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

[Mr. Toad]

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

Need some help here please.
Line 1 (Mine) Galaxy S3 Unlimited Data Plan month to month
Line 2 (Wife) Galaxy S4 Tiered but I just upgraded at a Verizon Store to a Note 4

The Note 4 has not been turned on at all yet and my wife's S4 is still active and working fine. I used her upgrade and told them it was going to be a gift and took advantage of the 7 day window before our official upgrade date on Line 2 (July2)
According to the in store rep, the Note 4 is ready to go, all we need to do is turn on the device and it will activate automatically on Line 2.

My wife is perfectly fine with her S4 and I want the Note 4 on my Unlimited Plan Line 1.
How can I make this happen?

Take your sim and put it in the Note 4.

Sent from my Note 4

 

[supergreg321]

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

Is that accurate? I thought because all of the IMEI info has already been associated with her line Verizon would be notified and end my Unlimited or something?

 

[dusoccer10]

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

Is that accurate? I thought because all of the IMEI info has already been associated with her line Verizon would be notified and end my Unlimited or something?

It will not affect your unlimited line at all. Just use the SIM in your S3 to put the Note 4 on your line.

 

[dusoccer10]

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

Ok I have 2 questions...

1. I have 2 UDP lines and 3 basic lines. 1 UDP has an upgrade. I have used the BB method to upgrade both UDP lines in the past few months. Now, I am wanting to purchase a new Droid for one of the basic lines. Am I safe to purchase using the BB method and just activating on the basic line I want to use it on (aka will this affect my UDP at all?).

2. Since upgrading my UDP lines (both to iphone6), the visual voice mail does not work. It doesn't even appear to be on the device any more. From my readings, I need to call VZW and have their tier 2 fix it. Am I safe to do this since I used the BB method to upgrade?

1.) Just upgrade the basic line as normal. It will not affect your unlimited line in any shape unless you accidentally select a More Everything plan.

2.) As long as you do not have a pending activation on your account, you can contact Verizon to fix the visual voice mail issue.

 

[dusoccer10]

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

This is a great thread and I apologize for posting such a similar request but I am a little confused on when you should use the old sim and cut the new one or use the new one.

Line 1 - HTC One - UDP - no upgrade
Line 2 - IPhone 5s - UDP - no upgrade
Line 3 - Dumbphone - Basic (no data) - upgrade available

I would like to upgrade the HTC One on Line 1 with the S6. So I believe I order the S6 on Line 3 and select 2 GB, through Verizon wireless online. When the phone comes in do I use the SIM card that came with the S6 and activate on Line 1. This is where I am confused? Thanks for your help.

It depends on the SIM card size in the HTC One. Do you have the m7 or m8? The m7 uses a micro and the m8 uses a nano. This is an important distinction because the s6 uses a nano. Basically, you would do the following:

m7
1.) Upgrade Line 3 to the s6 and have the phone shipped to home. Do this through either Verizon or Best Buy online
2.) When the phone arrives, do not power it on or try to charge it
3.) Power off the HTC One and log into Verizon online and select "activate or switch device"
4.) Choose Line 1
5.) Select activate a phone that has never been on the account before
6.) Enter the IMEI and the SIM numbers that came with the s6
7.) Follow the rest of the directions to activate the s6 on Line 1

These 7 steps cause you to reprogram the new SIM card to your unlimited data plan. You go this route because of the different sizes. If you have a M8, the steps are slightly different:

1.) Upgrade Line 3 to the s6 and have the phone shipped to home. Do this through either Verizon or Best Buy online
2.) When the phone arrives, do not power it on or try to charge it
3.) Power off the HTC One and remove its SIM card
4.) Put the SIM card from the HTC One in the s6
5.) Power on the s6 to activate it to Line 1 and destroy the SIM card that came with the s6

You use your old SIM because it is the same size as used in the s6.

 

[supergreg321]

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

I wont need to go to the verizon website and swap the phones there?

 

[supergreg321]

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

It will not affect your unlimited line at all. Just use the SIM in your S3 to put the Note 4 on your line.

