How to Use a Verizon Phone on Sprint

You can use many Verizon devices on the Sprint network as long as they meet Sprint’s requirements.

Unlocked Phone

You can use many Verizon phones on Sprint if they are unlocked. Verizon 4G LTE devices are unlocked by default, which means that devices like the iPhone 6 and Samsung Galaxy S8 are unlocked and can be used on Sprint. Even devices that are running on the older 3G network can be unlocked by calling Verizon at 800-711-8300 and requesting a SIM unlock. Keep in mind that you can only unlock older devices if they are paid off, so if your Verizon device was never paid in full then you may be unable to use it on the Sprint network.

Check Compatibility

The type of Verizon phone you are attempting to use on the Sprint network matters. Not all phones are compatible with Sprint, especially if the phone is many years old. You can check the compatibility of your device by visiting the check eligibility link in the Resources section. Alternatively, you can search the web for your phone model along with the word Sprint to check if other users have reported that the phone works on the Sprint network.

Generally speaking, most Verizon devices made after 2011 work with the Sprint network. Note that even if your device is eligible, the speeds and performance you get on the Sprint network may not be as good as what you had on Verizon due to network band limitations.

Choose a Plan

Sprint offers the same phone plan options for Verizon phones as they do any other phone on the network. You can choose between unlimited data plans, individual plans and family plans. The cheapest plans have 2GB of high-speed data plus unlimited talk and text in the US. Sprint also offers no credit check plans. You should research the available plans prior to visiting a Sprint store as you will need to choose a plan when activating your Verizon device on the network.

Activate at a Sprint Store

Unlike other devices, you can’t activate a Verizon phone on the Sprint network through Sprint’s online activation tool. Instead, you need to visit a Sprint store to activate your device. Activating your Verizon device on Sprint requires that you buy a SIM kit at the Sprint store and bring your device into the store to have Sprint complete the activation process. You should make sure your device is fully charged before coming to the store as the activation may take a while to complete.

Also keep in mind that there are some limitations to what devices Sprint will activate. You can’t activate international devices, your device must be unlocked domestically by your current carrier and your device can’t have been reported lost or stolen.