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

[senior_chupon]

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

Hmm that last story has me a bit worried. I had planned to order a nano sim for my wife's plan after ordering the iPhone 6 plus from Best Buy (when it becomes available online and for shipping), but now I don't think would be good.

Would it be possible to take a 4G LTE micro SIM from a different device and cut it down for the iPhone 6? Does the SIM have any role in the NFC/Apple Pay feature or is that controlled by an on board chip?

 

[kas#AC]

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

So I bought a subsidized phone from Costco using the BestBuy method. I have received the phone and My Verizon shows a two year contract extension with my UDP intact. I have not turned the phone on. I removed the SIM that shipped with the phone, and have destroyed it. I did not insert my existing SIM into the phone. It still has not been turned on.

I don't want this phone, and want to sell it. When the buyer tries to activate the phone, will this cause me to lose UDP?

I cannot post links because of my post count, but if you do a Google search for "check meid online verizonwireless" the first link displayed is "Activate a Verizon Phone or Device." Making sure you are not logged into your verizonwireless account, if I enter the MEID under "Enter your Device ID to check eligibility," I get the message "It appears you would like to activate your recently purchased device. Please sign in to My Verizon to complete your new device activation." Can someone check if they get that same message with a SIM-swap activated device, of course making sure they are not logged in? Is that the default message for any new subsidized or unsubsidized device?

 

[tx_tuff]

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

Hey Folks,

So I did the old transfer my UDP Upgrade to the TDP Line and purchased a Subsidized iPhone 6. I should be receiving it next week.

Once I get it, why don't I just activate it on the TDP line, then deactivate it and then reactivate the phone already on my TDP line and then Activate the iPhone 6 on the UDP Line...

I don't understand why I need to mess with the Sim Card at all. . . did I miss that somewhere in this thread??

This is what I did last time and the way it was done to start with. As far as I know it will still work this way.

 

[ClintRo]

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

Hey Folks,

So I did the old transfer my UDP Upgrade to the TDP Line and purchased a Subsidized iPhone 6. I should be receiving it next week.

Once I get it, why don't I just activate it on the TDP line, then deactivate it and then reactivate the phone already on my TDP line and then Activate the iPhone 6 on the UDP Line...

I don't understand why I need to mess with the Sim Card at all. . . did I miss that somewhere in this thread??

This is what I would do.

 

[phantomog]

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

I don't understand why I need to mess with the Sim Card at all. . . did I miss that somewhere in this thread??

Short answer -- we don't know. The main thing is we don't really know yet how the new 2 year data requirement affects transferred upgrades.

When you upgrade a basic phone line now to a smartphone, that line is required to keep a data plan for 2 years of at least $30 a month. Here's where people are getting confused. If a basic phone line is using its upgrade it's straightforward -- that line must keep $30 a month data for 2 years. Some people think (and some people have been told via clueless CSR's) that if you transfer an upgrade from an unlimited data line to another line, that the $30 a month data requirement affects the "donor" unlimited line. Since unlimited lines are $29.99 the thinking is you will lose unlimited and be shifted to a $30 2GB plan.

But that really doesn't make sense to me and I can't see how they would enforce that. In my opinion (strictly conjecture at this point), the data requirement is only placed on the actual line being upgraded, the "donee" line. Here's why -- if you transfer an upgrade from a smartphone line, to a basic phone line, and upgrade to a smartphone, where do you think Verizon would want to force you to keep data for 2 years? Obviously the basic phone line, as that is the new source of revenue. The smartphone line already had a paying data plan. It only makes sense for them to force the data plan contract on the line actually being upgraded. The regular 2 year agreement is extended on the "donor" line just like always, and has been confirmed.

All that said, *if* I'm right in the above statements, it makes absolute sense for you to activate your new phone on the TDP line first. This avoids the pending activation issue. If you don't activate on the TDP line first, there will be a pending activation on that line and I'm not sure how to get rid of it.

