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

[cnotes2019]

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

I was wondering, wouldn't transferring the upgrade to another line still leave you vulnerable to the data restrictions that go into effect in Oct?

It's very much possible. We will just have to see

 

[artburk2]

Re: [Instruction] How to Keep Unlimited Data on Verizon

Sorry for the confusion. I could just do the BB method, but I believe I can avoid the page that says any change will default you from UDP to tierd plan that people are ignoring and it seems to work, so far. Could they come back later and take your UDP after they find the mistake? Also, i was afraid I would need Verizon CS (as, I know nothing about phones OR SIM) and be asked why I needed a new sim, or why i have a different sim in my phone. My only answer I know, is to change phones. But, I can get past this as it seems no questions are asked.

Have, 3 lines. 2 are dumb. Just trying to be extremely careful not to lose UDP as we have Verizon home internet at max plan and already go over!!

Line 1 UDP Droid Razr Maxx (available upgrade)
Line 2 Basic phone (available upgrade on 8th BUT I couldn't use line 1 upgrade here on BB site as its letting me upgrade this line now.)
Line 3 Basic phone (available upgrade)

Goals:
Line 1--- Note 3, extended 2yr plan, keep UDP, use available upgrade
Line 2 AND/OR Line 3--- Both are content to keep phones they have but want one of these lines to always have upgrade available incase of loss or break. Would like to one upgrade on Note 4 when it comes out and give Note 3 to family member (Different plan). I can't wait as my Droid freezes more than it works.

 

[artburk2]

Re: [Instruction] How to Keep Unlimited Data on Verizon

I want to:

Upgrade Line 2 in store at Best Buy (today?)
Go to BB online and remove Note 3 back to basic
Attach Note 3 to UDP (Can I also do this on BB site? Do I need new sim prior to this? Not sure of answer if Droid sim fits)
*Nothing sketchy so far...*
Now I want to move my Line 1 UDP available upgrade to Line 2. (Can I do this at either Verizon or BB site?) (Is this the point where i may need a new sim?) I will want to wait for Note 4 before ordering. (New sim then?)
Line 3 to be untouched for "insurance" phone or should they change their minds on getting new.

Hope thats clear.

 

[mbkintner]

Re: [Instruction] How to Keep Unlimited Data on Verizon

Thanks. I was thinking the dates would swap also, when they didn't got nervous.

When I transferred the unlimited data line to the tiered data line, I chose the line that I plan on using the new phone on, so the SIM card will be programmed for that line, will I be ok to use the SIM card that is coming with the phone since its not the unlimited line?

So did everything turn out okay with your upgrade? It looked like your concern was addressed but I'm curios if everything worked out okay on keeping your UDP.

 

[Mr. Toad]

I want to:

Upgrade Line 2 in store at Best Buy (today?)
Go to BB online and remove Note 3 back to basic
Attach Note 3 to UDP (Can I also do this on BB site? Do I need new sim prior to this? Not sure of answer if Droid sim fits)
*Nothing sketchy so far...*
Now I want to move my Line 1 UDP available upgrade to Line 2. (Can I do this at either Verizon or BB site?) (Is this the point where i may need a new sim?) I will want to wait for Note 4 before ordering. (New sim then?)
Line 3 to be untouched for "insurance" phone or should they change their minds on getting new.

Hope thats clear.

Ok, if best buy lets you early upgrade get the Note 3 on the dumb line . Go home put your unlimited sim into the Note. Log into Verizon put the dumb phone back on the line. I believe the tiered data will drop off, or call Verizon and drop it. According to gsmarena they are both micro sims.

When upgrade for the note 4. Log into Verizon click a dumb line. Click the button to transfer upgrade. Chose the upgrade from your unlimited line. Activate the Note 4 follow the rest of the directions above.

The reason people like the best buy method (not used in any of these scenarios) is the receipt days keep existing plan.

 

[alien_shovel]

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

So, I've already received my M8 and I'm wondering...

