Most devices and Smartphones require a SIM card to access their full functionality. A Subscriber Identity Module (SIM Card) is a small chip that stores data for network phones. The SIM card is inserted into a wireless device to access the network of the carrier that issued the SIM card. For most Smartphones, the SIM card slot or tray is located on the side of the phone.
You can use a Smartphone and some smart devices without A SIM card. But you need the SIM card to access other functionalities like send text messages, access the internet, and receive calls.
If you want to switch to Verizon network or purchase any of their smartphones or devices and you want to know if Verizon uses SIM cards, this post is for you. In this post, you will learn how SIM cards work, the type of SIM cards Verizon uses, and many more details.
Does Verizon Use a SIM Card?
Yes. Verizon uses SIM Cards on their Smartphones. Before 4G LTE became popular, network providers had to choose between CDMA and GSM. Verizon used the CDMA phones which don’t have SIM Cards. Other carriers like T-Mobile and AT&T used GSM phones which had SIM Cards.
With 4G LTE and 5G networks, most new Android smartphones and iPhones became GSM and CDMA compatible. This means that most new Smartphone models have SIM cards. This means that Verizon now uses SIM cards on their phones. Any Android phone produced from 2013 and iPhone produced after iPhone 5 use SIM cards.
Also, Verizon has confirmed that it will phase out its CDMA2000 network completely by 2022. This means that Verizon CDMA phones without SIM cards may not function properly after 2022.
What Kind Of SIM Card Does Verizon Use?
Verizon currently uses the 4G LTE and 5G SIM cards. For most Verizon smartphones and devices, the SIM is pre-installed when you purchase the device. Also, you have the option of switching your old Verizon SIM card to another compatible phone. Or you can buy a new Verizon SIM for an old or new smartphone.
How Much Does A Verizon SIM Card Cost?
The Verizon SIM Card is free for all Verizon customers. Some Verizon phones come with a SIM card when you buy the phone. You also have the option to pre-order a new Verizon SIM Card.
How To Order For A New Verizon SIM Card
As mentioned earlier, Verizon SIM cards are free. You don’t have to buy the SIM. You simply place an order for the SIM. These are three ways to order a new Verizon SIM.
a. Place an order online and have the SIM mailed to you.
b. Visit any of the Verizon Retail stores nearby, order a SIM and get it the same day.
c. Visit any Verizon Authorized Retailer and place your order for a SIM. You get the SIM card within three days.
How To Activate Your Verizon SIM Card?
Before you activate your Verizon SIM, you need to install the SIM card on your phone or device. If your device came pre-installed with a SIM, follow the activation instructions on your device package. If you placed an order for a new SIM, follow the activation instructions on your SIM pack. Finally, you can follow the instructions on Verizon’s Simulators page.
To activate your SIM, visit ‘My Verizon’. Log in and click on the ‘Activate or Switch Device’ option and follow the instructions on the page.
How To Protect/ Secure My Verizon SIM Card?
SIM cards are not secured or protected. After you activate your SIM, you have to take a step further to secure or protect the SIM card by setting up a PIN. The PIN helps to prevent unauthorized use of the SIM and device.
You are required to enter the PIN when you turn on your phone or when you switch the SIM to another certified device. When setting up the PIN, the default code is 1111. Remove the default code and replace it with any 4-digit number of your choice.
Tips On How To Handle Your Verizon SIM Card
A SIM card is quite delicate and should always be handled with care. Failure to handle your SIM without care will result in damage, and that means you have to order a new SIM. These are the tips on how to handle your Verizon SIM Card.
a. Avoid touching the gold parts (contacts).
b. When installing the SIM, the gold contacts should be aligned to the gold contacts on the device.
c. Avoid bending the SIM card.
d. Make sure the SIM card is dry and clean always.
e. Avoid placing the SIM card in places with extreme temperatures like under the sun.