Hope that helps.

 

[bobbylocs1]

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

If got a new iphone 6 and udp line through the apple.com giltch. I want to sale the iphone 6 will take out the sim before selling. I am going to buy from a friend a LG3. If I go to verizon and ask for a new sim for the lg3 since nano wont fit will it be a problem getting a new sim for the new line?

 

[dss2000]

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

Hey Folks,

So I did the old transfer my UDP Upgrade to the TDP Line and purchased a Subsidized iPhone 6. I should be receiving it next week.

Once I get it, why don't I just activate it on the TDP line, then deactivate it and then reactivate the phone already on my TDP line and then Activate the iPhone 6 on the UDP Line...

I don't understand why I need to mess with the Sim Card at all. . . did I miss that somewhere in this thread??

Yes, in your situation that would work fine. If you have a compatible SIM from your UDP line it is less steps to just put it in the new phone so it saves steps. Scyzek confirmed that it still works this way: http://forums.androidcentral.com/ve...p-unlimited-data-verizon-261.html#post3873098

I think what we are all waiting to find out is if someone has a feature phone line, orders a phone on that line and just puts the SIM from the UDP line in the new phone without first activating it on the feature phone line could we avoid implementing the $30/mo data charge on the basic line. Theoretically it might work because previously when doing this method the plan that was ordered never gets implemented and falls off in 1-7 days. Whether this is still true or not since Verizon implemented their new policy is still unresolved unless someone posted it and I've missed it. This doesn't apply to you since you have a TDP to run the upgrades though.

 

[Ralar]

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

I purchased an ipjhone 6 from Costco. It arrived today and I discarded the SIM that came with it, trimmed the SIM from my old Android phone, slipped it in and powered up the phone. It works fine. I went online a bit later and checked my Verizon account. I still have UDP. I'm also paying $30 for tethering.

The problem I'm having is the phone's "Personal Hotspot" does not work. The indicator spins and spins, never stopping and never turning on. If I call Verizon about my tethering problem (remember I'm paying for tethering) am I going to run into problems with the UDP?

 

[tx_tuff]

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

I purchased an ipjhone 6 from Costco. It arrived today and I discarded the SIM that came with it, trimmed the SIM from my old Android phone, slipped it in and powered up the phone. It works fine. I went online a bit later and checked my Verizon account. I still have UDP. I'm also paying $30 for tethering.

The problem I'm having is the phone's "Personal Hotspot" does not work. The indicator spins and spins, never stopping and never turning on. If I call Verizon about my tethering problem (remember I'm paying for tethering) am I going to run into problems with the UDP?

If I was you I would stop the hotspot service online. Give it a day or a few hours and add it back. If that doesn't work then call them, it should not effect your UDP.

 

[rdjr74]

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

Short answer -- we don't know. The main thing is we don't really know yet how the new 2 year data requirement affects transferred upgrades.

When you upgrade a basic phone line now to a smartphone, that line is required to keep a data plan for 2 years of at least $30 a month. Here's where people are getting confused. If a basic phone line is using its upgrade it's straightforward -- that line must keep $30 a month data for 2 years. Some people think (and some people have been told via clueless CSR's) that if you transfer an upgrade from an unlimited data line to another line, that the $30 a month data requirement affects the "donor" unlimited line. Since unlimited lines are $29.99 the thinking is you will lose unlimited and be shifted to a $30 2GB plan.

But that really doesn't make sense to me and I can't see how they would enforce that. In my opinion (strictly conjecture at this point), the data requirement is only placed on the actual line being upgraded, the "donee" line. Here's why -- if you transfer an upgrade from a smartphone line, to a basic phone line, and upgrade to a smartphone, where do you think Verizon would want to force you to keep data for 2 years? Obviously the basic phone line, as that is the new source of revenue. The smartphone line already had a paying data plan. It only makes sense for them to force the data plan contract on the line actually being upgraded. The regular 2 year agreement is extended on the "donor" line just like always, and has been confirmed.