1) Remove sim that came with M8

2) Install M8 sim into Thunderbolt

3) Call Verizon to have the new sim activated on my current phone

4) Install now activated nano sim into M8

5) Profit????

Don't laugh, I didn't realize that a mini sim couldn't be cut down (I bought a cutter) to a nano. I use 25-30 GB monthly so keeping my UDP is paramount.

I guess I'm just wondering if anyone has had success via the above method.

Thought I'd share since it's relevant though I may just have gotten lucky.

I went ahead and activated my M8 with the sim card that came with it on Saturday night. I activated through the website and had to input the phone's IME # and the sim #. It activated without a hitch so I didn't have to call Verizon.

I assumed that I would immediately lose my UDP, but it still shows unlimited on my account. My billing cycle is due up in a couple weeks, though I'll be checking my account daily waiting for the other shoe to drop. I'll report back with any changes but for now I've kept my UDP without having to jump through some of the small hoops listed here. Again, I may have just gotten lucky since I was able to activate the phone without the 'help' of a Verizon employee.

Could be an option for those folks in a similar predicament as myself.

 

[vipers356]

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

Success! I received my note 3. I shredded the SIM card that came with it and popped in my old one. So far so good! I still have UDP and my plan hasn't changed. Although I did receive an email from vz confirming an inquiry about a feature change on my number.

One thing I'm wondering though. If I need to reach out to customer service in the future in case I need help on my account, are they going to notice this and force me on a tiered plan since I "upgraded" already?

 

[cnotes2019]

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

Success! I received my note 3. I shredded the SIM card that came with it and popped in my old one. So far so good! I still have UDP and my plan hasn't changed. Although I did receive an email from vz confirming an inquiry about a feature change on my number.

One thing I'm wondering though. If I need to reach out to customer service in the future in case I need help on my account, are they going to notice this and force me on a tiered plan since I "upgraded" already?

Very doubtful they will

 

[barden7]

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

I have a UDP on a second line - the first line (which I guess is considered by verizon as a primary line) is not a UDP line (2 GB limit). I am eligible for an upgrade on the UDP line, and I tried to order a new Samsung G5 through BB for my line, but I got that same error message about a problem with my order. Based on the thread, I am assuming that the problem is that it is a second line (don't know how that happened, the primary line must have gotten switched to my son's line somehow!). I can transfer the upgrade to his line so I can order the phone, but what do I have to do when I get the phone to attach it to my line? Do I just swap the sim card that is in my current phone (Motorola Droid 4) for the one in the new phone? (sorry, I am not a techie for sure!) Thanks

 

[cnotes2019]

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

I have a UDP on a second line - the first line (which I guess is considered by verizon as a primary line) is not a UDP line (2 GB limit). I am eligible for an upgrade on the UDP line, and I tried to order a new Samsung G5 through BB for my line, but I got that same error message about a problem with my order. Based on the thread, I am assuming that the problem is that it is a second line (don't know how that happened, the primary line must have gotten switched to my son's line somehow!). I can transfer the upgrade to his line so I can order the phone, but what do I have to do when I get the phone to attach it to my line? Do I just swap the sim card that is in my current phone (Motorola Droid 4) for the one in the new phone? (sorry, I am not a techie for sure!) Thanks

Yes you can just swap sims and the pending activation will fall off in a week or less or you can activate it on his line then reactivate his phone which frees up the new phone to be put on your line.


Edit: do not use the sim that comes with the new phone. Use your old sim unless you are first activating it on his line.

 

[artburk2]

Re: [Instruction] How to Keep Unlimited Data on Verizon

Ok, if best buy lets you early upgrade get the Note 3 on the dumb line . Go home put your unlimited sim into the Note. Log into Verizon put the dumb phone back on the line. I believe the tiered data will drop off, or call Verizon and drop it. According to gsmarena they are both micro sims.

When upgrade for the note 4. Log into Verizon click a dumb line. Click the button to transfer upgrade. Chose the upgrade from your unlimited line. Activate the Note 4 follow the rest of the directions above.

