Verizon eSIM: activation, transfer and travel

How to get a Verizon eSIM

Verizon describes an eSIM as a digital SIM built into your device. You activate cellular service without inserting a physical SIM card. Verizon's prepaid eSIM page says the My Verizon app automatically checks whether your phone is compatible.

If you are adding a line to your Verizon account, Verizon directs you to the Add a Line page on the My Verizon website. With the phone in hand, Verizon also offers the app route: Shop > Bring your device, then follow the prompts.

If you are switching to Verizon, its activation page says to install and open My Verizon, then follow the device prompts. The website alternative is Verizon's Bring Your Own Device page, where you choose a mobile service plan and follow the eSIM installation steps.

Verizon eSIM activation and QR code

Verizon says some devices need a QR code, which you receive during setup. Its activation page says iPhone 12 and newer do not need one; some Android devices do. Follow Verizon's instructions for your specific device rather than assuming every eSIM uses the same QR process.

Verizon's iPhone activation page requires Wi-Fi for iPhone 13 and recommends it for iPhone 14 and newer. It gives these activation steps:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap Set Up Cellular, then Continue. If that option is unavailable, tap Cellular, then Add eSIM.
3. From Set Up Cellular, tap Continue for iPhone 12 and later. For iPhone 11 and earlier, tap Use QR Code, scan the code supplied on Verizon's activation page with your camera, and follow the prompts.

Moving your Verizon eSIM to a new phone

Verizon's My Verizon transfer route is for standard monthly mobile plan customers. Verizon requires you to be the Account Owner or an Account Manager, have an unlocked eSIM-compatible phone, and have the My Verizon app.

Verizon says moving your line through the app has no fee. You do not need the device IMEI, SIM ICCID, or a QR code. Verizon gives these steps for the new device:

1. Connect the new device to Wi-Fi.
2. Download the latest My Verizon app from the App Store or Play Store on the device you want to activate.
3. Sign in to My Verizon. The app automatically guides you through the transfer.

Verizon says you need your old phone for authentication if your account has only one line. After your number moves, Verizon deactivates service on the old phone. Keep it available until the transfer is complete.

Verizon free eSIM trial

If you already use Verizon, the trial is not for you. Verizon excludes current Verizon, Visible, and TracFone customers. Verizon also requires an unlocked, compatible smartphone with an available eSIM slot, no security transfer locks, and no Verizon Free Trial enrollment within the last 12 months.

Verizon offers up to 30 days free, with unlimited talk and texting and up to 100 GB of 4G/5G Premium data. Verizon requires no credit card, commitment, or credit check. Its streaming limits are 480p on 4G/5G and 4K on 5G Ultra Wideband.

Verizon says your existing number and carrier service stay active. The trial adds a temporary Verizon number on a secondary eSIM line. Verizon prompts you to label your existing number primary and the temporary number secondary. To sign up, Verizon gives this sequence:

1. Download the My Verizon app from your app store.
2. If you use an iPhone, turn on iCloud Drive in Settings > Apple ID > iCloud, as Verizon instructs.
3. Open My Verizon and select Start Free Trial.

Verizon abroad: roaming or a travel eSIM

Check your plan features in My Verizon before buying extra data. Verizon says calling, texting, and data in Mexico and Canada are included at no extra cost with its Unlimited mobile plans. Where TravelPass fees apply, Verizon lists $6/day per line in Mexico and Canada and $12/day per line in other participating countries, plus taxes and fees.

Verizon TravelPass includes 5 GB of high-speed data per session, followed by unlimited data at 3G speeds. Its 24-hour session starts when you make or answer a call, send a text, or use data. Verizon warns that app refreshes, syncing, and software updates can trigger a session once cellular data or data roaming is on.

For longer trips, Verizon lists its International Monthly Plan at $100/mo per line, with 20 GB of high-speed data followed by unlimited data at 3G speeds. Compare that allowance and TravelPass's daily charge with these examples from our price table:

• Mexico: Saily lists 20 GB for 30 days at US$37.99. Compare it with your included Verizon Mexico allowance before paying for another plan.
• Canada: Ubigi lists 10 GB for 7 days at US$15.00. That is a fixed data allowance, unlike Verizon TravelPass's daily high-speed allowance.
• Europe: Airalo lists unlimited data for 7 days at US$27.00. Compare it with Verizon's $12/day TravelPass rate in participating countries.
• Japan: Saily lists 20 GB for 30 days at US$24.99. Compare the total allowance with Verizon's $12/day TravelPass rate.

The trade-off is not price alone. Verizon TravelPass includes talk and text as well as data. The travel eSIM examples show data allowances and validity; our price table does not state their hotspot rules or fair-use limits. Airalo's unlimited label should not be read as a promise of unrestricted high-speed use.

To add TravelPass, Verizon says you can text Travel to 4004. Verizon automatically adds TravelPass to Unlimited Plus and Unlimited Welcome lines, but you still need to check your plan's international benefits and usage charges.