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

[cnsf]

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

I read much of this thread, but now going on 273 pages, I wasn't able to find exactly what I was looking for. I think my situation is probably very straightforward/simple because I have a $30/month Regular Data Phone (RDP) on the family plan and can use it to keep my Unlimited Data Phone (UDP) which is also on the same family plan, just want to double check to see if I have the process correct:

• I transfer my UDP Upgrade to the RDP
• Upgrade the RDP by purchasing an iPhone 6
• Once iPhone 6 arrives, I use Verizonwireless.com to activate on the RDP line.
• Transfer the iphone 6 from the RDP line to the UDP line on verizonwireless.com
• Reactivate the old RDP phone

And??? That should work right?

I think you have to take the SIM card OUT of the iPhone 6 before you power it up and replace it with the SIM from the phone on the UDP line. If they are different sizes, you need to cut down the UDP SIM card to fit into the nano-SIM size. I'm trying to figure out the same thing.

 

[Jackpot0]

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

I read much of this thread, but now going on 273 pages, I wasn't able to find exactly what I was looking for. I think my situation is probably very straightforward/simple because I have a $30/month Regular Data Phone (RDP) on the family plan and can use it to keep my Unlimited Data Phone (UDP) which is also on the same family plan, just want to double check to see if I have the process correct:

• I transfer my UDP Upgrade to the RDP
• Upgrade the RDP by purchasing an iPhone 6
• Once iPhone 6 arrives, I use Verizonwireless.com to activate on the RDP line.
• Transfer the iphone 6 from the RDP line to the UDP line on verizonwireless.com
• Reactivate the old RDP phone

And??? That should work right?

I believe once you transfer the phone to the TDP line you DO NOT ACTIVATE it on that line. You just stick in the UDP sim card in it and it should work.

I'm not positive but that's what I believe is the working method.

 

[phantomog]

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

I believe once you transfer the phone to the TDP line you DO NOT ACTIVATE it on that line. You just stick in the UDP sim card in it and it should work.

I'm not positive but that's what I believe is the working method.

If you do not activate on the TDP, you will be left with a pending activation on that line. Since it is a TDP with a $30 a month data plan, the safest thing to do is to activate it on the TDP first, then switch it over to the UDP after. Skipping the activation on the line which received the transferred upgrade would only be useful on a dumbphone line in order to try to avoid the new data plan requirement. I have not read up enough yet on the issues with having a pending activation on a line and how to fix it.

 

[phantomog]

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

I read much of this thread, but now going on 273 pages, I wasn't able to find exactly what I was looking for. I think my situation is probably very straightforward/simple because I have a $30/month Regular Data Phone (RDP) on the family plan and can use it to keep my Unlimited Data Phone (UDP) which is also on the same family plan, just want to double check to see if I have the process correct:

• I transfer my UDP Upgrade to the RDP
• Upgrade the RDP by purchasing an iPhone 6
• Once iPhone 6 arrives, I use Verizonwireless.com to activate on the RDP line.
• Transfer the iphone 6 from the RDP line to the UDP line on verizonwireless.com
• Reactivate the old RDP phone

And??? That should work right?

Swap the ordering of the last two. You can't activate the new phone on your UDP until you put something else back on the "RDP" (TDP) line.

 

[mesocyclonic]

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

I believe once you transfer the phone to the TDP line you DO NOT ACTIVATE it on that line. You just stick in the UDP sim card in it and it should work.

I'm not positive but that's what I believe is the working method.

I believe this is true as well. It used to be that you could activate it on the TDP line just to be safe, but doing so now might trigger the new data plan requirement. According to VZW reps quoted by others in this thread, activating a phone on a TDP line using a transferred UDP upgrade will attach the $30/mo data plan requirement to the UDP line, which would force you off unlimited since an UDP is $29.99/mo (granted, they don't always give correct information).

Using an old UDP SIM to directly activate the new phone has been confirmed to work. I'd stick with that based on what people have reported.

 

[phantomog]

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

According to VZW reps quoted by others in this thread, activating a phone on a TDP line using a transferred UDP upgrade will attach the $30/mo data plan requirement to the UDP line, which would force you off unlimited since an UDP is $29.99/mo (granted, they don't always give correct information).

