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How to get and activate a Verizon eSIM USA

Learn the step-by-step process to get a Verizon eSIM for the USA & get information about the available data plan, benefits & alternatives.

Leoneska Ruiz

October 2, 2024

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Verizon is one of the largest mobile carriers in the USA, with over 144 million yearly users. They offer a variety of prepaid and postpaid plans that provide access to a Verizon eSIM.

Thinking of choosing Verizon for your eSIM needs? We’ll give you all the information regarding how to get and activate an eSIM, including data package prices, requirements for a data plan, and all the little things you’ll need to know before purchasing a Verizon plan!

Verizon eSIM USA pricing and plans

As we’ve already mentioned, Verizon offers two types of data plans, each with the possibility of getting an eSIM. So, let’s talk about them.

  • Prepaid plans: Ideal for flexible usage as there is no long-term contract,  these can range from $45 to $70 USD per month. Depending on your choice, you’ll get different add-ons, such as access to streaming services, the Verizon 5G network, data sharing, and much more.
  • Postpaid plans: As more comprehensive packages, these range from $75 to $100 and include coverage with 5G networks, access to “Verizon Home Internet,” data sharing, and exclusive offers to purchase other plans or devices available from the carrier. 

Also, you can start your own plan at $65 and customize it as you prefer with add-ons.

One thing to note is that these prices might change if you choose any of Verizon’s discounts, such as “Auto Pay,” “Mobile + Home Discount,” or “Bring your phone.”

verizon special discounts
Discount options from Verizon. Source: Verizon.

Prepaid plans

Verizon offers four prepaid plans. These plans range from $45 to $70 and offer discounts for those who choose the “Auto Pay” option. 

These are aimed at users who aren’t looking for many benefits but are looking for a reliable, contract-free internet service within the USA.

verizon prepaid data plans
Verizon prepaid plans. Source: Verizon.

Overall, these data plans are quite simple, and this is what each one includes:

  • Basic data plan: 15 GB per month for $45. It also includes unlimited phone calls, text messages, and you can share data with other devices.
  • Unlimited: Unlimited data with up to 5G data speeds. Also, it comes with 5 GB of mobile hotspot per month, unlimited phone calls and text messages, plus access to the local allowance in Canada and Mexico for $60/month.
  • Unlimited Plus: Access to the 5G Ultra Wideband and 50 GB of premium network data. In addition, you’ll get 25 GB of premium mobile hotspot per month, unlimited data at 4G, phone calls, and text messages with access to using the local allowance in Canada and Mexico for $75/month.

Postpaid plans

Verizon has three different postpaid plans. These are the “Unlimited Welcome”, “Unlimited Plus”, and “Unlimited Ultimate”.

Compared to prepaid plans, postpaid plans provide access to different benefits but require signing a contract that keeps you “attached” to Verizon for longer. Plus, these are more common for customers looking for a new phone, as well.

verizon postpapid data plans
Verizon postpaid plans for one line. Source: Verizon.

If you plan to get just one line, prices for these range from $75 to $100 and include unlimited talk, text, and mobile data with 4G/LTE and 5G data speeds.

One thing to note is that the price includes add-ons, such as Walmart, access to Disney+ or Apple One, and much more, for $10. Nonetheless, these plans are customizable, and you can add or remove any services you don’t want to use.

These plans also offer coverage in Mexico and Canada with no extra fees, as they offer a limited amount of data, text messages, and phone calls for use abroad. 

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Devices compatible with the Verizon eSIM USA 

If you plan to use the “Bring your own device” option to get a Verizon eSIM, there’s one detail: they don’t support all eSIM-compatible devices. 

Differently from the Holafly eSIM, where you find a list of updated eSIM-compatible devices, you’ll need to double-check Verizon because they don’t have an updated list. 

As of now, these are the available phones to use an eSIM USA from Verizon:

  • iPhone: iPhone SE, iPhone 14 and its variants, Apple iPad 9th gen, iPad Mini 2021, iPad Pro 3rd gen, Apple iPad Pro 5th gen, and iPad Mini 5th gen
  • Motorola: Razr 2020
  • Samsung: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5, Galaxy Z Flip 5, Galaxy S22, S23, and S24, and Galaxy A54
  • Google: Pixel 4, Pixel 4 XL, Pixel 4a 5G UW, Pixel 5, Pixel 6, and Pixel 6 Pro

If your device is eSIM-compatible but it’s not listed, you can contact the Verizon support team 

How to get a Verizon eSIM

Verizon offers users the chance to get an eSIM in two ways: online or in a physical store.