The reason people like the best buy method (not used in any of these scenarios) is the receipt days keep existing plan.

Thanks Mr. Toad. Is there any reason I shouldnt let Verizon know I have the Note 3 (bought on my Dumb line) on my UDL in case I had problems in the future?
And one more question, when I get the Note 4 on the Dumb line via the transfered upgrade from the UDL, I should be able to activate it on that Dumb line as normal, correct? In other words, no hiding it or getting new sim. I can use the sim as normal and not affect my UDL?

 

[Mr. Toad]

Thanks Mr. Toad. Is there any reason I shouldnt let Verizon know I have the Note 3 (bought on my Dumb line) on my UDL in case I had problems in the future?
And one more question, when I get the Note 4 on the Dumb line via the transfered upgrade from the UDL, I should be able to activate it on that Dumb line as normal, correct? In other words, no hiding it or getting new sim. I can use the sim as normal and not affect my UDL?

You will not have to hide the phones when you go to the store.

I have 2 Unlimited Data plans on my account. My phone, Note 3, was purchased via upgrading a dumb-phone line and swapping it to my line. I have not brought it to store, but I did have to have assurion replace it. No problem and I would take out to the store.

My wife's iPhone 5S was purchased by transferring her unlimited upgrade to a dumb-phone line. I activated the phone then put her unlimited sim into the phone. I have brought the phone in for service without a problem. I have had them replace the cord several times.

Verizon has been really good with warranty issues for me. I purchased a used Samsung Fascinate years ago. It had an issue and they were replacing them with other phones. I got a Samsung droid charge.

 

[wks2002]

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

So, I went the Best Buy method and used the upgrade on my UDP line to upgrade my non-UDP line. Everything went well except when I log onto Verizon I see the following on my UDP, "Device needs to be activated, (Activate when you receive device." So they see where I upgraded but did not activate the device on the UDP line. The correct phones show up (Bionic on UDP line and new phone on non-UDP line). Is anyone else seeing this message? Will this remain until I actually activate a different device on my UDP line? Also, at the top of the screen I see this, "You currently have new device(s) to be activated. However you may upgrade other eligible line(s) on your account. Please select the eligible line(s) you would like to upgrade below."

 

[artburk2]

Re: [Instruction] How to Keep Unlimited Data on Verizon

You will not have to hide the phones when you go to the store.

I have 2 Unlimited Data plans on my account. My phone, Note 3, was purchased via upgrading a dumb-phone line and swapping it to my line. I have not brought it to store, but I did have to have assurion replace it. No problem and I would take out to the store.

My wife's iPhone 5S was purchased by transferring her unlimited upgrade to a dumb-phone line. I activated the phone then put her unlimited sim into the phone. I have brought the phone in for service without a problem. I have had them replace the cord several times.

Verizon has been really good with warranty issues for me. I purchased a used Samsung Fascinate years ago. It had an issue and they were replacing them with other phones. I got a Samsung droid charge.

Thank you sooo much!! I think I'm finally clear and thank you for walking me thru it!
So, if you upgrade a dumb line's phone, you can transfer it normally to UDL?
And, if I transfer my UDL upgrade to dumb phone line and purchase it there, i can transfer that phone to my UDL and return dumb phone all legally and i don't have to swap sim to do this, even tho ive been told by Verizon I cant. As long as I do it all online?
I had lots to learn, like what UDL meant and what a SIM was and did. (Well, still have more to figure out on that one. LOL)
You did bring up one more question for me tho. Can I get Assurian thru Best Buy, or is that something I need to get thru Verizon and will they need to know what line its on... (meaning, would i need to swap sims (if I swapped them to begin with) for them to activate insurance) confusing me further??? LOL

 

[darkmatter2]

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

I went the Verizon Website route for my G3, transferring my upgrade to an eligible non UDP line, cutting down my SIM from my Bionic then reversing the phone back to my line and so far so good, still have UDP and working like a champ for a couple of weeks.

