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

[TheNeckerCube]

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

Hi All,

Today I learned that the Droid Turbo 2 will be released soon. I have a RAZR MAXX (V1). Fun fact, my phone before that was the Motorola Droid (One).

I am all about keeping my Unlimited Data Plan. However, I am in a Family Plan. The same exact plan "budmonster" has for his family. The only difference is that my line is Month-to-Month and Can Upgrade. I am very confused about how to keep my UDP. Can someone please help?

My Line Access is $9.99 per month.
My UDP is $29.99 per month.
Total: $39.98.
If I do nothing by Nov 15, then my new monthly total will be $39.98 + $20.00 = $59.98. Am I correct? I'd appreciate it if someone confirms this, thank you.
Edit: I forgot to add that there are 3 lines on my Family Plan, my line is UDP and has Upgrade. My mother's line is a basic line and has upgrade.

Now how about just keeping my UDP? How do I proceed? Again, my line is Month-to-Month - No Contract - With Upgrade. What is the best thing for me to do moving forward and to keep UDP? (Any possibility I can buy the Droid Turbo 2? as well and be on UDP and have the best case scenario?)

Thank you all in advance for your help!

 

[derekisthematrix]

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

Ok, I see you have a lot of questions and a few misconceptions about everything that is going on.

Unlimited Data Price Increase - Starting on November 15th, if you have an unlimited data line that is out of contract, you'll have a price increase of $20 per month per line. Your data promotion is still valid; however, you'll now be paying $29.99 a month per line rather than $9.99 per month. Those of us (like me) without that promotion are looking at data being $49.99 a month.

To avoid this price increase for two years, people are using their upgrades via loopholes to get back on contract. This will allow you to avoid being hit with the extra $20 per month charge or in your case $40 per month.

As for the Best Buy method, everything you are seeing is standard. By selecting a 2GB plan, you are not actually switching to that plan. That only happens if you activate the new SIM that comes with the phone you ordered. Just do the following:

1.) Go to Best Buy's website and upgrade Line 1 to the phone you want. Select the 2GB plan and have it shipped to home.
2.) When the phone arrives, do not turn it on or plug it in
3.) Remove the SIM card that comes with the new phone and destroy it
4.) Take the SIM card from your iPhone and put it in the new phone. Turn on the new phone and give it a couple of minutes to activate

That's all you need to do. You can order a new phone for Line 2 as soon as you finish ordering a phone for Line 1. The big thing is to make sure they are separate orders. Additionally, you never switch to the 2GB plan because you never use the new SIM. Your old SIM is coded to unlimited data and that is what you use to activate. By doing these 4 steps, you'll lock in a new 2 year contract and avoid the extra $40 a month. This will save you $480 a year and $960 over the next 2 years.

As for SIM sizes, all new android phones released this year use the same size as the 5s and 5c except for the LG G4.

I'd like to do exactly this but don't really want a new phone (can't find something worthy to upgrade from my Note 3). All I'm looking to do is keep UDP and avoid $20/month price hike. Could I get a free phone and then simply switch back to my Note? I seem to remember Best Buy requiring you to use that phone on that specific line for a minimum of 180 days.

 

[recDNA]

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

Ignore Best Buy's reps. Just like Verizon reps, they are trained to say something different than what you would learn from this 10,000+ post thread. If you don't want to use your wife's line (and you really should as it is the easiest way to go), just use the upgrade on your line. If you are willing to pay $10, a VAR will usually activate a phone order from Best Buy without any questions being asked.

10 dollars? I don't understand?

 

[dusoccer10]

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

10 dollars? I don't understand?

Verizon has two type of stores: Main ones call Corporate and third party resellers called Authorized Retailers.When you do the Best Buy method with mismatched SIMs, you can go to a Verizon Authorized Retailer (i.e. VAR) and have them give you a new SIM and activate the phone. You cannot go to a main store as they will force the plan change. A VAR typically charges someone $10 for a new SIM while it would be a free thing at a corporate store.

 

[dusoccer10]

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

I'd like to do exactly this but don't really want a new phone (can't find something worthy to upgrade from my Note 3). All I'm looking to do is keep UDP and avoid $20/month price hike. Could I get a free phone and then simply switch back to my Note? I seem to remember Best Buy requiring you to use that phone on that specific line for a minimum of 180 days.

You are thinking of Amazon as Best Buy does not care about 180 days. You could get a free phone, or you could get something like an iPhone 6s and sell it for a profit. Either way, just make sure to destroy the SIM card that comes with the new phone!

