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

[dusoccer10]

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

Thanks ColdBrew. I still plan on uprading. Anyone kow if this is the right way to upgrade and keep UDP.

line 1 - GS4 UDP no upgrade
line 2 - GS5 UDP upgrade available
line 3 - LG2 "dumb phone" no upgrade

I was going to use the Best Buy method, but it doesn't wanna let me sign in. So I'm trying to do the upgrade through Verizon. I want to upgrade line 1 to a Note 4 and keep UDP on it.
My plan was to switch the upgrade from line 2 (UDP) to the line 3, upgrade that to the Note 4. I need to add a data plan to the dumb phone for $30/month, for now. As soon as it comes in, put in the SIM of line 1 and wait for it to activate. Wasn't sure if I have the steps right? Can I just transfer the upgrade to line 1, get the Note 4 and plug in old SIM into it when it gets in? Thanks for the clarification.

Definitely do not do your second thought of moving the upgrade to Line 1!!!! That will end your unlimited plan.

Instead, do what you were thinking....move the upgrade to Line 3 and upgrade from there. When the new phone arrives, just remove the SIM that comes with it and put the SIM from the S4 in it.

As for Best Buy, you need your billing password. That is different than your normal log-in at Verizon. Usually, the MMYY of your birthday. You can find out for sure by logging into Verizon as you can via your billing password there.

 

[dusoccer10]

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

Looking to help a friend upgrade and keep his UDP, here's her scenario:

Line 1 - iphone4s - UDP (Upgrade available)
Line 2 - iphone4s - TDP (No Upgrade available)

Line 1 wants a new phone. Here are my questions:
What is the best method to use for this situation for the upgrade? BB or VZW? (price is a secondary issue, the most reliable method for keeping UDP is top priority)
Does it matter if she switches to another iphone or crosses over to android?
Should I get a sim card cutter?

Based on that scenario, here is what she should do:

1.) Through either Best Buy or Verizon online, she needs to transfer the upgrade from Line 1 to Line 2 and order the new smartphone. The phone should be shipped to home.
2.) When the smartphone arrives, she needs to activate it on Line 2 by following the directions that come with the phone.
3.) Now, just wait an hour to make sure the new phone works.
4.) Assuming everything is all good, then she needs to log into Verizon online and reactivate the old 4s onto Line 2.
5.) Once the 4s is back up and running, then she needs to go to a VAR and have the smartphone activated on Line 1.

The above is the best way for her to activate a new smartphone on Line 1 and not lose her unlimited. The operating system does not matter so she can order anything. You do not need need a SIM cutter. The SIM in a 4s does not work on LTE and not applicable in this scenario.

 

[str8ballin81]

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

Based on that scenario, here is what she should do:

1.) Through either Best Buy or Verizon online, she needs to transfer the upgrade from Line 1 to Line 2 and order the new smartphone. The phone should be shipped to home.
2.) When the smartphone arrives, she needs to activate it on Line 2 by following the directions that come with the phone.
3.) Now, just wait an hour to make sure the new phone works.
4.) Assuming everything is all good, then she needs to log into Verizon online and reactivate the old 4s onto Line 2.
5.) Once the 4s is back up and running, then she needs to go to a VAR and have the smartphone activated on Line 1.

The above is the best way for her to activate a new smartphone on Line 1 and not lose her unlimited. The operating system does not matter so she can order anything. You do not need need a SIM cutter. The SIM in a 4s does not work on LTE and not applicable in this scenario.

Sorry what is "VAR" and can't you activate the new phone on line 1 by going to verizon online?

I have done this before for myself about a year ago but it seems the method has changed and I am hesitant with the 13th looming.

Thanks for the quick reply BTW

 

[thorwook]

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

Thanks for all of the help in this thread. I pulled the trigger on a G4 from BB, having transferred the upgrade from my UDP line (Galaxy S3) to a TDP line (iphone 5s) with no upgrade. Please confirm that I have the rest of the steps down correctly.

