How to Register a Phone That Is Already Registered with Verizon

By Tiffany Raiford

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You can use any Verizon Wireless cellphone with your Verizon Wireless account, even if you did not purchase your phone from Verizon. As long as the phone was originally purchased at a Verizon retailer and says "Verizon" on it, you can use it on your Verizon account. As long as your phone is a Verizon phone, simply activate it in order to begin using it. If the phone is already active under a different Verizon Wireless phone number, however, you must deactivate it prior to re-activating it to your account.

Step 1

Contact Verizon to cancel the line on which the phone is already activated or activate a new phone to that phone line. Activating a new phone to that phone line automatically deactivates the phone so you can activate it on your line.

Step 2

Log in to your Verizon Wireless account by clicking the "My Account" link at the top of the Verizon Wireless homepage and entering your username and password (see Resources). Click the “Activate or Switch Device” link. Choose the line to which you want your phone activated. Click “Next.”

Step 3

Enter your new phone’s MEID number in the box provided and click “Submit.” To locate the phone’s MEID you must remove the battery from your phone. The MEID is located under the battery on the back of your phone; it is a 14-digit code that always begins with a letter A to F, followed by 13 numbers. You can easily locate the phone’s MEID number because it is clearly labeled “MEID” followed by the number. Once you enter the MEID number and submit it, you are finished using your computer to activate your new phone.

Step 4

Dial “*228” from your new phone and press “Send.” Listen to the automated voice prompts. Use your phone’s keypad to push the number that corresponds with the selection to activate your phone. Wait until the automated voice prompt tells you your phone is activated before you hang up and begin using your new phone.

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