iPhone 12 on a prepaid plan?
beanadders
Enthusiast - Level 2

I'm currently on a prepaid plan with Verizon for my iPhone 6.  I'm considering purchasing a iPhone 12 directly from Verizon.  Can I simply swap out the sim card and insert in the new iPhone 12?  Does Verizon charge a transfer fee for changing phones?

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Re: iPhone 12 on a prepaid plan?
Tigerstep
Specialist - Level 3

Get it through Apple instead if you're planning on purchasing outright. Once the phone arrives, pop your existing sim card in. It might complain about using a 4G sim card, but Verizon has been sending customers scary sounding messages that hold no ground. 5G phones work just fine with a 4G sim card. The only difference is they can't get a 5G signal with one.

Re: iPhone 12 on a prepaid plan?
beanadders
Enthusiast - Level 2

Apple charges $29 more for an unlocked phone, but if that means Verizon won't increase the rates on my current prepaid plan, it may be worth it.  From the Apple website: "For 5G service, some carriers may require an upgrade to a 5G plan."

Yeah, I don't need to have 5G access now as I don't have that network yet in my area, so why pay for it?

Alternatively, maybe I can just purchase the phone directly from Verizon and tell them I don't need 5G access so I can keep my current prepaid plan?  I'll have to check with customer service.

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Re: iPhone 12 on a prepaid plan?
vzw_customer_support
Customer Service Rep

To activate the iPhone 12, you can reach out to us or activate on your own using this video https://www.verizon.com/support/how-to-activate-device-video/ . There is no fee associated with activating a new device on Verizon Prepaid.

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Re: iPhone 12 on a prepaid plan?
vzw_customer_support
Customer Service Rep

Currently, Verizon does not offer 5G service with prepaid accounts. Therefore, you can purchase the device from Verizon and not have to pay the increase Apple charges. Please visit link below to order device. 

 

https://www.verizonwireless.com/wireless-devices/smartphones/iphone/

 

LisaL_VZW

Re: iPhone 12 on a prepaid plan?
beanadders
Enthusiast - Level 2

Actually, I went to that link and was unable to purchase the phone through my prepaid account.  While online, I corresponded with Samuel, a Verizon customer service rep, and he said you can only purchase the iPhone 12 on a postpaid account.  So I guess I would have to buy direct from Apple, then switch out the sim card myself.

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Re: iPhone 12 on a prepaid plan?
vzw_customer_support
Customer Service Rep

Yes, you can purchase the phone directly from Apple. Please note you'll need to get a 5G SIM card so it works on the 5G network. I hope this is beneficial.

TracyB_VZW

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Re: iPhone 12 on a prepaid plan?
babzdockter
Newbie

I bought my iPhone 12 Pro Max from Apple and then swapped the SIM card from my existing iPhone SE 2020 and no issues what so ever

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