When the G4 arrives, I should:

1. Power down iphone 5s and activate the G4 on the TDP line as instructed, ensure phone/text operation is good after an hour or so.
2. Power down G4 and S3.
3. Reactivate the iphone 5s on the TDP line (presumably using the VZW site?)
4. Transfer the S3 SIM to the G4? Or do I need to use the VZW site to activate the G4 onto the UDP line? Because they are both micro SIM, I should just be able to swap, correct?

Thanks for the clarification.

 

[dusoccer10]

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

Sorry what is "VAR" and can't you activate the new phone on line 1 by going to verizon online?

I have done this before for myself about a year ago but it seems the method has changed and I am hesitant with the 13th looming.

Thanks for the quick reply BTW

VAR = Verizon Authorized Retailer

Verizon has some funny rules when it comes to using the online activation program. Basically, a phone needs to be on the account for the past 30 days in order for it to send a text message confirmation code. Because of the phone change on Line 2, there will be no phone that meets this requirement. That is why she needs to go to a VAR to activate the new phone on Line 1.

The online activation will work just fine for adding the new phone to Line 2 and re-activating the old phone on Line 2. That's because Line 1 does not change the entire time.

 

[dusoccer10]

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

Thanks for all of the help in this thread. I pulled the trigger on a G4 from BB, having transferred the upgrade from my UDP line (Galaxy S3) to a TDP line (iphone 5s) with no upgrade. Please confirm that I have the rest of the steps down correctly.

When the G4 arrives, I should:

1. Power down iphone 5s and activate the G4 on the TDP line as instructed, ensure phone/text operation is good after an hour or so.
2. Power down G4 and S3.
3. Reactivate the iphone 5s on the TDP line (presumably using the VZW site?)
4. Transfer the S3 SIM to the G4? Or do I need to use the VZW site to activate the G4 onto the UDP line? Because they are both micro SIM, I should just be able to swap, correct?

Thanks for the clarification.

You are right on the money. Definitely do steps 1-3 as you have them using the online activation program to reactivate the 5s on the tiered line.

To move the G4 to the unlimited line, just use the SIM that is in the S3. Both are micro and this is all you need to do. If you were to use Verizon's online system, it would tell you to use your old SIM.

 

[str8ballin81]

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

VAR = Verizon Authorized Retailer

Verizon has some funny rules when it comes to using the online activation program. Basically, a phone needs to be on the account for the past 30 days in order for it to send a text message confirmation code. Because of the phone change on Line 2, there will be no phone that meets this requirement. That is why she needs to go to a VAR to activate the new phone on Line 1.

The online activation will work just fine for adding the new phone to Line 2 and re-activating the old phone on Line 2. That's because Line 1 does not change the entire time.

or I guess she could wait 30 days...? Just nervous about bringing it to the store and having someone screw up the UDP.

 

[dusoccer10]

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

or I guess she could wait 30 days...? Just nervous about bringing it to the store and having someone screw up the UDP.

If she follows the steps exactly as written, she'll have no problems walking into a VAR and getting the new phone activated. The VAR will treat it as a used phone and help with out any problems. If you look back over the last 15-20 pages, you'll find plenty of people who have used a VAR to activate a new phone on their unlimited plan. She is in good shape by having a tiered plan and using on the upgrade on that line.

 

[dusoccer10]

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

what if my nearest VAR is 109 miles from me? in my city, there is only 1 Verizon corporate store.(2 miles from me)

Then it depends on the method used to acquire the new phone. Regular Verizon stores can be used, but only if you used a tiered upgrade. In a scenario like your city, you'll be restricted on methods. Regular Verizon stores should not be used if a person has a pending activation on their account.

 

[nwasquad1]

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

Yeah, that's fairly normal for Verizon's online ordering system.

