Verizon can't activate my Galaxy S25 Ultra

I got the new Galaxy S25 Ultra --- however, Verizon is unable to activate it. Went to the local store... they couldn't do it (they said it's not in their system and I must wait until the release date).. that sounded odd.

So, I called tech support, they tried to activate it. No luck either. now they told me to go the corporate store.

Has anyone had this issue with activating their new S25?

Accepted answers

SynthpopAddict

From what I could tell elsewhere, because the release date hasn't arrived (even Samsung's site says it is still in pre-order status) - sounds like you're going to have to wait a few more days.

njazrael71

The device cannot be activated until the official release date because the IMEI registrations become active on that date. Verizon is not allowed to activate before that date. You can connect to your Wifi because it's not using and doesn't require mobile data

All comments

Verizon_Support

Hello leviathun2. We're here to help you set up on that new phone. We'll be sending you a Private message to help.

-James

SynthpopAddict

Is it a Verizon phone, or factory unlocked version? If it is a factory unlocked model, try contacting Samsung about it. It's not an international version, is it? Because if you bought it overseas or imported the phone, sometimes international versions don't work in the US due to variations in wireless technology.

I looked elsewhere on the internet and the release date for the S25 shows as February 7, 2025 even for factory unlocked versions direct from Samsung. So, my new guess is the IMEIs have not been released for any of these phones and you will have to wait until then before the phone will work.

leviathun2

It is a factory unlocked version - has two IMEI numbers. I got it from Samsung website unlocked. I can connect to my home wifi fine.

SynthpopAddict

From what I could tell elsewhere, because the release date hasn't arrived (even Samsung's site says it is still in pre-order status) - sounds like you're going to have to wait a few more days.

Barry076019x9

I have the same problem.

Uhld

I got my phone from Verizon so it's their device. Couldnt activate at home yesterday so called customer support. Customer Support sent me to local store. They couldn't make it work either. Last night my original phone quit working. Just returned from 2nd trip to Verizon store. They got my old galaxy working again and said I have to wait until Friday Feb 7 to activate. They blamed Samsung. Very sad that customer service didn't know that they won't activate until the 7th and sent me chasing. Now I've been to the store twice and the S25 Ultra says no SIM now so I'm guessing I'll need to visit again. I'm not happy.....

Uhld

So local Verizon store tells me my Galaxy S25 Ultra purchased from Verizon can't be activated until February 7th. Is that true? I've talked to customer Support and been to the store twice. This is getting ridiculous. Please respond

Marinaduginova

Same….…………. No one could help… why not let me know ahead of time that I have to wait until feb 7..

njazrael71

nekokage

It's the 7th and mine won't activate either. I'm sure it's something to do with network updates, but I'll keep trying. I used to work for Level 2, so it happens.

Rpglennj

Just got my S25 Ultra at the Verizon store today. (Feb 8). Tried setting up via Smartswitch as per the recommendation of the VZW rep. Worked for my wife’s S25+, but my S25U came up with eSIM activation incomplete error.

Gonna head back to the store, but I’m not confident they’ll be able to do anything.

Verizon_Support

We are sorry to know about the trouble with your new phone and want to look at the options to assist you properly. We are sending you a private note to gather more details.

~Pam

StumpGrinderGuy

Greetings, were you able to get your device operational, thank you, John V.

StumpGrinderGuy

Greetings, has the issue been resolved, thank you, John V.