Either way, we’ll tell you the requirements and steps you must follow to buy a data plan and request an eSIM from Verizon.

Requirements to buy a Verizon data plan online

To get a Verizon data plan online, you’ll need to access the “My Verizon” app or the company’s website. It mostly depends on whether you are a previous or new customer.

If you plan to switch from a SIM card to an eSIM, make sure your device is compatible with the Verizon eSIM network. We’ll tell you how to do this in a bit.

Other than this, these are the main requirements you’ll need to complete the purchase:

  • Have an unlocked phone compatible with this technology
  • Have an internet connection for the purchase and installation process
  • Follow the steps to install the service on your new device

Steps to get a Verizon eSIM online

If you meet the requirements to complete the purchase online, you can choose a data plan from the Verizon store and proceed with the process. This is what you have to do:

  • Go to the “Verizon Store”. We’ll focus on prepaid plans as these are easier to get than postpaid plans.
  • Choose the “Shop” option and press on “Prepaid”. Then, choose the “Plans” menu to continue.
verizon esim shop
Source: Verizon.
  • Choose the number of lines you want to activate and choose your preferred data plan. If you’re not using “Auto Pay”, turn off this option.
verizon esim plans with autopay
Source: Verizon.
  • Press “See plan details” to read the plan information. Then, press “Shop phones” or “Bring your own” to continue the process.
choosing your verizon esim plan
Source: Verizon.
  • Choose the type of device you are bringing to continue.
type of device to purchase a verizon esim
Source: Verizon.
  • Choose “Smartphone,” enter your “Make and model,” and choose where you purchased your device.
introducing your model to get a verizon esim
Source: Verizon.
  • If you have a valid IMEI, you’ll get a green check, which means you can complete the purchase process.
verifying your imei to get a verizon esim
Source: Verizon.
  • After introducing the IMEI, choose the “Activate your eSIM” option.
picking a sim or verizon esim
Source: Verizon.
  • Enter your IMEI number again, press “Continue” and if your phone is compatible with Verizon’s network, you can continue with the purchase.
verifying your phone compatibility with verizons network
Source: Verizon.
  • Choose the “Pick a plan” option to continue. 
choosing a data plan from verizon
Source: Verizon.
  • Choose the available prepaid plans. Remember to read all the details before proceeding to the checkout.
choosing a verizon prepaid plan to get an esim
Source: Verizon.
  • After selecting the data plan, you can check your cart and proceed with the checkout process. 
checking your verizon cart to complete the purchase
Source: Verizon.
  • Complete the basic information from Verizon to proceed with the checkout.
introduce your basic information to get a verizon esim
Source: Verizon.
  • Choose whether to bring your current number or get a new number.
choosing your phone number to get a verizon esim
Source: Verizon.
  • Verify your ZIP code is correct and choose the phone number that is available.
choose a phone number based on your zip code
Source: Verizon.
  • In the next step, create a security PIN and choose a security question to protect your account.
Source: Verizon.
  • Proceed with the payment. Choose your preferred payment method to complete the purchase.
available payment methods to get a verizon esim
Source: Verizon.
  • Once you’ve made the payment, you’ll receive the QR code in your email in a few seconds. After that, you can install and activate it to start using your Verizon plan.

Requirements to purchase a Verizon data plan in a physical store

Going to a physical store is the easiest way to get a data plan. It actually makes the whole process easier, as you’ll get help from a customer support agent throughout the process.

Still, you’ll need some requirements to get a data plan and request an eSIM:

  • An eSIM-compatible phone that works with the Verizon network
  • Personal documents to verify your identity to complete the purchase

Steps to get a Verizon eSIM on a physical store

Since this is the easiest process, finding a physical or authorized Verizon agent close to you will take the most time.