As for Best Buy, you have a couple of options. The original Best Buy method was just using the upgrade on the unlimited line, destroying the SIM that shipped with the phone, and using the already active SIM that is linked to the account. You could definitely go this route.

The other way to use Best Buy is to transfer the upgrade to the tiered line through their system. Transferring the upgrade through Verizon's system doesn't stick. In other words, once you leave Verizon, your upgrade returns to its original line. In the past, Best Buy would allow you transfer the upgrade in its system. However, that has become very hit or miss. Cruzmike89 was able to do it a day or so ago, by doing the following:

1.) Go to https://www-ssl.bestbuy.com/site/ol...wNw-PGvbkfWcFLLeNF1serv0gg#connect-to-account
2.) Put in the phone number that has the upgrade on it
3.) Select a phone and then check eligibility again
4.) The next page will say that you can upgrade but don't do that. On the same page on the mid right it will say something about trying a different number. Click on that.
5.) It will take you to a new page and that's where you put the number that has no upgrade available.
6.) The next page will say you can't upgrade but you can transfer your upgrade. In the scroll area pick your number with the upgrade and continue to transfer.
7.) Finish your checkout.

Alright I followed through and purchased a new phone after transferring my UDP upgrade to a TDP line (not upgrade eligible). Sorry if I am sounding paranoid, but is it normal that I had to re-enter in all the Verizon acct info when purchasing (like last 4 social, billing password, etc)? And second, once I receive the new phone, is my process correct:

1) Turn on new phone and activate with included/shipped SIM of new phone on the TDP line
2) Use for an hour sending texts or calls, then power down
3) Take out my UDP SIM from current phone, and insert into new phone

How do I reactivate the current TDP line's phone (pre-upgrade) back onto the TDP line? Can I use the TDP's "old" SIM and insert it back into the "old" phone? Or would I take the "new" SIM from Step 1 that was activated and insert it into "old" TDP phone?

 

[nwasquad1]

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

Don't worry about it. I didn't see it ether. But I found out if you remove the phone from the cart the keep existing plan shows up. So it's there but hidden. You will see at final check out.

FYI when I went to check out, and even after confirming purchase, I never saw anything that said "keep existing plan" or "select new 2 GB plan" Is that normal?

 

[dusoccer10]

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

Alright I followed through and purchased a new phone after transferring my UDP upgrade to a TDP line (not upgrade eligible). Sorry if I am sounding paranoid, but is it normal that I had to re-enter in all the Verizon acct info when purchasing (like last 4 social, billing password, etc)? And second, once I receive the new phone, is my process correct:

1) Turn on new phone and activate with included/shipped SIM of new phone on the TDP line
2) Use for an hour sending texts or calls, then power down
3) Take out my UDP SIM from current phone, and insert into new phone

How do I reactivate the current TDP line's phone (pre-upgrade) back onto the TDP line? Can I use the TDP's "old" SIM and insert it back into the "old" phone? Or would I take the "new" SIM from Step 1 that was activated and insert it into "old" TDP phone?

Everything you did is normal.

What phone do you have on Line 1? What phone do you have on Line 2? What phone did you order? When everything is done, what phone do you want on what line?

 

[cruzmike89]

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

I need help. Got my S6 in the mail. I'm trying to activate it in the TDP then after an hour switch the phone to my UDP line. Now here where I need help. I fallowed the instructions to activate the new phone but it won't let me and also when I'm online. I did the upgrade transfer in best buy to my TDP. So I've been reading and it has to do with the sim card and I'll need a new one. Should I go to best buy and get a new sim from them to active the phone on that line? Also well that affect my UDP since I used my upgrade and transferred it to the TDP?

 

[str8ballin81]

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

Then it depends on the method used to acquire the new phone. Regular Verizon stores can be used, but only if you used a tiered upgrade. In a scenario like your city, you'll be restricted on methods. Regular Verizon stores should not be used if a person has a pending activation on their account.

