Checking If You Can Use Your Verizon Smartphone with Straight Talk Wireless


Want to use your phone with Straight Talk’s Verizon Network? In this video, I’ll show you how to check if you can use your smartphone with Straight Talk’s Verizon network using a Bring Your Own Phone (BYOP) plan. Depending on your phone, where you use it, and Straight Talk’s rules you might be able to use your phone on Straight Talk’s Verizon network.

Hey,
In 2020, you have a lot of choices for prepaid wireless service. You may be able to save $100s per year and get the features you want such as Wi-Fi calling, Mobile Hotspot, and Visual Voicemail. Sound good? to learn more see, Is Straight Talk Your Best Option in 2020?
  1. Straight Talk offers the Verizon service where you use your phone.
    Straight Talk uses the four major networks Verizon, AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile but they don’t offer all four networks in every area. In some cases the Verizon network might not have coverage in your area and Straight Talk is unable to offer it. In other cases Verizon might be available in your area but Straight Talk doesn’t offer it there. When you sign up for Straight Talk they use your ZIP code to check what networks are available in your area.
  2. Your smartphone is compatible with the Verizon network.
    If you are currently aa Verizon customer with a smartphone and want to switch to Straight Talk your phone is compatible. If you bought a used Verizon smartphone or someone gave you a Verizon smartphone its compatible. If you have some other model phone you need to look at the phone’s specifications to see if it supports the cellular technology used by the Verizon network. If your not sure you might just want to leave a reply below and ask.
  3. Straight Talk says your specific phone is eligible for use on their Verizon network.
    Your smartphone has a few unique serial numbers called the MEID, IMEI and ESN. Straight Talk will check one of these numbers to see if your specific phone is eligible for use on the Straight Talk Verizon network. Straight Talk doesn’t publish a list of what criteria makes a phone eligible. If you did not pay off the contract or early termination fee for a Verizon phone don’t expect it to be eligible for use on Straight Talk’s Verizon network.

Finding Your Phone’s MEID, IMEI , or ESN

The easiest way to find your phone’s MEID, IMEI , or ESN is to dial *#06# and the number is displayed on the screen.

You can also find these numbers in your phone’s settings.

  • for iPhone Tap Settings > General > About
  • for Android Tap Settings > About Phone / Device

Checking if You Can Use Your Phone

Once you have your MEID, you can check to see if your phone is eligible one of two ways. First you can ask Straight Talk support by phone or online chat. You can find their contact information here https://www.straighttalk.com/wps/portal/home/support/contactus

you can also check eligibilty the number yourself on the Straight Talk’s website. Visit https://www.straighttalk.com/wps/portal/home/h/BringYourOwnPhone/carrierselection

  1. click Verizon compatible phone
  2. enter your zip code
  3. enter your phone’s MEID
  4. click Continue

If the website gives you an error you can try again and it may work.

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. If you make a purchase there is no additional cost to you and I earn commission on purchase which helps fund smartphonematters.com
Want to order a SIM card or BYOP Activation Kit? Click here to order from straightalk.com

Not sure how to order? See my article and video Click Ordering a Straight Talk SIM Card Or Bring Your Own Phone Activation Kit

Check out my video here:

60 Comments

  1. Rui carroca | |

    I have a Google pixel xl 2 can I use straight talk I’m a truck driver so I need really good service I drive threw Connecticut Rhode island Vermont Massachusetts and new Hampshire.

    • Bob Thompson | |

      What carrier are you currently using now? When you sign up for Straight Talk, your phone would use the AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon towers depending on which SIM card you buy.
      Also consider AT&T prepaid or Verizon prepaid. Which of the three big networks do New England truck drivers think has the best coverage.

  2. Colleen | |

    I just got a new phone nd it is through Verizon, I have a straight talk prepaid phone plan already and id like to unlock the new Verizon Android so I can use my straight talk sim card that’s already active in the new phone. How do I do so? Straight talk said I need to contact Verizon.

  3. Steven | |

    I have a galaxy j7 v I want to switch to straight talk prepaid how do I do this

  4. Pauline Bryan | |

    I have a Straight Talk phone and I have a Verizon SIM can I still use it

    • Bob Thompson | |

      I am not sure what you are asking?

  5. Brad Witt | |

    How do i know if my verizon Samsung s9 edge is compatible with the straight talk plan

    • Bob Thompson | |

      If it is a US model, it is. If you are using it with att then use straight talks att sim. Same for T-Mobile. If your phone is from Verizon check to see if it’s eligible as described in the article

  6. Kenny | |

    Will a Samsung Galaxy note 10 plus and the note 10 plus 5g bought from Samsung work with straight talk Verizon towers if I use Verizon CDMA BYOP sim? I see the note 10 plus sold by straight talk only gives you the option of AT&T or T-mobile. I don’t have an IMEI to check because I don’t want to buy it until I find out if it’ll work with Verizon towers.

