How to activate a used iPhone?

I'm planning on buying an iPhone 4s tomorrow used from an acquaintance. I have an existing line with Verizon and just want to switch the service from my old phone to my new phone. How do I do this? Do I have to go into the store?

The fastest way would be going there but you can also call customer service FROM A DIFFERENT phone and they can help you.

Assuming they have deleted all of their information off of the phone, you should be able to activate the phone online or by calling the call center and providing them with your ESN. I've done this a million one times.

Call verizon customer service and you will know if you need to go the store or get it done only on website.

  • IPhone 5 broke, can I buy a used iPhone 4 and activate it? This may seem like a silly question, but I'm not that informed about cell phone plans really… I've had a iPhone 5 for the past year and a half through Verizon. It broke today. Like full on broke nto covered by insurance… I found a Verizon iPhone 4 for sale for like 70 bucks in great condition from someone on craigslist. If I buy that, can I go into Verizon with it and have them activate it for me and have it be my new phone? Does this make sense?
  • If i get a iphone 4 (used) can it be used like new? If I buy a used iPhone 4 will I be able to use it like its new and make a iTunes account get apps etc?
  • If I buy a used iPhone 5, do I have to activate it on a special way? I will be buying a used iPhone 5 soon, and I wonder. Besides getting the nano sim, do I have to activate it with AT&T and Apple, or anything like that? Or do I just have to put in my nano sim?
  • If i buy a used iphone 4s can i activate it with verizon's prepaid plans? I'm a minor so i can't get a contract on my own, so i figured that a prepaid plan is the best option for me. Is there any sort of deposit or contract or credit check or anything like that? And is it one of those prepaid plans that you get on a card from walmart or something?