 

[Mr. Toad]

Re: [Instruction] How to Keep Unlimited Data on Verizon

Thank you sooo much!! I think I'm finally clear and thank you for walking me thru it!
So, if you upgrade a dumb line's phone, you can transfer it normally to UDL?
And, if I transfer my UDL upgrade to dumb phone line and purchase it there, i can transfer that phone to my UDL and return dumb phone all legally and i don't have to swap sim to do this, even tho ive been told by Verizon I cant. As long as I do it all online?
I had lots to learn, like what UDL meant and what a SIM was and did. (Well, still have more to figure out on that one. LOL)
You did bring up one more question for me tho. Can I get Assurian thru Best Buy, or is that something I need to get thru Verizon and will they need to know what line its on... (meaning, would i need to swap sims (if I swapped them to begin with) for them to activate insurance) confusing me further??? LOL

What phone do you have on your unlimited line right now. If you have a 4G all you do to put the new phone on it is take your sim card out of your phone and put it in the new phone. If they are different sizes you can cut it out arrange to get a new one.

 

[lizzy5555]

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

Looking to try to get a new subsidized phone for a line with unlimited data and keep the unlimited. The current phone on the line is a Droid 2! My understanding is that I can NOT use the sim card from the Droid 2 for a new 4G phone. Is it possible to replace the sim card in a new subsidized phone with a sim card purchased off amazon and then activate the phone and sim card at the same time - and still keep unlimited? Or does the sim card need to be previously activated on the account? (I was going to post a link to the sim card selling on amazon, but apparently I don't have link posting privileges yet)

Also is there any reason the subsidized update phone needs to be ordered via Best Buy? Would another 3rd party work? Has anyone have success ordering off of Amazon?

 

[Gubanich Plague]

Re: [Instruction] How to Keep Unlimited Data on Verizon

Thank to everyone who has posted information in this thread. It has been immensely helpful in my quest to hang onto unlimited data.

From reading the thread, it sounds like it's possible to simply upgrade a non-UDP line and then just put he new phone on the UDP line instead by swapping in the SIM. Some people have activated the new phone first on the non-UDP line and then switched it, but it sounds like that's not necessary, since the pending activation will simply fall off the account eventually.

My question is regarding using this method with Amazon. The Galaxy S5, for example, is way cheaper on Amazon than it is upgrading directly from Verizon. The Amazon terms for doing this says:

"... this discount has been provided to you in good faith based on your agreement to (a) activate a new or extend an existing line of service for the device(s) with the carrier for two years, (b) maintain this line of service in good standing, and (c) not alter the line of service type other than adding an additional line of service to an individual account for at least 181 consecutive days."

It sounds to me like Amazon doesn't necessarily care whether you use the phone on the line you upgraded or on another line, as long as you extended the contract. Is this right? Has anyone done this with any luck or have information otherwise? Using this method, would I have to activate the new phone on the non-UDP line first, before switching it to the UDP line? And given how much cheaper it is, why aren't more people in this thread using Amazon? Am I missing anything here?

Anything anybody can tell me about this would be very helpful.

 

[dss2000]

Re: [Instruction] How to Keep Unlimited Data on Verizon

Thank to everyone who has posted information in this thread. It has been immensely helpful in my quest to hang onto unlimited data.

From reading the thread, it sounds like it's possible to simply upgrade a non-UDP line and then just put he new phone on the UDP line instead by swapping in the SIM. Some people have activated the new phone first on the non-UDP line and then switched it, but it sounds like that's not necessary, since the pending activation will simply fall off the account eventually.

My question is regarding using this method with Amazon. The Galaxy S5, for example, is way cheaper on Amazon than it is upgrading directly from Verizon. The Amazon terms for doing this says:

"... this discount has been provided to you in good faith based on your agreement to (a) activate a new or extend an existing line of service for the device(s) with the carrier for two years, (b) maintain this line of service in good standing, and (c) not alter the line of service type other than adding an additional line of service to an individual account for at least 181 consecutive days."

