How to switch from Verizon to Google Fi when your phone is dead

My essential PH-1 phone died on me, and my service provider was Verizon. My wife was the primary account holder. These are the steps I took to switch from Verizon to Google Fi.

  1. I bought a Google phone (Pixel 4) on Amazon (unlocked version) after confirming that Pixel 4 works with Google Fi. When I got it, I connected it with home wifi, went through all the questions, and provided info. 
  2. I joined Google Fi. (Please use my affiliate link)
  3. I got a transfer PIN from Verizon (I was worried if the PIN would remove me or affect my wife's line. It didn't.)
  4. I entered the transfer PIN on Google Fi's service page (and I put other information such as my phone number, etc.)

THIS IS WHERE I GOT STUCK. I got help from Google Fi's chat window.

  1. The new Google phone came with a needle to open the SIM slot. I used it to open the old phone's slot and took out the Verizon SIM card. I put it into the Google phone's SIM slot. My Google Fi immediately started working as a phone (under the VERIZON service).
  2. I went to Google Play and downloaded the Google Fi app. Initially, they tried to verify me by sending me a tap, but my new Google phone was not showing that. I chose the alternative method of their verifying me by sending me a simple text, which worked.
  3. After installing the Google Fi app, I answered some questions. The final message was, "The SIM card isn't working." The Google Fi support person told me to take out the Verizon SIM card and restart the phone.
  4. The phone started working. The support person thinks I don't have to do anything with Verizon because my number is not with them, and they will drop my service automatically. I will monitor my bill and the account, though, to see if this happens.

Again, this is my affiliate link. I get $20 off my phone bill. Thanks for using it when you sign up for Google Fi.

https://g.co/fi/r/CR202R

 

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