city and state.
Step 2
Select your area code. Under the "Wireless phone number" heading on the phone information page, scroll until you find your area code.
Step 3
Enter electronic serial number or mobile equipment identifier. Pull the battery out of your Verizon phone to locate the ESN or MEID. The ESN contains either 11 numbers or eight characters. The MEID has 14 characters and will start with either an "A" or an "F.” Enter either the ESN or MEID in the space provided on the form, then hit the "Continue" link.
Step 4
Complete activation. Write down your new phone number when it appears. Wait until the phone number appears before exiting or closing the browser window.
References
Tips
- When locating the ESN or MEID, the letter "O" is never used. A "0" will always be a zero on a Verizon phone battery.
Writer Bio
Kelli Peacock Dunn has been a news editor and photographer since 1998, working at a weekly newspaper in Northwest Florida. Her articles have also appeared in "Panama City Living" magazine and "The Lookout."