[Instruction] How to get a new phone and keep (legacy) Unlimited Data on Verizon

[alxarambula]

Re: Verizon: How to keep Unlimited Data and get phone on subsidized price

I screwed up already! Wahhhh.
I used a template to cut my old sim and opened the door on my new phone. Its not even close. my sim is now too small.
I screwed up big time. Im screwed arent I?

Your going to need to get a new sim trough Verizon and then try again.

Posted via Android Central App

 

[24kBlondi]

Re: Verizon: How to keep Unlimited Data and get phone on subsidized price

Messed with it some more....and bam it works!! Yay!

Just in case it wiggles out. How do I get a new one, dont they ask questions?? Will it be the same as the old one?

 

[chrispitude]

Re: Verizon: How to keep Unlimited Data and get phone on subsidized price

I lost my unlimited data.

While trying to activate my GS4 with my non-4G SIM from my Droid 3, I ended up calling the Best Buy activation line to do a manual activation with that SIM number. (OP's post mentioned that he had a live person activate it using his SIM number, so I tried the same thing.) The Best Buy rep tried entering in my 19-digit SIM number but activation failed. He suggested I go to a Verizon store and we ended the call. Even though it was a short call, apparently that was enough to reset my plan back to a 2GB data plan.

My wife upgraded from a Galaxy Nexus to a Galaxy S4. Her activation using the old SIM worked flawlessly and she still has unlimited data.

Now I'll need to go into the store and argue my case with printed screen captures. I don't have high hopes of success.

It's been said before, but I'll say it again - DO NOT CALL IN.

 

[tehashi]

Re: Verizon: How to keep Unlimited Data and get phone on subsidized price

How is the track record with this anyway? I want to get a new phone, but my wife is scared something will go wrong and we'll lose the UDP after a few months. I'll pay full retail if i have to, but i really don't want to.

 

[minidre]

Re: Verizon: How to keep Unlimited Data and get phone on subsidized price

Don't use the new SIM that came with the S5. Take the GNex to Verizon tell them you want to activate it on her line and they will put a SIM in it and activate it. Then she is set. Just order the new phone and when you get it put the SIM from the GNex into the new phone.

we already ordered her S5 from BB and i have it currently. Will they still let her transfer to the nexus and keep the UDP even though we still ordered her updated phone? even if the phone is not "activated" yet. I don't want verizon to give us problems because we already have her new phone

 

[lizzie9208]

Re: Verizon: How to keep Unlimited Data and get phone on subsidized price

My husband and I are attempting to upgrade our Galaxy Nexus phones to S5 phones. We both have UDP. We did the BestBuy trick, but hit a snag. When ordering online, you can only order one phone at a time. He ordered my phone first and he was able to select to keep the same plan. While ordering his phone, the website timed out "on the backend" (the best explanation he could get of this is that BB was having a hiccup on their end when trying to complete the purchase). This was enough to cause him to lose his UDP and get dropped down to 2 gig.

He called BB and Verizon today, and neither place was able to revert him back to UDP. Verizon told him that if he returns the phone to BB, then they will cancel the upgrade and in theory, this should return him back to his old UDP. Then, he can re-order the phone online through BB and attempt the trick again. So, if any of y'all run into a similar problem or screw up the sim card switching, you may want to try returning the phone to see if that will put you back on UDP and then try things again.

 

[tx_tuff]

Re: Verizon: How to keep Unlimited Data and get phone on subsidized price

we already ordered her S5 from BB and i have it currently. Will they still let her transfer to the nexus and keep the UDP even though we still ordered her updated phone? even if the phone is not "activated" yet. I don't want verizon to give us problems because we already have her new phone

That's a lot going on, I'm not sure.

 

[RyMac04]

Re: Verizon: How to keep Unlimited Data and get phone on subsidized price

Yes

Sent from my VERIZON LG G2

1. Are there any cons or quality loss of using the old Gnex Sim versus the new Sim? Same technology, etc?

2. I was told by s Verizon rep that those with UDP are entitled to $30/month 6GB plan. You just have to ask for it. That's what is ordered on my new Sim, so if this doesn't work i won't be too upset.