 

[dusoccer10]

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

Hi All,

Today I learned that the Droid Turbo 2 will be released soon. I have a RAZR MAXX (V1). Fun fact, my phone before that was the Motorola Droid (One).

I am all about keeping my Unlimited Data Plan. However, I am in a Family Plan. The same exact plan "budmonster" has for his family. The only difference is that my line is Month-to-Month and Can Upgrade. I am very confused about how to keep my UDP. Can someone please help?

My Line Access is $9.99 per month.
My UDP is $29.99 per month.
Total: $39.98.
If I do nothing by Nov 15, then my new monthly total will be $39.98 + $20.00 = $59.98. Am I correct? I'd appreciate it if someone confirms this, thank you.
Edit: I forgot to add that there are 3 lines on my Family Plan, my line is UDP and has Upgrade. My mother's line is a basic line and has upgrade.

Now how about just keeping my UDP? How do I proceed? Again, my line is Month-to-Month - No Contract - With Upgrade. What is the best thing for me to do moving forward and to keep UDP? (Any possibility I can buy the Droid Turbo 2? as well and be on UDP and have the best case scenario?)

Thank you all in advance for your help!

You can definitely buy the Droid Turbo 2 and keep unlimited. You mention 3 lines: your unlimited, your mom's basic, and what? Depending on the 3rd line, it should be fairly easy to get you a Turbo 2.

 

[dusoccer10]

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

I look forward to the update if the BB method still works as I want to do it soon to avoid the price jump on my UDP. Does anyone know if they generally put a hold on your account or anything like that when you dodo not activate the phone with the SIM that came with the phone?

You get a pending activation on your account for about a month. This means that you cannot change your plan or add any features until it falls off. However, it will not affect your day to day use except for that.

 

[wonderrx]

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

Verizon unlimited data plan customer, out of contract, have an upgrade on my line, have multiple upgrades available on several dumb lines

Never have used the Best Buy method before, so new to it and this thread, last phone upgrade 18 months ago was still able to use the upgrade a different line, cancel data on that dumb phone line and then swap phone.

I plan to get a Nexus 6P, so I don't really/want a new phone. Lets say I do a BestBuy 2 year contract upgrade, burn the new sim that comes with it, lets say get I get a Samsung S6. Can I pretty much immediately take it and sell it on swappa or give it to my son to use on his StraightTalk plan? The phones are carrier unlocked these days if I understand it correctly.

It's probably a wash in year one saving the $20 a month but paying the $200-$300 phone upgrade fee, but year two again saves me $240 and we end up with a new device that maybe my son can use or we can sell and break even or even make a little money.

Thanks in advance for any input!

 

[TheNeckerCube]

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

You can definitely buy the Droid Turbo 2 and keep unlimited. You mention 3 lines: your unlimited, your mom's basic, and what? Depending on the 3rd line, it should be fairly easy to get you a Turbo 2.

The third line is my sister's, it's on Contract, has a 6 GB data plan, no upgrade. Just to recap:

My line: UDP, not on contract, has upgrade.
My Mom's: Basic, on contract, has upgrade.
My sister's: 6 GB plan, on contract, no upgrade.

I'm confused as to how I should proceed. Can someone explain by listing the steps I need to take in detail? I'd like to get the Turbo 2, keep my UDP, and if possible, dodge the extra $20 for another 2 years.

I also am confused about the cost related to getting the Turbo 2 and keeping my UDP. Would I be able to apply my upgrade credit toward the Turbo 2?

Thank you so far for the responses!

 

[cg101]

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

Ok guys, I need help, and I can't go back to reading the last couple of pages, so if you can please help me out that would be swell (I will go back and read eventually, I promise.)

3 UDP lines (one of the a Jetpack, the other a Galaxy S5 and a Note 3.)
2 Basic Lines (one upgrade eligible, the other will be around next May )

I had used the methods described 10000 pages ago but I know that new information came out. I also see there is discussion on the $20 increase, unless that line is back under contract. Please tell me what I have to do to upgrade my phone, keep unlimited AND NOT pay an additional $60 a month. If you can point me to relevant posts, that would be helpful too.

Thanks.

 

[dusoccer10]

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

Verizon unlimited data plan customer, out of contract, have an upgrade on my line, have multiple upgrades available on several dumb lines

Never have used the Best Buy method before, so new to it and this thread, last phone upgrade 18 months ago was still able to use the upgrade a different line, cancel data on that dumb phone line and then swap phone.