Using an old UDP SIM to directly activate the new phone has been confirmed to work. I'd stick with that based on what people have reported.

interesting. Has anyone posted about losing unlimited this way? I take absolutely no stock in what a CSR would say. If you call them and ask about losing unlimited they will tell you will lose unlimited for anything (and have been saying such garbage for a long time).

If this is true, we really need more documentation on pending activations and its implications and how to fix them. Otherwise, it seems like the safest thing to do now its NOT order directly from VZW anymore.

 

[gambet31]

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

My understanding is you DON'T activate the phone on the line you transferred the upgrade to. I believe you just stock in the SIM card with the UDP and that's it

So you are saying... switch the upgrade to TDP line 1, Order iphone 6 on TDP line 1 but don't activate the iphone 6. Then just save my SIM card from the BlackBerry and I wouldn't have to do any messing around with SIM cards.

Question 1 - how would you go about making sure the iphone 6 is activated on the UDP line 3 and not line 1 which is the line I ordered it on.
Question 2 - would I have to order the iphone 6 from best buy or is that not necessary in my situation.

 

[Jackpot0]

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

So you are saying... switch the upgrade to TDP line 1, Order iphone 6 on TDP line 1 but don't activate the iphone 6. Then just save my SIM card from the BlackBerry and I wouldn't have to do any messing around with SIM cards.

Question 1 - how would you go about making sure the iphone 6 is activated on the UDP line 3 and not line 1 which is the line I ordered it on.
Question 2 - would I have to order the iphone 6 from best buy or is that not necessary in my situation.

To ensure its activated it on the correct line activate it yourself, not at a store. Just dial *228.

And no, if your are transferring the upgrade you don't have to order it from best buy.

Buying it from best buy is just another method on how to keep unlimited.

I plan on doing the transfer upgrade method as soon as the iPhone is released.

 

[NeoXeo]

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

Hey everyone! I am new to these forums, so please be patient with me. I have been trying to read the various pages out of the 270+ that are part of this thread but I am not sure if I have gotten a full understanding of how to keep my unlimited data. My current situation is this:

Line #1 - 4G Android UDP, upgrade available
Line #2 - 4G iPhone UDP, upgrade available
Line #3 - 4G iPhone UDP, upgrade available
Line #4 - 3G iPhone UDP, upgrade available
Line #5 - 3G iPhone UDP, upgrade available
Line #6 - Do not have a line #6 yet but would like to have one with a TDP

As far as I can tell, in order to keep my unlimited data plan, I would need to use a method like Best Buy's and buy a full priced 4G phone, keep the phone off, and replace the new phone's sim card with one of the previous phone's sim card that I already own, then turn the phone on with the old sim card. The UDP should stay and the line will have a 2-year contract in place, correct? Since 2 of my phones on the UDP are 3G phones, if I want to get iPhone 6s, would have to do the Best Buy method before October 1st? Also, if I wanted to have a 6th line with TDP, am I able to add another line to my old family plan, or are the old family plans limited to 5 lines?

The end result that I am hoping for is to continue to have 5 UDP lines with new phones and 2-year contracts to prevent "network optimization" with an additional 6th TDP line, namely:
1) Line #1 - Galaxy Note 4
2) Line #2 - iPhone 6+
3) Line #3 - iPhone 6+
4) Line #4 - iPhone 6
5) Line #5 - iPhone 6
6) Line #6 - iPhone 6

Is there any way to do this? Thank you for all your help!

 

[mesocyclonic]

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

interesting. Has anyone posted about losing unlimited this way? I take absolutely no stock in what a CSR would say. If you call them and ask about losing unlimited they will tell you will lose unlimited for anything (and have been saying such garbage for a long time).

If this is true, we really need more documentation on pending activations and its implications and how to fix them. Otherwise, it seems like the safest thing to do now its NOT order directly from VZW anymore.