All that said, *if* I'm right in the above statements, it makes absolute sense for you to activate your new phone on the TDP line first. This avoids the pending activation issue. If you don't activate on the TDP line first, there will be a pending activation on that line and I'm not sure how to get rid of it.

Hope that helps.

This is exactly my philosophy as well. This was basically the point I was attempting to make towards another member here that is now banned.

Going along with your excellent points, if I were to do the transfer upgrade I would still use the sim card from the donee line (the line the transfer is going to) first and see if the pending activation drops off. If that does not work then use the pre-installed sim card. I hate going that route in fear of losing the UDP on the donor line but we never got notice the transfer upgrades would be changing so I don't see why they wouldn't work the same way they did before Aug 25th.

Sounds like some of you are finally taking the plunge and attempting this. Glad we have members that are willing to do this but please report back your findings. That is what is great about this community is we all work together to try and find ways to make things work. Good luck everyone!

 

[Mr. Toad]

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

I purchased an ipjhone 6 from Costco. It arrived today and I discarded the SIM that came with it, trimmed the SIM from my old Android phone, slipped it in and powered up the phone. It works fine. I went online a bit later and checked my Verizon account. I still have UDP. I'm also paying $30 for tethering.

The problem I'm having is the phone's "Personal Hotspot" does not work. The indicator spins and spins, never stopping and never turning on. If I call Verizon about my tethering problem (remember I'm paying for tethering) am I going to run into problems with the UDP?

I would be careful calling. They will see the pending activation.

 

[lh3]

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

oops, no quote from op

 

[kas#AC]

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

kas#AC,
Have you gotten any replies to your question yet? I ordered a new phone from costco that should be here Monday. The rep at Membership wireless said they ship their phones with a "partial activation" and then you have to put your sim in it when you get it to complete the activation.

No replies yet. I went ahead and put my old SIM in the phone and turned it on. No problem. Verizon website shows new S5 with unlimited data intact. My remaining question is what happens when someone else tries to activate this phone through regular channels. They'll have to obtain a new SIM, because I discarded the SIM it came with. Someone has to have sold a subsidized phone acquired in this manner before.

 

[lh3]

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

kas#AC,
OK, so now you should be able to remove your sim from the S5 and put it in your old phone and it will re-activate it on your line. The purchaser of the S5 could just put the sim from their verizon phone in the S5 and it will automatically transfer to their existing account, or they can get a new verizon sim, and new account if needed, and activate it that way.

My question for you is: Did you keep your UDP and contract extension when you re-activated your original phone after removing your original sim from the new S5?

Thanks

 

[SlyG07]

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

Hopefully someone can comment on this process, which seems to be how it is working...

Line 1 - iPhone 5S, UDP
Line 2 - Some Samsung flip phone, basic line
Line 3 - Note 2, UDP

Get the iPhone at the 2yr activation price, initially activate it under line 2 bumping that to a smartphone line, and switch phone over to line 1 to keep the unlimited data. From what I'm understanding, since line 2 is now a smartphone line, there's no way to downgrade back to the basic plan due to VZW's new ruling; therefore, I'll need to pay for a tiered plan (valued at $30 or more) for at least 2 years? Once the two years are up, am I able to downgrade back to basic? What if I extend it even further a month later where line 3 has an upgrade, will the total time on a tiered plan be 2 yrs. 1 month? [Question 1,2,3]

Also, I see that VZW is offering a $200 credit for trading in an old iPhone, which seems to be a reasonable deal that would go towards the 2 yr activation price for an iPhone 6. Now would I be able to take advantage of this? Or due to the process of the transfers with the iPhone 5 being touched last, I won't be able to get the offer? [Question 4,5]

I would just like to know the most economical option to get the new iPhone. If paying full-retail now entails that since the price increase from a basic to smartphone line for 2 years in addition to the 2 year activation price is too much, then so be it. Hopefully I didn't just re-hash a lot of what has been said, but made things more clear for those just tuning into this thread (like me).