    • Bob Thompson | |

      You have to check and register the MEID for any phone you want to use with a service that uses the Verizon network. An unlocked or Verizon full price phone bought from Samsung USA or even Best Buy should work fine. I don’t see you having a problem with it. If for some reason it doesn’t work you can return the phone for a refund. The MEID / IMEI should even be printed on the outside of the box so this can be checked before opening the shrink wrap. Sometimes the Straight Talk IMEI checker thing doesn’t work online, if you have a problem, check with their support first.

      If I wanted to use the Note 10 Plus with Straight Talk, I’d buy it myself. I don’t see it as a big risk. Just double check the return policy.

      Additionally. I don’t think Straight Talk or any other prepaid company with have access to the Verizon 5G network so keep that in mind. Also if you are new to Straight Talk ourr even changing phone take a moment to check out Verizon Prepaid, Total Wireless, and Visible as one of these options might be a better option depending on your needs.

  7. Noah | |

    If I missed a payment on my Verizon plan and they turned off the service can I still use my smart phone with straight talk?

  8. Amy | |

    Hi, why is my unlocked Apple iPhone XR not eligible for Straight talk? I currently have Verizon wireless. Should I use another SIM card

    • Bob Thompson | |

      Did you buy the phone SIM-Free and unlocked from Apple? Or did you get it from Verizon? Did you pay full price for the phone, or did you receive a discount? All LTE phones sold by Verizon are unlocked, but that does not make them eligible for use. Tell me a little more about the phone and I may be able to offer some suggestions

  9. Anthony Camp | |

    Is the note 9 from Verizon compatible ? I’m wanting to switch over

  10. Charlie D Ratcliffe | |

    I recently purchased a refurbished iphone7 plus that is Verizon. Is it possible for me to install my straight talk sim card into the new phone

  11. Shelby | |

    Okay, so I am wanting to switch to Straight Talk.. from a Verizon plan. It says my phone is eligible and I can keep the same number. I would just need to get a new SIM that originates for Straight talk, etc. If I were to engage in this process.. does anyone know how long it would take to port my number over? I am wondering how long I would be without a working phone. Of course, i don’t want to run into any complications with this but it needs to be done.

  12. Anthony | |

    I tried to put my straight talk sim card from my iPhone 6 purchased from Wal-Mart into my new phone with is unlocked and it shows up as “Verizon wireless (data connection only)” and no service works what do I do.?

  13. Regina Spurlock | |

    I am a straight talk customer for years now I just got a galaxy s 4 from a friend and I need to know if I can transfer my number and SIM card from old phone to this one the imei from galaxy s 4 is 356566055324727 my old phone is a ZTE

  14. Johnnie | |

    I am a straight talk customer. I have a t mobile galaxy note 5 phone with a straight talk sim card. I just bought a verizon phone and I tried to use my same sim card and the message I get is “my sim card is not a verizon sim card”. What do I need to do? Both phones were purchased from Amazon not straight talk. Keep in mind that the t mobile phone works fine. I just wanted a verizon phone.

  15. Michael | |

    I bought a Galaxy S6 from Verizon last year on a payment plan. Couldn’t stand the costs that Verizon has compared to straight talk, so I’m trying to switch. ST website says not compatible, so I payed the remainder owed on the device this morning, and confirmed with the Verizon associate that I’m not under a contract, the phone is paid off and unlocked. Checked for compatibility again and I still get the sad face & “not compatible”. Do I have other options? Thanks in advance.

    • Bob Thompson | |

      Contact st support via online chat and ask them to check the Meid go you. It may take a day or two. Take a look at my articles and videos on total wireless and Verizon prepaid too.

    • Bob Thompson | |

      Do you want to still use the Verizon network or is the att network an option for you too?

    • Jay | |

      Verizon pre-paid is now $50 a month for 7GB and if you get Walmart Sim card it gives 2GB bonus.
      you get rollver, hot-spot, and no speed throttled to 5Mbs like Straight talk does. and if you use all your data you get 128 speed instead of 64 that ST throttles you to. (or at least the used to ?) Verizon is no longer “expensive” the way they were when I had ST. VERY glad I switched, just the hotspot option is worth any small difference to me.

      • Bob Thompson | |

        Yes I have a number of articles and videos about that on smartphonematters.com and my YouTube channel

  16. Steven Grimmel | |

    Looks like Straight Talk finally bumped up thier data allotments. The $45 5gb plan now will hVe 8gb. The $55 10gb plan will now have 12gb. Also saw a new $35 plan with 2gb available. Pretty good deal I think.

