I am new to this forum so sorry if this question has all ready been asked. I have been a Blackberry user for the past 3 years and on the 3rd and will see the light and per-order my Iphone 4 from Verizon. My question is; Do you need to activate the phone in a VZW store or will it come ready to operate right out of the box?
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Activation of Verizon Iphone 4
- Thread starter iphoneIA
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You dial *228 and activate it like every other Verizon phone...buying it in store they will activate it for you.
I did my droid online and had it ship to my house when I upgraded from my bb pearl. It arrived unactivated and had wirtten instructions for how to activate it, but essentially it involved dialing *228 as if you were updating roaming towers but instead chosing the other option to "program" the phone. It then walks you through several steps OTA and your done.
If you're patient enough to wait on phones (moot point here as online is the only method for the iphone) its the best way to do it. For my droid there was no messing with mail in rebates ("internet price") or verizon store employees/crowds. Great way to do it!
If you're patient enough to wait on phones (moot point here as online is the only method for the iphone) its the best way to do it. For my droid there was no messing with mail in rebates ("internet price") or verizon store employees/crowds. Great way to do it!
A lot of confusion. The 228 thing is not for the iPhone. It is only for "ordinary" phones. 
iPhones are activated through iTunes.
At least this is the AT&T method. Of course AT&T is much more advanced than Verizon. It doesn't need the old fashioned roaming tower update nonsense, does data and voice at the same time etc.
iPhones are activated through iTunes.
At least this is the AT&T method. Of course AT&T is much more advanced than Verizon. It doesn't need the old fashioned roaming tower update nonsense, does data and voice at the same time etc.
That's an assumption. Being stuck w/ iTunes would be a downer. It would be nice to do an untethered activation for once.
A lot of confusion. The 228 thing is not for the iPhone. It is only for "ordinary" phones.
iPhones are activated through iTunes.
At least this is the AT&T method. Of course AT&T is much more advanced than Verizon. It doesn't need the old fashioned roaming tower update nonsense, does data and voice at the same time etc.
More carrier fanboy BS. OTA activations and updates are considered more advanced.
The *228 thing is for ALL Verizon phones. If the iPhone doesn't use *228 it will be a precedent. So based on what we know about Verizon activations, using *228 is the most likely answer.
A lot of confusion. The 228 thing is not for the iPhone. It is only for "ordinary" phones.
iPhones are activated through iTunes.
At least this is the AT&T method. Of course AT&T is much more advanced than Verizon. It doesn't need the old fashioned roaming tower update nonsense, does data and voice at the same time etc.
How do you know its not for the iPhone, do you work at Apple or Verizon? No...thats what I thought. Verizon uses the OTA programming for EVERY PHONE THEY SELL. Why be forced to activate using iTunes? You dont need to own a computer to use the iPhone, it can download apps and music, surf the internet and everything else without a computer and the only reason you need the computer is to unlock the phone...
You need the pc/mac in order to load music from your own personal collection to the iPhone. Do not be surprised if you're required to activate via iTunes as this was the case with AT&T. Guess VZ customers will find out once they begin to receive their devices and I'm sure they will report back here.
*228 will not be needed. It will come pre activated all you will have to do is plug it into itunes
I go with those who think the customer will have to use iTunes, because Apple's whole deal is to tie people into their ecosystem.
They want our name and credit info. And they want us to only buy apps from their store.
In addition, iOs devices are dependent on a host computer for operating system updates.
They want our name and credit info. And they want us to only buy apps from their store.
In addition, iOs devices are dependent on a host computer for operating system updates.
I had a rep tell me that activation will take place by using a wire hanger covered in tin foil that has been fashioned into bunny ears (one will come with the phone evidently.) and the mothership will transmit the *228 code once the iPhone is syncing with iTunes. He did say that it might require some fidgeting but everything should go smoothly during the ascension.
I thought it was weird too but I've been hearing lots of strange things from the Verizon reps lately.
I thought it was weird too but I've been hearing lots of strange things from the Verizon reps lately.
You are right of course. The advantage of iTunes is that it backs up all of your music, videos, apps, etc.
A lot of confusion. The 228 thing is not for the iPhone. It is only for "ordinary" phones.
iPhones are activated through iTunes.
At least this is the AT&T method. Of course AT&T is much more advanced than Verizon. It doesn't need the old fashioned roaming tower update nonsense, does data and voice at the same time etc.
I wouldn't imagine Apple bowing to Verizon to do a 228 activation instead of going to iTunes. Unless Verizon made them rewrite iOS to do so (which would happen when hell freezes over).
You mean like Verizon getting the iPhone when hell freezes over?
I really sick and tired of people saying things will NEVER happen on this site. (Or will happen when "hell freezes over").
A better way to state your point (and one I could agree with) is that performing a *228 might require some additional code in iOS. It's possible that both parties agreed that it would be simpler to leave the existing iTunes activations in place.
However, one could argue that this requires a new activation process at Verizon with new code and new servers. So I think this argument could go both ways.
The most compelling argument I've heard so far is that Apple wants the users to be tied to iTunes for the whole Apple ecosystem. On the flip side of that, it allows users to more easily load music not purchased from iTunes. Without being tethered to iTunes on the PC, all users would have to purchase music via iTunes on their phones. I see this as a pro for Apple.
Activating an iPhone in iTunes does far more than just tell your carrier that you are using it.
iTunes does several things upon activation (including setting up push notifications).
I'm sure that Apple will require CDMA iPhones to be activated just like all other iPhones must be (even those that are sold unlocked).
An Activated GSM iPhone can have a new SIM inserted without it requiring activation, so I'd imagine that once a Verizon iPhone has been activated in iTunes, it can be moved to another account by dialling *228 like other phones can.
iTunes does several things upon activation (including setting up push notifications).
I'm sure that Apple will require CDMA iPhones to be activated just like all other iPhones must be (even those that are sold unlocked).
An Activated GSM iPhone can have a new SIM inserted without it requiring activation, so I'd imagine that once a Verizon iPhone has been activated in iTunes, it can be moved to another account by dialling *228 like other phones can.
Knowing Apple and their controll I bet it will need itunes to activate just like every other iphone sold.
Well this is simple enough. It's already answered on Verizon's site.
http://support.vzw.com/faqs/iphone/iphone_faq.html
http://support.vzw.com/faqs/iphone/iphone_faq.html
http://support.vzw.com/faqs/iphone/iphone_existing_customers.html according to that link, you will need itunes and a computer to activate your iphone when you first get it.
Actually it's more of a streamlined delivery process. Why would they not want to use it, to be fair?
By using a single delivery method for updates to your phone, and content, they guarantee as close to "perfect" as you're going to get since they don't have to account for any 3rd party issues arising from various other systems.
Ya know what I mean?
I, actually, have no issues w/ iTunes. I generally only use it on my Macbook Pro but honestly I can't complain of any issues w/ it. Runs fine, doesn't cause me any issues, etc.
I think it's great as far as the design to sync (iPad, iPod, iPhone) and ease on that end. Much easier than syncing things through RIM's software for sure.