If you need to find a store, you can visit the website and press “Stores” to find the closest one. Once there, you simply need to ask for help from a customer support agent to check your phone compatibility and choose a data plan.

verizon stores button
Verizon “Stores” option. Source: Verizon.

How to install a Verizon eSIM on iPhone, Android, and smartwatches

Once you finish the purchase process, you must activate the eSIM on your phone. So, let’s talk about the activation process for these devices.

  • Installing an eSIM on iPhone: To activate the eSIM on these devices, you can scan the QR code Verizon provides or install it manually using the SM-DP+ address you’ll get after the purchase.
  • Installing an eSIM on Android: To activate the eSIM on Android, go to “Settings”, then “Connections”, and choose “Add eSIM” to install the Verizon eSIM. Scan the QR code and follow the instructions on the screen to complete the process.
  • Installing an eSIM on Smartwatches: If you have an eSIM, you can activate it on a smartwatch by going to your Watch app. Go to the “Connections” menu and choose the eSIM from Verizon you want to use. To do this, you’ll have to activate the eSIM on your phone before adding it to your smartwatch.

Local companies offering eSIMs in the USA

Up to this point, we have discussed Verizon’s service and its data plan offerings. However, there are two other well-known options for getting an eSIM: T-Mobile and AT&T.

So, let’s discuss each one to see what it offers and what differences it has from the Verizon service. 

AT&T eSIM for the USA

AT&T is another of the most important carriers in the USA. Similar to Verizon, it offers prepaid and postpaid plans.

AT&T has four different prepaid plans. The most basic plans cost $25 per month; the other plans, Score 5G, AutoPay Unlimited, and Unlimited MAX, range from $30 to $55 per month.

att prepaid plans
AT&T prepaid plans. Source: AT&T.

There are five different postpaid plans, with prices ranging from $30.99 to $50.99, but there’s a little catch since these are prices for those purchasing four lines.

Similar to Verizon, any of these plans are eligible for getting an AT&T eSIM, and depending on the plan, you’ll get access to different add-ons.

T-Mobile eSIM for the USA 

Another carrier to mention is T-Mobile, which also offers a variety of prepaid and postpaid plans.

There are four different T-Mobile prepaid plans, which range from $40 to $60 per month. One includes 10 GB of 5G data, while the rest have unlimited 5G data.

t-mobile prepaid plans
T-Mobile prepaid plans. Source: T-Mobile.

Postpaid plan prices range from $50 to $100 per month, and these include unlimited 5G data plus some add-ons depending on the plan, such as discounts, streaming services, and much more.

Holafly unlimited data eSIM: Alternative for US travelers

holafly esim for usa

While Verizon is better for locals with a US data plan, the Holafly eSIM is the ideal alternative for visitors who want unlimited data and plan to visit the country for a certain period of time.

The Holafly USA eSIM includes unlimited data and works from 1 to 90 days, with prices ranging from $5.90 to $138.90. The best part about Holafly is that you can complete the purchase and activation process before traveling, meaning you’ll get internet as soon as you arrive in the States.

The main requirements to get an eSIM from Holafly are to have an eSIM-compatible device and unlocked bands since you’ll connect to international networks.

Lastly, you’ll get access to benefits such as 24/7 customer support in 19 languages, an app to manage your eSIM, 1GB of data-sharing per day, and up to 5G data speeds with your digital SIM.

Frequently asked questions about Verizon eSIM for the USA

Can I move my Verizon SIM card plan to a Verizon virtual SIM?

Yes. If you are a Verizon customer, you can request a change of your SIM card for an eSIM through the Verizon App, website, or in a physical store.

Is Verizon embedded SIM card free?

If you switch from a SIM card to an eSIM, there’s no additional cost. But if you are a new customer, you’ll need to either pay for a new phone or $10 for a line.

Can you use Verizon eSIMs as a prepaid customer?

Yes. Verizon prepaid plans allow the usage of eSIMs. If you buy a new plan, you can choose an eSIM while completing the purchase, or you can switch from your SIM card to an eSIM going to a physical store if you are an existing customer.

Can you use Verizon eSIMs internationally?

Yes. Verizon is a carrier that offers an international daily pass that costs $10 per day. With this option, you’ll get unlimited internet access, text messages, and phone calls while abroad.