 

[rdjr74]

Re: Verizon: How to keep Unlimited Data and get phone on subsidized price

1. Are there any cons or quality loss of using the old Gnex Sim versus the new Sim? Same technology, etc?

2. I was told by s Verizon rep that those with UDP are entitled to $30/month 6GB plan. You just have to ask for it. That's what is ordered on my new Sim, so if this doesn't work i won't be too upset.

No the only difference is the new sim cards have NFC for ISIS built in. This differs from the phones built in NFC, which allows you to transfer files, pics, videos, etc. by holding two phones near each other. The ISIS that is built into the new sim cards is Verizons version of "Google Wallet". If you don't plan to using ISIS then simply use your existing sim card and you will be just fine.

For those of you that have been having issues recently you didn't follow the instructions to a tee. It's unfortunate for you, major bummer but by following the instructions the success rate is nearly 90%.

For those that have concerns about replacing your sim card, you can do this on Verizons site as well as going to a corporate Verizon store and tell them a story as simple as the phone was a gift or you bought it online and you need another sim card or a replacement sim card as the previous one was lost, doesn't fit, whatever. Use some creativity. Simply put, they can't change your contract when in theory all you want to do is activate a new phone on your line.

BTW: Two week since receiving my phone and no issues with my UDP. All is good.

 

[nomadthunderbolt]

Re: Best Buy Mobile lets me keep Unlimited Data Plan on Verizon?

New Galaxy S5 came from BB. I went to the mall and asked T-Mobile if they had as sim cutter, they said no, but to go to the kiosk just outside their door called "We Fix Wireless". They had a sim cutter. They cut the sim from my Thunderbolt for $5.00. I didn't have my S5 with me, so now I have no phone, which is a very odd feeling. My wife has a slide phone with no data or anything. Anyway, sometimes it's good to listen to my wife, because she said, "you can use the outer part of the old card as a frame if you need to reactivate the T-bolt for some reason". So she took her nail file and cleaned up the edges of the remnants of the sim card from cutting and the edges of the piece they cut, (very little on this part), and bam, back into the T-bolt it went and I was back in business. Awesome right? Amazing that she can't send a text or make a phone call on my phone but can put it back together.

Alright so we go to Verizon and buy her an S5, she decided that it's time to come out of the dark ages. Added a data package to her phone, didn't change my plan at all and she gets a new S5. Go home, check my plan and it's all good, she shows S5 on her line with 2G data. My phone still showing T-Bolt unlimited with new 2 year contract. Now the moment of truth. Pull the sim card from the T-bolt and slide it into my BB.com direct to home phone and it fires up. Anxiously waiting and it asks me what language. Then it pops up, "this sim card is already activated, your phone number is.... next. Went through the set up process and life is good. Back to Verizon site, still shows T-Bolt with unlimited data. Screen print, (been doing screen prints through the whole process).

Just checked Verizon site and now it shows me having a Galaxy S5 with unlimited data. Screen print. Life is good people, will continue to check over the next few days, but thank you all for your help. I've got a new S5 for $125, (had $75 in BB rewards), still have unlimited data. Now I'm going to go spend the $75 I saved on a Zagg glass protector and a case for my new Toy.

Two things I found out in this process. One, I don't think you can go from a large sim, not credit card size, the smaller one to a nano sim. Some of the gold would have been cut off. I could be wrong, others here would know better. Two, Verizon's BOGO thing is limited to family or people who would be tied to a contract with you. While waiting for our turn at the Verizon store to get my wife's S5, we were talking to a single guy who was there to get one also. We asked if we could do a BOGO, we were willing to work out the details of payment between us, (cash) and the rep told us we had to be willing to do a contract together. The commercials aren't clear about that.

