SIM card and eSIM FAQs

Yes. Your phone's SIM card (or eSIM profile) is associated with a carrier, plan and billing account. To switch carriers, your device needs a new SIM (eSIM or physical card) to connect to a new network.

Currently, eSIM and compatible 4G and 5G SIM cards work on the Verizon 5G network. Check compatibility of the SIM at our BYOD page when you click Join Verizon or I'm with Verizon.

Important: Moving a 5G SIM card to a 4G device won't enable that device to connect to the 5G network.

Manufacturers determine how many and what type of SIM a device can have. Having more than one SIM may allow you to:

• Change carriers without needing a new SIM card.
• Bring the same device when you travel.
• Carry one phone for business and personal use.

Learn more about 2 numbers on 1 phone.

If you have a Dual SIM with eSIM device, log in to My Verizon. Choose your device and follow the prompts to switch from SIM to eSIM (or vice versa).

Find out how to activate an eSIM.

To install (or remove) a SIM card, see the specific instructions for your device. In general:

• Insert the card so the gold contacts touch the contacts in the device's SIM slot. Use the card's angled notch to figure out the right position.
• An error message may mean you need to reposition the card or that the card isn't compatible for your device.

Note: If you remove a SIM card and install it in a different device, we'll send a confirmation text to the new device. Use the link in the text to get the re-installed SIM card correctly set up on the Verizon network.

SIM card care tips:

• SIM cards are fragile and not designed for frequent handling.
• High heat, magnetic fields, moisture and grit can damage a SIM card.
• Don't bend the card.
• Don't touch the gold contacts.

To activate a new or replacement SIM card in your device, visit the Activate or Switch Device page in My Verizon.

Before you get a new SIM card, check to see if your mobile device has an eSIM you can use instead.

If your mobile device doesn't have eSIM available:

1. Log in to My Verizon to order a new or replacement SIM card.
2. Choose home delivery or in-store pickup depending on your timeframe:
   • Verizon stores offer same day SIM card replacement.
   • Authorized retailers provide SIM cards within 3 days.

Important: In-store pickup must be made by the Account Owner or Account Manager, with a valid, government-issued photo ID.

You probably* won't need to reuse the SIM card from your old phone because:

• Swapping an active SIM card doesn't always work.
• New phones from Verizon already have at least one SIM.
• Many newer devices also have eSIM (embedded SIM) you can use instead of a card.

Here's what you need to know before you move a SIM card to a different device:

• Moving a SIM card doesn't change who gets billed.
• Moving a SIM may impact Device Protection coverage.
• You may need to change plans if the devices have different data requirements.
• The SIM card might not support all the features of another device.
• Old SIM cards might not get access to new features as the Verizon network evolves.

If you still want to reuse a SIM card, check these FAQs first:

• Do I need to move my SIM card from my old phone to my new one?
• How do I swap mobile phones with someone else on my Verizon account?

Note: If you reuse a SIM card you'll get a text from us to the new device. Use the link in our message to get the device set up properly on our network.

*Replacement devices sent by an insurer may require you to move your SIM card.

All Verizon SIM cards have "1111" as the default SIM PIN. You can change the default SIM PIN to prevent others from using your SIM card. To reset your SIM PIN, choose your device from our device support page and follow the steps.

Important: Verizon Customer Service can't see your unique SIM PIN. Remember it so you can:

• Turn your device on for the first time after you set the SIM PIN.
• Move the SIM card to another compatible device.

Here’s what to do if you set a unique SIM PIN and forgot what it is:

1. Have the Account Owner or Account Manager log in to the My Verizon website.
2. From Manage Devices, choose the device you need to unlock.
3. Scroll to "PIN and Personal Unblocking Key (PUK)".
   • You won't be able to see the unique SIM PIN you set.
   • You can see the Personal Unblocking Key (PUK) to unblock your SIM card.

The SIM PUK is a code that provides added protection against SIM card theft.

• If someone tries the wrong SIM PIN too many times, we ask for the PUK to verify ownership.
• Only a logged-in Verizon Account Owner or Account Manager can find the PUK code in My Verizon.
• If the wrong PUK is entered incorrectly 3 times in a row, the SIM card is permanently locked and can't be reused.

Here's what to do if you're permanently locked out of your SIM card:

• Check to see if your device has an eSIM you can activate instead.
• If you don't have an available eSIM, order a new or replacement SIM card