How to Change Phones With Verizon Online to a BlackBerry With No Internet Plan

by Maya Austen, Demand Media

New phones can be activated on Verizon using the My Verizon online tool.

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Use the "My Verizon" online account management tool to review and make changes to your Verizon wireless phone service. The My Verizon tool can also be used to activate an alternate cell phone on your Verizon account. If, for example, you want to swap out the cell phone you are currently using with your Verizon service with a Verizon compatible BlackBerry, the "Activate Device" feature in My Verizon will allow you to do this.

Step 1

Go to the "My Verizon" home page on the Verizon Wireless website. Sign in to your Verizon account. If you have not yet registered to manage your Verizon account online, click "Register" and follow the prompts to set up your Verizon account online.

Step 2

Scroll down to the "I want to..." section. Click "Activate Device." Click "Next" next to the phone number you would like to use the Blackberry phone with.

Step 3

Turn on the BlackBerry. Press "Send" from the home screen. Dial "#4357*" and press "Send" again to view the phone's MEID (Mobile Equipment Identifier) or "ESN" (Electronic Serial Number). This number is also printed on a label adhered to the inside of the phone's battery compartment.

Step 4

Enter the Blackbery's MEID or ESN number in the "New Device ID" box on the My Verizon website. Click "Submit" to activate the phone.

Step 5

Click "Change Plans" in the "I want to..." section of the My Verizon home screen. Follow the prompts to select a calling plan without data usage.

Tips & Warnings

  • Alternatively, in Step 5, you can select "Change Features." Scroll down to the "Data Packages" section. And deselect your data service option. Click "Next" and follow the prompts to remove Internet service from you phone plan.

References

  • Verizon Wireless Support: How Do I Activate My Phone
  • Verizon Wireless Support: How Do I Change My Calling Plan
  • VZW: Locating ESN or MEID Numbers on Handsets
  • VZW: View Phone Information

Resources

  • Verizon Wireless Support: BlackBerry

About the Author

Maya Austen began freelance writing in 2009. She has written for many online publications on a wide variety of topics ranging from physical fitness to amateur astronomy. She's also an author and e-book publisher. Austen has a Bachelor of Arts in communications from the New England Institute of Art and currently lives in Boston, Mass.

Photo Credits

  • Creatas Images/Creatas/Getty Images