The nature of loopholes means we're stuck with what people have and haven't done. We know thanks to Scyzek that activating on the UDP line with the old UDP SIM works. I know CSRs have a history of saying things that are incorrect, but without proof to the contrary here, I wouldn't want to risk losing unlimited.

I would definitely agree that the BB (or other third party) method looks to be the safest for now.

To ensure its activated it on the correct line activate it yourself, not at a store. Just dial *228.

Activating a 4G LTE phone simply requires inserting a SIM card. *228 is only for basic/3G only phones.

 

[bigtymer228]

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

I posted last week but wanted to give an update and make sure I am on the right track since I got my shipping notice today.

Line 1 (wife) 2gb TDP, upgrade eligible
Line 2 (Me) Unlimited Data Plan
Here is what I would like to do all while keeping my UDP

a. I ordered a phone on her line and upgrade
b. When I receive phone I'll activate it on her line
c. I should deactivate the new phone off her line
d. Reactivate her original phone.
e. Place new phone on my UDP line

Once I deactivate her current phone will it disappear from the Verizon web site and if so how will I put it back in order to activate it back for her. Same question goes for when I deactivate the new phone in order to put it on my line.

My current phone's SIM will not fit into new phone. By following the steps above should I be able to just use the SIM that comes with the new phone, thus not having to go to verizon for a new one or trying to cut mine down?

Thanks for your help.

 

[Jackpot0]

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

I posted last week but wanted to give an update and make sure I am on the right track since I got my shipping notice today.

Line 1 (wife) 2gb TDP, upgrade eligible
Line 2 (Me) Unlimited Data Plan
Here is what I would like to do all while keeping my UDP

a.I ordered a phone on her line and upgrade
b.When I receive phone I'll activate it on her line
c.I should deactivate the new phone off her line
d.Reactivate her original phone.
e.Place new phone on my UDP line

Once I deactivate her current phone will it disappear from the Verizon web site and if so how will I put it back in order to activate it back for her. Same question goes for when I deactivate the new phone in order to put it on my line.

My current phone's SIM will not fit into new phone. By following the steps above should I be able to just use the SIM that comes with the new phone, thus not having to go to verizon for a new one or trying to cut mine down?

Thanks for your help.

I believe you do not activate it on her phone. Just get the upgrade and activate it on your phone. Should be that easy.

I plan on doing it when the iPhone comes out so I can't attest to it.

 

[rp100]

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

I am also attempting an upgrade through Apple.com. Ordered earlier today with delivery on launch day. Here's the scenario:

Line 1: UDP, out of contract, upgrade eligible
Line 2: UDP, out of contract, upgrade eligible (wife's line)

I did the upgrade for Line 2 and am having the phone shipped to my house. When it arrives, I will put the SIM from Line 1 into the new iPhone6 and see what happens.

The only thing that's weird is that, on my Verizon Wireless account, neither the contract date nor the upgrade eligibility date have changed - for either line. The only thing that's different is that the "upgrade eligibility" checker on BestBuy.com (or amazon, wherever) shows that Line 2 is not eligible for upgrade and then shows the upgrade date as September 2013 (lol).

Just an update on this - the upgrade date & contract end date for Line 2 both changed to show 9/15/2016. Unlimited data is still intact. My order at Apple[dot]com shows "Preparing For Shipment" (no longer able to cancel). Still intending to activate this device using the existing SIM card from line 1.

 

[shanetrain#AC]

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

Alright, my turn, and TIA for any assistance. ;-)

Line 1: Off contract UDP Line.
Line 2: 2GB, 30.00 a month TDP IPhone 5C, on contract.

Can I move my UDP upgrade to the second line and upgrade to the IPhone 6, without losing my UDP on line 1?

Suggestions?

 

[Mr. Toad]

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

Alright, my turn, and TIA for any assistance. ;-)

Line 1: Off contract UDP Line.
Line 2: 2GB, 30.00 a month TDP IPhone 5C, on contract.

Can I move my UDP upgrade to the second line and upgrade to the IPhone 6, without losing my UDP on line 1?

Suggestions?

Yes just transfer the upgrade on the Verizon site.