    • Bob Thompson | |

      Yes they did. I published a video about it on my YouTube channel yesterday!

  17. KM | |

    My husband and I both have Verizon unlocked iphone 6s plus phones and were told by Straight Talk last year our phones are not eligible for BYOP on the Verizon network in our area which is laughable because older Verizon Galaxy’s are on the local Verizon network on ST no problem. We took our Verizon model unlocked phones to PagePlus for guaranteed Verizon service.

    New issue I am looking to buy my son an iphone 6s plus as a present. He is currently on the straight Talk network with a Galaxy. There is no clear way to know which phone will or will not work on their BYOP until you have that IMEI in your hands and the eligible phones section on ST is vague to say the least. Also the check compatibility feature does not work with Firefox at all. I don’t have alot of faith in ST at the moment because they seem to force you to use an ATT iphone to be on their network. And their website is often unreliable. I don’t want to do that. I prefer a truly unlocked model Apple offered or a Verizon model phone. I guess ST doesn’t want us as customers or my son as a continued customer.

  18. Jay Cee | |

    Hi Bob,
    posting here as well,
    Older article you wrote, but I looked at it and some linked ones of yours.

    Question for you if you have time.
    I’m sure you know the challenges that can be faced calling Straight Talk customer service regarding
    non-standard issues in particular.

    I have an iPhone 6 , purchased fro Apple unlocked model A1549

    I have had this phone on Straight Talk ATT-GSM for approx 15 months,

    My ATT service is not very good around my house anymore, possibly changes to antennae leases or who knows what. Additionally in Rural areas I have terrible coverage when my coworkers on Verizon have full signal strength.

    So my plan was to transfer my service to a new SIM card for this same phone, that card being a CDMA activation kit (Verizon)

    I entered the IMEI on ST website and it said it was good, I think I may have registered it already as well,
    When I go in and click some links it asks for PIN number, I presume the scratch off from the card.
    I think I saw different screen previously, that’s why I think I “registered” it already. (I know that last bit may be confusing, can’t figure out how to phrase it)

    So I think I should be all set to activate it and remove my ATT ST SIM and just put in my CDMA SIM.

    I logged onto my account to do all this, and noticed my auto renewal still showed the 1 year plan that I had switched to a 30 day renewal 2 weeks ago, (renews Dec 27th)
    So I called to clarify that issue, it turns out the presentation shows current expiring plan instead of
    what the account was switched to for upcoming renewal, seems dumb, but that’s how it shows.

    So I figured as long as I have a service representative on the line, I’ll just activate the CDMA SIM with her, and transfer my existing service over this way instead of online.

    Well, here is where it all goes wrong, she starts in on the business that it can not be activated since it was not a “Verizon Phone” , she wants only an ATT SIM card number, I tell her there is no point in that, I am already on ATT Straight Talk network, and the coverage is a problem, I reiterate that the online “pre-check” says it is eligible, as well as I already registered it and it took the info.

    We went around and around I finally gave up a nd said do not change anything, just leave it alone.

    Last year when I considered this I had some reps on chat as well as call in say the same thing, but I had other reps say , “no they are wrong, it is no problem”
    So it seems like VERY inconsistent training. As you know the phone itself is capable of being activated on CDMA or GSM as Apple started that with the 6 (unlocked) version.

    Any thoughts on this madness?

    My overwhelming concern is if i start a process then it all goes wrong, I could lose my phone number in the madness. I even bought a back-up GSM kit in case I had to solve a problem, or maybe in 5 months I decided CDMA was not a good fit and wanted to change. SIM kits were on sale, so I hedged my bets.

    I see LOTS of blog posts and videos of people doing exactly what I am intending to do, why are some straight Talk reps so adamant that it can not be done?

    Am I missing something here?

    Thanks for all the great articles, and any response you may have, for now I am afraid to try doing it online without concern that it will toss my GSM SIM off, and not actually activate on the CDMA

    Best regards, Jim

    • Bob Thompson | |

      Jim,
      If you bought the SIM free iPhone 6 is compatible and should be eligible with Straight Talk’s Verizon network. If you bought the full priced contract free iPhone 6 which was also unlocked, Straight Talk may be looking at the IMEI and deciding that your phone is an AT&T phone. It could also be that they realize that your already using the phone on their AT&T network and deciding its an AT&T phone.

      I **think** if you do the online transfer you could get it to work. You won’t know unless you try. If you try the transfer and it screws up you need to talk with their executive resolution support team and you can fix the problem. Their first line support isn’t too effective.