So again, thank you all so much. Off to the mall to get a Tech 21 cover and Zagg glass screen protector.

 

[jackmei2]

Re: Verizon: How to keep Unlimited Data and get phone on subsidized price

I accidentally did this, ordered a new S5 and just took the SIM from my S3 and put it in my S5 and turned it on. my plan has not been changed from my unlimited plan yet (been over a week), but since the S5 can't be rooted, I can't get wifi hotspot on it for free! also, the rep on the phone who I ordered through, gave me a $60 plan for unlimited talk and text and 2GB data which includes tethering and $10/GB for any overages. decisions decisions... I use between 2 and 3 GB per month, so I'm not a huge user

 

[dogswind]

Re: Verizon: How to keep Unlimited Data and get phone on subsidized price

Welp, I just placed my order. Decided to go with the M8, so I don't have to worry about an adapter for my nano sim. Pretty much every page throughout the process states that there will be no changes to the plan, so I took screenshots of a couple pages.

 

[RyMac04]

Re: Verizon: How to keep Unlimited Data and get phone on subsidized price

No the only difference is the new sim cards have NFC for ISIS built in. This differs from the phones built in NFC, which allows you to transfer files, pics, videos, etc. by holding two phones near each other. The ISIS that is built into the new sim cards is Verizons version of "Google Wallet". If you don't plan to using ISIS then simply use your existing sim card and you will be just fine.

For those of you that have been having issues recently you didn't follow the instructions to a tee. It's unfortunate for you, major bummer but by following the instructions the success rate is nearly 90%.

For those that have concerns about replacing your sim card, you can do this on Verizons site as well as going to a corporate Verizon store and tell them a story as simple as the phone was a gift or you bought it online and you need another sim card or a replacement sim card as the previous one was lost, doesn't fit, whatever. Use some creativity. Simply put, they can't change your contract when in theory all you want to do is activate a new phone on your line.

BTW: Two week since receiving my phone and no issues with my UDP. All is good.

Much appreciated.

My only concern is that I negotiated the new 6GB plan for $30. Does this mean I'm locked into it? When i call to activate my old SIM, will it automatically revert me back to UDP? I'm not quite understanding the process, since I ordered from Verizon and renewed my contract in store. Phone is set to arrive Monday to my house.

 

[rdjr74]

Re: Verizon: How to keep Unlimited Data and get phone on subsidized price

Much appreciated.

My only concern is that I negotiated the new 6GB plan for $30. Does this mean I'm locked into it? When i call to activate my old SIM, will it automatically revert me back to UDP? I'm not quite understanding the process, since I ordered from Verizon and renewed my contract in store. Phone is set to arrive Monday to my house.

That was definitely not the way to go. I would even think your plan has already changed on the Verizon site. And you don't have to call or at least with the BB instructions all you had to do is insert your existing sim card, once it boots up you get a Verizon screen for a few minutes then after that the screen says "this sim card has already been activated". Along with your number displayed on the screen and 4G pops up. You may be SOL!

 

[rdjr74]

Re: Verizon: How to keep Unlimited Data and get phone on subsidized price

I accidentally did this, ordered a new S5 and just took the SIM from my S3 and put it in my S5 and turned it on. my plan has not been changed from my unlimited plan yet (been over a week), but since the S5 can't be rooted, I can't get wifi hotspot on it for free! also, the rep on the phone who I ordered through, gave me a $60 plan for unlimited talk and text and 2GB data which includes tethering and $10/GB for any overages. decisions decisions... I use between 2 and 3 GB per month, so I'm not a huge user

Verizon disabled the hotspot fro people with unlimited data in android version 4.3. That is why I still sit on 4.1.2 on my S3. I haven't updated it. Pretty sure what they are doing is illegal since the FCC claimed they could not charge additional. Sure there is fine print to cover there *** against the remaining UDP peeps. I'm hoping the apps used to get the hotspot continue to be updated. Unfortunately the one I use doesn't work on my M8. Fingers crossed for an update.