 

[Corlymotor]

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

Thanks guys (or girls)! It's going to be a while before my iPhone 6 arrives, so we'll have to wait and see, maybe a new method will come out by then? Or some brave souls will try out and confirm one of the above? But my process seems pretty straight forward.

I recently did the whole transfer upgrade scheme on the HTC M8 (which honestly is an incredible phone). I foolishly activated it with a rep on the phone who promised I would keep my unlimited because it was coming from another line, etc etc. But it didn't and I immediately went over my '2GB Limit' within less than 1 day so I had to return it , get my upgrade back and fight to have the restocking fee credited back. I finally got my account back to normal, now two months later without a single penny out of pocket for the mistake. So the take away is that it is possible to return and get everything back to normal if you mess up (provided it's less than 14 days), but I definitely want to avoid that cluster truck from happening again.

Thanks all!

 

[Nothing2Lose]

So I did the bb method and got a LG g3. I put my old SIM card from a Samsung galaxy nexus in before powering up. The phone works and it still shows I have unlimited.

I am not getting lte signal however. Stuck on 3g. I wonder if it's my SIM card since its pretty old. Any idea what I could do? Could I just go into a Verizon store and ask for a new card or would that take me out of udp. How long does that switch order stay on?

Never mind, I'm an *****. Changed global network to lte/cdma. Works fine now.

Posted via the Android Central App

 

[scipper77]

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

So I did the bb method and got a LG g3. I put my old SIM card from a Samsung galaxy nexus in before powering up. The phone works and it still shows I have unlimited.

I am not getting lte signal however. Stuck on 3g. I wonder if it's my SIM card since its pretty old. Any idea what I could do? Could I just go into a Verizon store and ask for a new card or would that take me out of udp. How long does that switch order stay on?

Posted via the Android Central App

I had to get a new card after activation so that I could get NFC to work. What I did was order a new Sim through the Verizon web site and go to my local bj's to activate. I vaguely described to the kid at bj's that I managed to get a subsidized phone and keep unlimited and I was afraid that he would take away my unlimited if I gave him my account info. After he promised not to take my unlimited he went on to set up my new Sim card and even enrolled me in there new device insurance program.

I went to bj's (where I am not even a member I might add) because I feel like they have to be very rigid with rules at the Verizon store. There is always a manager overseeing everything that is going on. At bj's there was only one kid there and he told me that his manager was working the "other" shift.

Posted via Android Central App

 

[Echelon Kix]

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

Hello All:

Like many others I am in the same (or similar) situation as many. Could use some assistance with how to keep my UDP on my one remaining UDP line. My goal is to acquire two iPhone 6 Plus 64 Gig while keeping my one line with UDP. Below is my current setup with Verizon:

Line # 1: Family shared plan with UDP ($29.99/month) iPhone 5 (upgrade eligible since 2011)
Line # 2: Family shared plan with TDP ($30.00/month 2 Gig) Samsung Galaxy S4 (upgrade eligible as of 9/1/2014)
Line # 3: Family shared plan with TDP ($30.00/month 2 Gig) Samsung Galaxy S4 (upgrade eligible 11/29/2015)
Line #4: Family shared plan with TDP ($30.00/month 2 Gig) Samsung Galaxy S4 (upgrade eligible 5/26/2015)
Line #5: Family shared plan with no data plan (Old Samsung flip phone) (upgrade eligible 11/29/2015)

At the current time I noticed the iPhone 6 Plus is backordered through end of October, do you guys have any ideas of methods that may work in store while acquiring the 2 iPhone 6 plus and saving my UDP? Any help would be appreciated.

P.S. On a different note I too noticed the Apple-Verizon iPhone 6 plus add a new line and pay for $29.99/month for UDP plan. Not sure if this is a glitch and Apple/Verizon will void or auto change the data plan to a TDP (2 gig or 6 gig for $30.00/month).

 

[rdjr74]

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

I had to get a new card after activation so that I could get NFC to work.

NFC is built into the phone unless you are referring to ISIS which is Verizon's way of paying for things through NFC (which you don't need unless you plan to use it). My old sim card doesn't have this nor do I want it. Just FYI...