If I buy a cell phone from e-bay, how do I transfer my phone number and activate the phone?

Question

I am buying a verizon cell phone online, but i dont know where to go to transfer my phone numbers and to activate it. if i go to my local verizon store, they won't want to do it because they'll be upset that i didn't buy the phone from them. So how do people activate phones that they bought online without going to the stores?

Answer 1

Great question by the way. After you recieve your phone from ebay, remove the battery cover and battery and you'll see the "ESN" number on the sticker. It's probably a 15 digit number so it's easy to spot. Then call verizon's Customer Service toll free number in your area and tell them that you'd like to do an ESN Swap. They'll first need your 10 digit Verizon phone number and will then ask for the new ESN number from your new phone. By doing this ESN Swap, you'll keep the same phone number and voice mailbox, however, you'll need to physically copy your favorite contacts to the new phone, unless of course they're both phones that accept a Data Cable for transferring info. If so, Verizon can quick copy your contacts to the new phone and may even do it at no charge. Hope this helps, it's all I know. Ha Ha Larry Radio Shack 01-9590..By the way, Verizon doesnt charge to do the ESN Swap.

Answer 2

I just brought in a phone to Circuit City and they activated it and transferred all my numbers for free. It took about 10 minutes and were very nice about it. It's your phone and your paying good money for the service so they better activate it! Even the actual Verizon stores will do it.

Answer 3

Ask your store from which u got the phoine from. Then theyll find a way to fix it. And that first guy, are u a worker at verizon?

Answer 4

You can call Verizon directly and they'll do everything for you.
Customer Service:
[phone]
Monday-Sunday 6am-11pm
Sales:
[phone]