So I should avoid Verizon owned stored. I thought VAR was synonymous with Verizon wireless store. Yikes. Sorry noob at this..

 

[nwasquad1]

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

Everything you did is normal.

What phone do you have on Line 1? What phone do you have on Line 2? What phone did you order? When everything is done, what phone do you want on what line?

Ordered: iPhone 6

Line 1
Current: Droid Turbo
Want: iPhone 6 (new ordered)

Line 2:
Current: iPhone 6
Want: keep same

Possibly Line 3 getting involved:
Current: iPhone 5
Want: may take new iPhone 6 or keep current i5

 

[nwasquad1]

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

So I should avoid Verizon owned stored. I thought VAR was synonymous with Verizon wireless store. Yikes. Sorry noob at this..

Verizon has two type of stores:
Corporate or Authorized Retailer. From my experience, Corporate stores are more willing to provide free SIMS for situations like this compared to ARs. When I bought my last phone at retail price and told an AR store I needed a SIM for it (I said I received the phone as a gift), they told me it would cost something like $5 for the SIM card. Tried a different AR and got the same story. Went to a Corporate store and they got me a SIM and activated it in my phone without a problem or charge. Obviously different people can have different experiences since it depends on the Rep you get who helps you.

 

[cruzmike89]

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

FYI when I went to check out, and even after confirming purchase, I never saw anything that said "keep existing plan" or "select new 2 GB plan" Is that normal?

Pick the phone and them remove it from cart. After you remove the phone it will show keep existing and it will say it was removed. If that shows up after you removed the phone you are good. Go ahead pick the phone again and check out. There is like 2 check outs and at the very last one it should show if I remember correctly. That check out came after you type in you Verizon info. If the line you transferd the upgrade to already is a TDP then select new 2gb won't show.

 

[dusoccer10]

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

Ordered: iPhone 6

Line 1
Current: Droid Turbo
Want: iPhone 6 (new ordered)

Line 2:
Current: iPhone 6
Want: keep same

Possibly Line 3 getting involved:
Current: iPhone 5
Want: may take new iPhone 6 or keep current i5

With this setup, everything is going to be just moving SIM cards around. When the 6 gets there, just follow the directions to activate the phone on the tiered line. After you activate it, after an hour, just do the following:

1) power off the 6 on line 2 and remove its SIM.
2) take the SIM you just removed and put it in the 6 that is staying on the line. Power on this iPhone.
3) now power off the Turbo and remove its SIM.
4) put the SIM from the Turbo in the unused 6. Power on this iPhone.

That's all you need to do.

Posted via Android Central App

 

[dusoccer10]

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

Verizon has two type of stores:
Corporate or Authorized Retailer. From my experience, Corporate stores are more willing to provide free SIMS for situations like this compared to ARs. When I bought my last phone at retail price and told an AR store I needed a SIM for it (I said I received the phone as a gift), they told me it would cost something like $5 for the SIM card. Tried a different AR and got the same story. Went to a Corporate store and they got me a SIM and activated it in my phone without a problem or charge. Obviously different people can have different experiences since it depends on the Rep you get who helps you.

Yes, a VAR typically charges for a SIM that you could get for free from a corporate store. However, they tend to care little about pending activations and the loopholes we use.

Posted via Android Central App

 

[dusoccer10]

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

I need help. Got my S6 in the mail. I'm trying to activate it in the TDP then after an hour switch the phone to my UDP line. Now here where I need help. I fallowed the instructions to activate the new phone but it won't let me and also when I'm online. I did the upgrade transfer in best buy to my TDP. So I've been reading and it has to do with the sim card and I'll need a new one. Should I go to best buy and get a new sim from them to active the phone on that line? Also well that affect my UDP since I used my upgrade and transferred it to the TDP?

What phone is on the tiered line, what error message are you getting from the system, and what phone do you have on the unlimited line?

Posted via Android Central App