      If I were you and I wanted to the Verizon network, I’d switch to Verizon prepaid. It cost a couple dollars more but the data speeds are way faster and you can take advantage of Wi-Fi calling and their other network features.

      You can also call ST and discuss the poor coverage on the AT&T network. One reader told me they improved it for him. I was surprised to hear that.

      Let me know if you have any more questions and let me know how it works out for you.

      • Jay Cee | |

        Hi Bob, Thanks for the speedy reply !!!
        I agree, ST first line is very inconsistent in their skill set and knowledge. I’m not stranger to calling back 3 times with the same question to see if I found a correct answer.

        I agree, I think I found another rep that does not know what they are looking at, and refuses to ask questions of a more experienced co-worker. Funny how when you ask for a supervisor, they are always a supervisor that you are talking to. That happens every time I ask, so I assume it’s something they have been told to say.

        I’ll try the buzz word “executive resolution support” next time.

        It is definitely the unlocked “SIM free” direct from apple store 6,
        I was also looking at Verizon Pre-Paid and after messaging you I went back and entered the IMEI direct on Verizon site and it accepted it. So I’m pretty confident if I proceeded online with ST it would work. I’ll wait until they are fully staffed after New Years to do anything, in case I need a live person for assistance.

        Thanks for posting somewhere in one of your other blog entries about the ST Verizon network capping at 5mbps. I did not know that was the case until I spotted that.

        I’m considering that further, I don’t have any specific speed demon needs that I am aware of, I rarely stream Netflix, but have read 5mbps is plenty for that.

        My main usage for data is just web pages, and Aviation data while I’m flying on wildland fires, (hence the value in better rural coverage)
        Looks like Verizon has a $50 plan (same 5GB) as prepaid, and some advantage to allowed tethering and I could use on a international trip without buying local SIM card.
        direct International texting is a bonus, as I use Whatsapp now since ST frowns on using domestic plan for that. I always worry about just getting shut off for some of that.
        Tethering is kinda nice to have in a pinch, I think it can be worked around on ST, but it’s against TOS so I never try for the same kicked off / lose my number fear.

        Verizon “New Verizon plan” offerings seem a bit odd, I am as a matter of principle against the “activation fee” and “access fee’s” I might not have read close enough, but those just seem like sneaky add ons, compared to the rest of the market.

        GREAT tip on considering Verizon Pre-Paid, I’m taking a careful thought on that.
        6-7 bucks a month is a low price to pay to minimize headaches.
        And I might just benefit from the speeds that I don’t realize I could need as yet.

        Can you port over from a ST account? I would guess yes, since it’s a Federal Law,

        Thanks for your blog efforts I really appreciate your work !!
        I’ll update what I did for you and others that may be in same situation !!
        Happy Festivus !!!
        Jim

        • Bob Thompson | |

          Hi Jim,
          I am glad it helped. Make sure to check out Verizon prepaid at Walmart. For a limited time they are offering an extra two GB of data when you buy at walmart. I had a comment on one of my YouTube videos that they are also offering a credit for signing up for auto-pay. Also 5Mbps really more of a minium requirement for HD streaming. Additionally, I have sound that Straight Talk’s network can be latent, which will effect overall quality as well.

          And yes you can definitely port your number. Make sure to have your ST account number and account pin. You can find that info when you log into straighttalk.com.

  19. Bill Sarvay | |

    I have been a straight talk customer for a couple of years. I currently have an LG phone using the Verizon network through straight talk. When I go to the site you reference above and input my MEID under Verizon, the site tells me my phone is not eligible.

    This makes me wonder how important the eligibility is from the straight talk site. As long as you have the network available in your area, have the right SIM card for that network, and have a phone that is compatible with the network (CDMA or GSM) – are you good to go? The reason I ask is that Verizon provides the best coverage in my area, but straight talk always refers me to a CSM network capable phone.

    • Bob Thompson | |

      Hi Bill,
      the MEID on straighttalk.com isn’t always accurate. Usually if the phone is already registered on Straight Talk (or one of the other Tracfone brands) Verizon network it should return a message saying the phone is already. Sometimes it just will say, not compatible though.

      Hi Bill,
      Eligibility is important because you need a compatible phone’s MEID to sign up and activate the verizon network SIM card. You can move the SIM between Verizon compatible LTE phones and it works. But if you move the SIM card to a new phone, the old phone will be tje one registered on the network. Someone else won’t be able to register the old phone with a Verizon compatible service.

      Is your LG phone an LTE phone from Verizon? did you sign up for BYOP or buy the phone from Straight Talk? And just wondering, if your already using the phone with Straight Talk’s Verizon network why ate you checking if its eligible.