What I'm unsure of is I'm just paranoid about losing the unlimited data.
So I will not need to do like a ESM or IMEI swap on the website at all? Does it matter to Verizon when they see that the device that was supposed to be on my wifes line is now on my line? Will this affect her line at all regarding the SIM that was in the Note 4 they installed when I bought it or will her old one continue to function as normal? I assume I destroy the SIM that was in the Note 4? How will this affect the information on the website when I log in to view my devices?

Thanks for the help, I'm just clueless to all of this.

 

[dusoccer10]

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

What I'm unsure of is I'm just paranoid about losing the unlimited data.
So I will not need to do like a ESM or IMEI swap on the website at all? Does it matter to Verizon when they see that the device that was supposed to be on my wifes line is now on my line? Will this affect her line at all regarding the SIM that was in the Note 4 they installed when I bought it or will her old one continue to function as normal? I assume I destroy the SIM that was in the Note 4? How will this affect the information on the website when I log in to view my devices?

Thanks for the help, I'm just clueless to all of this.

Just moving you active SIM card will work because they are the exact same size. This is when it is very appropriate to use an existing SIM.

Now, with that said, you can activate it use Verizon's website. You can log in, select "Activate or Switch device", choose your line, and type in the IMEI number. Verizon's system will then force you to use your existing SIM since it is the same size. That is why Mr. Toad and I are telling you to not bother.

Data plans are associated with the SIM card and not the phone. I'm bolding this so that everyone can see this point. When a person wants a phone on their unlimited line, it is important that the SIM card in the phone be programmed for it. Your pre-existing SIM card is already coded for unlimited. That's why we want you to use it.

 

[jsalimao]

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

Thanks dusoccer10! I appreciate your lengthy explanation!

So the situation got a little more complicated. I called to order the S6 on the basic line and they offered me the iPhone 6 64gb for $100. They said it was a promotion FOR THAT LINE. I am nervous now that if I do not activate it on that line that either the promotion won't apply or even worse that they will charge me data on that line for 2 yrs. Does anyone have any information regarding promotions on basic lines using the methods here to keep unlimited data?

I greatly appreciate your feedback!

 

[dusoccer10]

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

Thanks dusoccer10! I appreciate your lengthy explanation!

So the situation got a little more complicated. I called to order the S6 on the basic line and they offered me the iPhone 6 64gb for $100. They said it was a promotion FOR THAT LINE. I am nervous now that if I do not activate it on that line that either the promotion won't apply or even worse that they will charge me data on that line for 2 yrs. Does anyone have any information regarding promotions on basic lines using the methods here to keep unlimited data?

I greatly appreciate your feedback!

The method is still the same regardless of the purchase price. Ordering an iPhone 6 64gb for $100 is fine and will not affect anything. The data plan only comes into affect if you activate the phone on the basic line.

With the above said, you are involving reps by calling in. There is always a chance that you get a rogue rep who processes the activation before shipping out the new phone. If this happens, you'll be stuck with a data plan.

If you can get the phone without it being activated, you'll bypass the plan change by following the instructions given previously.

Posted via Android Central App

 

[jsalimao]

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

The method is still the same regardless of the purchase price. Ordering an iPhone 6 64gb for $100 is fine and will not affect anything. The data plan only comes into affect if you activate the phone on the basic line.

With the above said, you are involving reps by calling in. There is always a chance that you get a rogue rep who processes the activation before shipping out the new phone. If this happens, you'll be stuck with a data plan.

If you can get the phone without it being activated, you'll bypass the plan change by following the instructions given previously.

Posted via Android Central App

Thanks again dusoccer10! I was worried about calling but I did ask her how the activation would work and she said I had to activate it through my verizon. I guess there is always that chance she decided to go ahead and do it after I hung up in order to save me the trouble. She was extremely nice. I haven't actually made the order official as I still have to accept the terms and conditions. I guess I'll give it a try.

If it is activated how would I know? And is there a way to return the phone and reverse the plan even if there is a fee? Just something as a backup incase things go wrong. Thanks again!

 

[dusoccer10]

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

Thanks again dusoccer10! I was worried about calling but I did ask her how the activation would work and she said I had to activate it through my verizon. I guess there is always that chance she decided to go ahead and do it after I hung up in order to save me the trouble. She was extremely nice. I haven't actually made the order official as I still have to accept the terms and conditions. I guess I'll give it a try.