 

[DudeThatsErin]

Re: How to keep Unlimited Data and get phone on subsidized price.

I'm tempted to do this myself. I went ahead and threw a 2nd line on my phone in October (missed out on the Verizon website issue by just a few hours) when I cracked the screen on my old Rezound not even an hour after Verizon fixed their website. So, I have a 2nd line on my phone that's costing me. I'm actually considering jumping to T-mobile's deal where they'll pay the ETF for moving a line to them. I'll have to figure out the math to see if it would be cheaper for me to get a T-mobile phone and have 1 account with Verizon (for my unlimited) and 1 dummy account with T-mobile or just keep the 2nd line on my Verizon account as a dummy phone that serves no real purpose.

I just saw this through their ordering process. I figured I'd see if it would allow me to upgrade without adding a plan.

T-Mobile completely cut off all overage charges & they have an unlimited data plan. I'm currently with T-Mobile and while I'm not in an area with good service right now, I will be in just a couple of months. So, I'll be able to use the 4GLTE to death and really see how fast it is. Seems fast when I get in areas that have it around me but I'm only there for a few hours max so not sure if it fluctuates.

Anyway, I'd make sure you still get around the same service you have now before you switch and then moving both over to T-Mobile since there are no overage charges and unlimited data.

Got any questions? Let me know.

 

[minidre]

Re: Verizon: How to keep Unlimited Data and get phone on subsidized price

That's a lot going on, I'm not sure.

i was thinking of just saying she wants to just try this android to see if she likes it or not since she's making the switch from apple. and that would have her choose her decision in activating the s5 or not or something along those lines.

 

[aim2misbehave]

Re: Verizon: How to keep Unlimited Data and get phone on subsidized price

Okay, I'm getting confused between the VZW upgrade switching and the BB.com ordering and want to be sure I do this correctly. Can y'all help, please?

I have a Galaxy Nexus with UDP (no upgrade right now). My dad has a flip phone and an upgrade. I want to upgrade to an M8 and give him my Galaxy Nexus.

So, I think I order the M8 from Best Buy using his phone number, shipping to my house. Before it arrives, I would have to cut my SIM card down. Then once it arrives I put my Nexus SIM card into it and turn it on. Then I give my Nexus to my dad, have him take it in and activate it on his line. Is that right or am I totally confused?

Thanks!

 

[tx_tuff]

Re: Verizon: How to keep Unlimited Data and get phone on subsidized price

Okay, I'm getting confused between the VZW upgrade switching and the BB.com ordering and want to be sure I do this correctly. Can y'all help, please?

I have a Galaxy Nexus with UDP (no upgrade right now). My dad has a flip phone and an upgrade. I want to upgrade to an M8 and give him my Galaxy Nexus.

So, I think I order the M8 from Best Buy using his phone number, shipping to my house. Before it arrives, I would have to cut my SIM card down. Then once it arrives I put my Nexus SIM card into it and turn it on. Then I give my Nexus to my dad, have him take it in and activate it on his line. Is that right or am I totally confused?

Thanks!

Your in the wrong thread, the other one is about switching upgrades etc.

 

[aim2misbehave]

Re: Best Buy Mobile lets me keep Unlimited Data Plan on Verizon?

Asking again in this thread, as apparently I can't ask about switching upgrades on lines in the other one.

I'm getting confused between the VZW upgrade switching and the BB.com ordering and want to be sure I do this correctly. Can y'all help, please?

I have a Galaxy Nexus with UDP (no upgrade right now). My dad has a flip phone and an upgrade. I want to upgrade to an M8 and give him my Galaxy Nexus.

So, I think I order the M8 from Best Buy using his phone number, shipping to my house. Before it arrives, I would have to cut my SIM card down. Then once it arrives I put my Nexus SIM card into it and turn it on. Then I give my Nexus to my dad, have him take it in and activate it on his line. Is that right or am I totally confused?