It sounds to me like Amazon doesn't necessarily care whether you use the phone on the line you upgraded or on another line, as long as you extended the contract. Is this right? Has anyone done this with any luck or have information otherwise? Using this method, would I have to activate the new phone on the non-UDP line first, before switching it to the UDP line? And given how much cheaper it is, why aren't more people in this thread using Amazon? Am I missing anything here?

Anything anybody can tell me about this would be very helpful.

I think they are counting on the extra data plan fee's. If you change to a dumb phone it will drop to basic $10/mo. I think Amazon will charge ETF if you switch it. Some have discussed it deep in this thread somewhere. I think the places that don't charge ETF are Costco, Best Buy and Verizon.

Simply putting the SIM from your UDP phone in a phone ordered on another like works well, skips and unnecessary step and avoids disrupting service on the dumb / non-UDP phone with phones from Verizon. Some that have purchased through Best Buy have reported that the pending data plan didn't fall off, not sure if they didn't wait long enough or something with Best Buy. You can always call and have them take it off or revert to the older method of putting phone on and then taking it off.

 

[dss2000]

Re: [Instruction] How to Keep Unlimited Data on Verizon

Thank You for your replys Mr. Toad and dss2000.
I’m in Toledo and been busy finding water for my pets to drink etc…
So, I re-read both of these scenarios (until my brain started scrambling)
Dss200, I was trying to avoid the sim switch as I couldn’t answer a question as to why I needed one or if I ever took phone in and they questioned me. Also, with BB method (If I have a choice), I’m afraid at some point, they could switch everyone whose done this to 2gb since its listed as default. So, if my other option is better, I should take that.
BUT, I’m wondering, if I transfer my upgrade from my UDP to the basic, (just confused on all the posts I’ve read) do I have to do this on BB site? And, do I have to take out sim on this phone and not activate to not lose UDP? Also, I’ve read, some places (BB, Verizon) may charge $30 fee to connect this phone to line first time? How do I do this to avoid the fee?
So, I’m confused as to what BB online can do that nowhere else you can do. And don’t know at what point I don’t use sim to avoid losing UDP. (understand I cannot buy phone on UDP and use on SAME line, BUT, I CAN transfer upgrade from UDP?) Is this the point I don’t use sim?
OK,
Line 2 (Dumb) Use his upgrade for new smartphone and activate in store. BB because its cheaper than Verizon right now. (Normal upgrade)
At home, disconnect and reconnect dumb (on Verizon.com?)
Line 1 (UDP) Transfer upgrade to Line 2 (Do I have to do this on BB.com so I don’t lose UDP?) sorry, I didn’t understand your ‘push thru’ statement. Also, is this right, that if I use this upgrade on Line 2 (Dumb), I do not have to take out sim? Only if I use it on UDP?
I’m believing this scenario would avoid the statement: No longer offering UDP
Lastly, if you know without searching, on a search, looked like Note 3 took micro same as Razr Maxx but Slickdeals list says differently.
Thank you both so much for helping me out! It’s appreciated more than you know.

Yes, it's kind of confusing because there are two methods and sometimes things are getting mixed up. With the Best Buy phones apparently the SIM is activated and associated with your line before you receive it so if you put it in your phone it will be automatically activated. The Best Buy method is based on preventing this last step. So you order the phone like you're going to lose unlimited and the final step in losing unlimited is activating the phone with the SIM provided and turning the phone on. But when you get the phone by putting your SIM from your old UDP phone it never completes this step.

So if your ordering a phone on a dumb / tiered plan line it's okay to activate the phone on the SIM provided as it's not an issue using the SIM provided by Best Buy. Go ahead and let them activate it on the dumb / tiered plan line. Then when you get home put the original phone back on the dumb/tiered line freeing the new phone and then take that SIM out and put the SIM from your UDP phone and that phone will then be active on your UDP.

Hope that helps.