If it is activated how would I know? And is there a way to return the phone and reverse the plan even if there is a fee? Just something as a backup incase things go wrong. Thanks again!

You would see it on your my Verizon account as the new iPhone would be there instead of the old basic phone. Basically, you would have 3 smartphones instead of 2.

If this happens, you have 14 days to return the phone and get your upgrade restored.

Posted via Android Central App

 

[jsalimao]

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

Thanks dusoccer10...I'll post back on whether or not it worked.

 

[E1im]

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

Alright guys, we just went in to a Verizon Retailer store (not a corporate store) and they told us that we could not use the buddy method to upgrade our phones. I will describe our situation below, can anyone tell me how I can keep UDP on the respective lines listed below?

Line 1: Galaxy S4 with UDP (Upgrade available)
Line 2: iPhone 5 with UDP (Upgrade available)
Line 3: iPhone 5s with UDP (No upgrade available)
Line 4: iPhone 5s on 2GB Data Plan (No Upgrade available)

So basically we want to upgrade Line 1 to a Galaxy S6 and Line 2 to an iPhone 6. What is the best way to do this and maintain UDP on both of those lines? I thought we could just transfer the upgrade to Line 4 (the line with no UDP) and upgrade there and transfer the device back. The rep at the store said this is not possible. Any suggestions? Is it possible to do this from home?

Thanks for the help!

 

[jsalimao]

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

Also from what I understand the iPhone 5s and iPhone 6 both use a nano sim. So I am planning on using the methods described by dusoccer10 if the sim cards are the same size:

1.) Upgrade Line 3 to the iPhone 6 and have the phone shipped to home
2.) When the phone arrives, do not power it on or try to charge it
3.) Power off the Iphone 5s and remove its SIM card
4.) Put the SIM card from the iPhone 5s in the iPhone 6
5.) Power on the iPhone 6 to activate it to Line 1 and destroy the SIM card that came with the iPhone 6

Just wanted to make sure the process doesn't differ at all for iPhones. After this I want to put the iPhone 5s on another line that has UDP. Can I just get a new sim card from a verizon store and activate it on the UDP line? Thanks again for all your help.

 

[kool_zero]

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

1.) Just upgrade the basic line as normal. It will not affect your unlimited line in any shape unless you accidentally select a More Everything plan.

2.) As long as you do not have a pending activation on your account, you can contact Verizon to fix the visual voice mail issue.

I didn't choose the more everything plan when I ordered from BBY. But when I try to activate it on verizon(switch it out with the old basic phone), it says my device is not compat with my current data plan and wants me to upgrade to a 7gb/m plan. Did I do something wrong? On a side note, if I go to Verizon's website and go through the steps of ordering a new phone for an upgrade, I have the option for the 2gb/m plan for this line. I just don't want to choose the 7gb (obviously because this line doesn't need that), and I'm not sure if that is talking about 7gb for this line, or as a new plan for all lines.

 

[dusoccer10]

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

I didn't choose the more everything plan when I ordered from BBY. But when I try to activate it on verizon(switch it out with the old basic phone), it says my device is not compat with my current data plan and wants me to upgrade to a 7gb/m plan. Did I do something wrong? On a side note, if I go to Verizon's website and go through the steps of ordering a new phone for an upgrade, I have the option for the 2gb/m plan for this line. I just don't want to choose the 7gb (obviously because this line doesn't need that), and I'm not sure if that is talking about 7gb for this line, or as a new plan for all lines.

As long as you used an upgrade on a basic line, it's safe to call Verizon and get them to activate the new Phone. You can also go to a VAR if you want to do it in person. It sounds like you need manual help to activate it.

 

[dusoccer10]

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

Alright guys, we just went in to a Verizon Retailer store (not a corporate store) and they told us that we could not use the buddy method to upgrade our phones. I will describe our situation below, can anyone tell me how I can keep UDP on the respective lines listed below?