  20. Barbara | |

    Why is my daughter’s iphone 6 compatible with Straight Talk and mine isn’t?

    • Bob Thompson | |

      Is your iPhone 6 from Verizon? Is it still on a contract or payment plan?

  21. Joseph Burge | |

    Recently i bought an unlocked s6 920a. Last week there was a check compatibility that directed me to call,and they listed a $35 plan. This week all i get is buy a card and choose a plan, no checkmof compatibility, and the lowest plan is $45

    • Bob Thompson | |

      Straight talk uses the ATT, Tmobile, Verizon and sprint networks. If you want to use the AT&T network you don’t need to check if your phone is eligible. You do need to check eligibility to use it on their Verizon or sprint networks.

      I have running smartphonematters.com for about 4 years and I have never head of or seen a $35 BYOP plan. Did someone tell you this or do you see it on the website.

      If you want to stay in the 35 per month range on the ATT network their are other options

      You might want to watch How To Sign Up and Use Your iPhone 6 or 6s with Straight Talk Wireless

      While it shows using an iPhone it should help explain how it works and the info is similar for the S6

  22. ashley | |

    I have an unlocked us cellular iPhone 6 and want to switch it to Verizon straight talk. Do I just need the iPhone sim card to do so? And will it still be the $45/month?

    • Bob Thompson | |

      Your phone will need to be unlocked and eligible. Did you watch the video?

  23. John | |

    Question,Can you help? I my son purchased a iphone 5 from walmart and a straight talk $50.00 plan (sim) and ask them if they could set it up at walmart they said sure we can.. so son told them it has to he At&t they said ok we can do that. Son gave them imformation need they set out up not when son went to use it he couldnt cause walmart set it up as verizon so he tried several times to get it change verizon said nope said it was a Verizon phone but it wasnt he paid 200.00 at walmart he font have a contract with verizon so can I get it change to At&t and how? Thank you

    • Bob Thompson | |

      Is it an iPhone 5 or iPhone 5s?

  24. Sherry Davis | |

    I need some help bought a Verizon galaxy 4 for straight talk called ST says it is eligible but I would need the original Sim card. I bought the byop kit so I could switch ST rep says I need the original sims. Help never did this before.
    When I bought phone it has clean esn.

    • Bob Thompson | |

      Hi Sherry,
      what is the model number of your S4? I have never heard of Straight Talk telling someone with a Verizon phone that they need the original Verizon SIM. I have heard that about Sprint phones.

  25. Jamie | |

    Hello. I currently have Straight Talk, but the Straight Talk phone I am using (LG Sunset) is giving me too many problems. There is a Verizon phone I love and would love to use it on ST. It’s the Samsung Galaxy J1. If I buy this phone brand new from Walmart, can I use it right then with ST?

    • Bob Thompson | |

      Jamie,
      I assume the J1 is from Verizon Wireless. The phone might work, you would need to check the serial number (IMEI or MEID) of the phone to see if it’s eligible).
      Checking If You Can Use Your Verizon Smartphone with Straight Talk Wireless.

      If it eligible, it might work. You can usually find the IMEI or MEID printed on the package so you might be able to check this without opening the phone.

      Note, that Verizon Prepaid isn’t really in the business of selling their prepaid phones to use on other companies prepaid wireless networks so you might have issues. You could always switch to Verizon prepaid or find a different Verizon phone that you can use on Straight Talk’s network.

  26. Larry Debarge | |

    I will wait until a weekday just in case i need to chat or call. I live is a major city so basically everything works here. Verizon has been great as far a coverage goes but it is time to step up to 21st century for phone service. As always thanks for your input and advic. eBob

  27. Mildred Bryant | |

    Help. I have a Samsung Galaxy Note 5. I switched to straighttalk because of the price. I am not receiving my internet service. I get some emails and FB when connected to wifi. Ive talked to several straighttalk reps. It seems they cant figure out whats wrong. I left Verizon because of issues of no unlimited data. I ended up each month paying an excess of $45 extra each month for more GB. My phone is my job and I use the stylist to sign my documents and send back to the office. Also,I don’t want to lose my pictures or important documents.
    Thank you,
    Mildred

    • Bob Thompson | |

      Mildred,
      Did they have you set up your APN?

  28. Larry Debarge | |

    i Have had a non smart $30 plan with straight talk on the Verizon network. I was recently given an att galaxy s3 when my aunt got a new phone. I have ordered and received a sim card and i have a $45 plan card. How much hassle is upgrading the service? I understand I will lose what ever remaining balance I have on the the old non data plan.

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