I have the LG chocolate through Verizon, and it is a horrible phone. I just purchased a new phone on Ebay that is a Verizon phone, and I was wondering what’s the easiest way to activate it with my current contract/number? I checked their website, and they have a way to do it, but you need the original Verizon purchase receipt. I know this can be done. Thanks so much!
Walk into your local Verizon store and ask them to activate it. As long as you have a plan you’ll probably be in and out in five minutes.
One way is to call (800) 922-0204 from a phone that’s not on the plan.
The other, better way, is to log in at verizonwireless.com, and activate it through “My Account”. If you don’t use “My Account”, you should, because it allows you to back up all your numbers on their servers. So, get it set up, upload your numbers, then go into “My Account” and activate your phone. Remove the application from the old phone, and add it to the new one. The application you need to download is in Get it Now under Tools on the Go.
ETA: I’ve done each way half a dozen times, and online is easier. I’ve never had a Verizon receipt, all you need is the ESN number, located under the battery (which is why you have to call from a phone that’s not on the plan) (it’s the one that’s in HEX, probably).
Finally, if you do it online, you’ll have to press *228 to finalize the activation. I’ve gone through enough phones to remember that number. 
thanks so much!
If I activate a new phone, will my old one be “unlocked”? AKA can I sell it on ebay?
Any comments on how to make the phone “ebay” safe?
Any comments on how to make the old phone “ebay” safe so I can sell it?