SIM and eSIM FAQs

Check the settings on your device to see what kind of SIM your device has:

• Apple - Settings > General > About
• Google - Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Network
• Samsung smartphones - Settings > Connections > SIM card manager

Yes. Your phone's SIM card (or eSIM profile) is associated with a carrier, plan and billing account. Even if your device is compatible with another carrier, you'll need a new SIM that connects to their network.

Currently, eSIM and compatible 4G and 5G SIM cards work on the Verizon 5G network.

If you have a device you want to bring to Verizon 5G, check compatibility of the SIM at our BYOD page.

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.

Log in to My Verizon to order a new or replacement SIM card. Then 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:

• If I get a new phone, should I move the 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. Set a unique SIM PIN to prevent unauthorized use of your card. Our device support page has instructions for each make/model.

Important: Remember your SIM PIN because Verizon Customer Service can't see it. You'll need it:

• When you turn your device on for the first time after you set the SIM PIN.
• If you ever want to move the SIM card to another compatible device.

If you forget your SIM PIN, you can use the SIM PUK to unblock it. The SIM PUK is an extra level of protection for your SIM PIN. Here's how it works:

• If someone tries the wrong SIM PIN too many times, we ask for the PUK.
• If the wrong PUK is entered incorrectly 3 times in a row, the SIM card is permanently locked and can't be reused.

If you set a unique SIM PIN and don't remember it, the Account Owner or Account Manager can:

1. 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. You won't be able to see the unique SIM PIN you set. But you'll see the PUK you need to unblock your SIM card.

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).