 

[Ralar]

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

If I was you I would stop the hotspot service online. Give it a day or a few hours and add it back. If that doesn't work then call them, it should not effect your UDP.

I tried last night and again just now. I get a pop-up message telling me I can't do it online and should call. I guess that is what I'm going to have to do. I have no reason to keep UDP and pay for tethering if I can't tether my iPad. Hopefully they will just fix tethering, but I'm not hopeful.

 

[kas#AC]

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

kas#AC,
OK, so now you should be able to remove your sim from the S5 and put it in your old phone and it will re-activate it on your line. The purchaser of the S5 could just put the sim from their verizon phone in the S5 and it will automatically transfer to their existing account, or they can get a new verizon sim, and new account if needed, and activate it that way.

My question for you is: Did you keep your UDP and contract extension when you re-activated your original phone after removing your original sim from the new S5?

Thanks

Yup. Went back to the S3, and all is well. Unlimited data is preserved. Contract date remains 2 years in the future. Everything worked as expected.

 

[dss2000]

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

Hopefully someone can comment on this process, which seems to be how it is working...

Line 1 - iPhone 5S, UDP
Line 2 - Some Samsung flip phone, basic line
Line 3 - Note 2, UDP

Get the iPhone at the 2yr activation price, initially activate it under line 2 bumping that to a smartphone line, and switch phone over to line 1 to keep the unlimited data. From what I'm understanding, since line 2 is now a smartphone line, there's no way to downgrade back to the basic plan due to VZW's new ruling; therefore, I'll need to pay for a tiered plan (valued at $30 or more) for at least 2 years? Once the two years are up, am I able to downgrade back to basic? What if I extend it even further a month later where line 3 has an upgrade, will the total time on a tiered plan be 2 yrs. 1 month? [Question 1,2,3]

Also, I see that VZW is offering a $200 credit for trading in an old iPhone, which seems to be a reasonable deal that would go towards the 2 yr activation price for an iPhone 6. Now would I be able to take advantage of this? Or due to the process of the transfers with the iPhone 5 being touched last, I won't be able to get the offer? [Question 4,5]

I would just like to know the most economical option to get the new iPhone. If paying full-retail now entails that since the price increase from a basic to smartphone line for 2 years in addition to the 2 year activation price is too much, then so be it. Hopefully I didn't just re-hash a lot of what has been said, but made things more clear for those just tuning into this thread (like me).

If you upgrade your Line2 to tiered data it will cost $30/mo more x 24 months = $720 so if you really don't need a smartphone on that line it would be cheaper in the long run to buy it full retail which is Verizon's intent. I can't tell from your posting which line has the upgrade available you could look over the Best Buy method of ordering the phone, throwing out the SIM that comes with the phone and putting your existing SIM from your UDP in the new phone.

Theoretically the another method (though I haven't seen it confirmed yet) is to order a phone Line2 and when it comes before powering it on take out the SIM, take the SIM from Line1 and put it in the new phone (i.e. don't activate it on line 2). This should put the new phone on Line 1 with UDP. The pending order will drop off line 2 in about a week and won't be implemented. This hasn't been confirmed yet after 8/24 but worked that way before 8/24.

 

[lh3]

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

Yup. Went back to the S3, and all is well. Unlimited data is preserved. Contract date remains 2 years in the future. Everything worked as expected.

Great to hear.
Did the message you mentioned disappear? "It appears you would like to activate your recently purchased device. Please sign in to My Verizon to complete your new device activation."

 

[SlyG07]

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

At dss2000...

Line 1 has an upgrade now; line 3 has an upgrade in December.

Is the Best Buy process verified? I couldn't tell from the responses before about the SIM card switch. It seems like I need to know more also, ie. some 14 day return period or something?

Thanks for the help!