Line 1: Galaxy S4 with UDP (Upgrade available)
Line 2: iPhone 5 with UDP (Upgrade available)
Line 3: iPhone 5s with UDP (No upgrade available)
Line 4: iPhone 5s on 2GB Data Plan (No Upgrade available)

So basically we want to upgrade Line 1 to a Galaxy S6 and Line 2 to an iPhone 6. What is the best way to do this and maintain UDP on both of those lines? I thought we could just transfer the upgrade to Line 4 (the line with no UDP) and upgrade there and transfer the device back. The rep at the store said this is not possible. Any suggestions? Is it possible to do this from home?

Thanks for the help!

First suggestion, stop talking to reps in store!!

In all seriousness, reps are trained to say that, but the buddy upgrade works fine. You just need to do it online. All you need to do is the following:

Line 2
1.) Through Best Buy or Verizon online, transfer the upgrade from Line 2 to Line 4 and order the iPhone 6. Have it shipped to home.
2.) When the phone arrives, follow the activation instructions that come with it so that you activate the phone on Line 4.
3.) Wait at least an hour and make sure the iPhone 6 works as it should.
4.) After an hour power off both the iPhone 5 on Line 2 and 6 on Line 4.
5.) Take the SIM out of the iPhone 6 and put it back in the 5s. Now Power on the 5s to activate it on Line 4.
6.) Take the SIM from the iPhone 5 on Line 2 and put it in the iPhone 6. Turn on the 6 and activate it on Line 2.

Line 1
1.) Through Best Buy or Verizon online, transfer the upgrade from Line 1 to Line 4 and order the S6. Have it shipped to home
2.) When the phone arrives, follow the activation instructions and activate it on Line 4.
3.) Wait at least an hour and make sure the phone works
4.) Now Power off both Line 1 and Line 4
5.) Take the SIM out of the S6 and put it in the 5s. Turn on the iPhone to activate it on Line 4.
6.) Now log-in to Verizon online and select "activate or switch device"
7.) Choose Line 1
8.) Select a phone that has been on the account before..choose the S6
9.) Select use pre-existing SIM card (you should have a nano-SIM remaining that needs to be used)
10.) Type in the IMEI and SIM numbers into their appropriate boxes.
11.) Follow the rest of the directions to activate the S6 on Line 1

Now, this process will take a little bit of time, but you can do it. Plan on this taking about 10 days depending on shipment of the devices because you can only do one at a time.

 

[dusoccer10]

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

Also from what I understand the iPhone 5s and iPhone 6 both use a nano sim. So I am planning on using the methods described by dusoccer10 if the sim cards are the same size:

1.) Upgrade Line 3 to the iPhone 6 and have the phone shipped to home
2.) When the phone arrives, do not power it on or try to charge it
3.) Power off the Iphone 5s and remove its SIM card
4.) Put the SIM card from the iPhone 5s in the iPhone 6
5.) Power on the iPhone 6 to activate it to Line 1 and destroy the SIM card that came with the iPhone 6

Just wanted to make sure the process doesn't differ at all for iPhones. After this I want to put the iPhone 5s on another line that has UDP. Can I just get a new sim card from a verizon store and activate it on the UDP line? Thanks again for all your help.

What is the phone on the other UDP?

 

[MajorDishes]

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

I know that this is beating a dead horse here, but I want to double check and make sure that I understand.

Line 1 - dumb phone, upgrade available
Line 2 - UDP, Note 3, upgrade available
Line 3 - TDP, Note 3, no upgrade

Obviously, keeping data on line 2. If I go the Best Buy method, I do not need to transfer anything around as Line 2 has an available upgrade, correct? I would just need to remove / destroy the pre-installed SIM from the new phone, and insert my old SIM before activation.

The reason that I want to double check is because I noticed that Best Buy has a big ol' flag on the cell phone screen now that says something like "Verizon no longer supports unlimited data plans. If you're currently an unlimited subscriber, you'll be switched to a 2gb plan upon activation." Which, I'm assuming that since I'm not "activating" anything, that warning becomes irrelevant.

However, if I were to order the phone through Verizon, then I would need to move Line 2's upgrade to Line 3, order the new phone for Line 3, activate the new phone on Line 3, put my SIM into the new phone, and put Line 3's SIM back in Line 3's old phone. ??