I plan to get a Nexus 6P, so I don't really/want a new phone. Lets say I do a BestBuy 2 year contract upgrade, burn the new sim that comes with it, lets say get I get a Samsung S6. Can I pretty much immediately take it and sell it on swappa or give it to my son to use on his StraightTalk plan? The phones are carrier unlocked these days if I understand it correctly.

It's probably a wash in year one saving the $20 a month but paying the $200-$300 phone upgrade fee, but year two again saves me $240 and we end up with a new device that maybe my son can use or we can sell and break even or even make a little money.

Thanks in advance for any input!

That would definitely work, but you need to be careful on which phone you select. Not all phones support all of T-Mobile and At&T's bands. A S6 should work fine, but there is no guarantee that he will get LTE all of the time. If you wanted to make sure that it worked full, your best bet would be either the Nexus 6 or an iPhone.

 

[dusoccer10]

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

The third line is my sister's, it's on Contract, has a 6 GB data plan, no upgrade. Just to recap:

My line: UDP, not on contract, has upgrade.
My Mom's: Basic, on contract, has upgrade.
My sister's: 6 GB plan, on contract, no upgrade.

I'm confused as to how I should proceed. Can someone explain by listing the steps I need to take in detail? I'd like to get the Turbo 2, keep my UDP, and if possible, dodge the extra $20 for another 2 years.

I also am confused about the cost related to getting the Turbo 2 and keeping my UDP. Would I be able to apply my upgrade credit toward the Turbo 2?

Thank you so far for the responses!

It's very easy for you since your sister has a tiered line. You'll need to borrow her phone for about an hour, but you can go this route:

1.) Through Verizon or Best Buy, transfer your upgrade to Line 3 and order the Droid Turbo 2. Have it shipped to home.
2.) When the new phone arrives, activate on Line 3 for an hour. Test it to make sure it works.
3.) Now reactivate your sister's old phone
4.) Activate the Droid Turbo 2 on your line

By going this route (which is 100% legal and not a loophole), you will use up your upgrade. By doing this, you'll renew the unlimited line for another 2 years avoid the $20 monthly charge.

 

[TheNeckerCube]

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

1.) Through Verizon or Best Buy, transfer your upgrade to Line 3 and order the Droid Turbo 2. Have it shipped to home.
2.) When the new phone arrives, activate on Line 3 for an hour. Test it to make sure it works.
3.) Now reactivate your sister's old phone
4.) Activate the Droid Turbo 2 on your line
By going this route (which is 100% legal and not a loophole), you will use up your upgrade. By doing this, you'll renew the unlimited line for another 2 years avoid the $20 monthly charge.

Thanks for the reply. Just so I got this right I will restate the steps you listed in my own words.

1. Log into my Verizon Wireless account and transfer my upgrade to my sister, Line 3.
2. When I transfer my upgrade, this will renew my 2 year contract. Note: My line is currently not on contract. It says Month-to-Month. Is this a problem?
3. Use the upgrade now on Line 3 to buy a new phone.
4. When phone arrives, activate the phone for line 3, line 3 will have a new for at least 1 hour.
5. After 1 hour or so, Line 3 will switch back to its old phone.
6. I will take the new phone and activate it on my line.

What I am confused about: My line currently says month-to-month. You are saying, when I "transfer" my upgrade to Line 3, this results in my line renewing for another 2 years? Please confirm. Thank you!

 

[wonderrx]

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

That would definitely work, but you need to be careful on which phone you select. Not all phones support all of T-Mobile and At&T's bands. A S6 should work fine, but there is no guarantee that he will get LTE all of the time. If you wanted to make sure that it worked full, your best bet would be either the Nexus 6 or an iPhone.

Good thinking. Looking at Swappa iPhone 6 or 6+ is the best option if I am reselling. If I buy an Nexus 6P he can have my current phone.

My wife just upgraded (as in 2 weeks ago) to an iphone 6s. I wonder if I can transfer an upgrade to her, have her order a new 6s through verizon, pull the new sim out of it, then sell it (does it need to be activated with her sim?). I wonder if I can do an upgrade transfer from my line so quickly. Is that any safer than the Best Buy method?

The Best Buy method definitely kicks in the new 2 year contract even if the sim is never used right? Don't use the sim don't break the Unlimited Data right?

Thanks for the help, always get so nervous around messing with my Unlimited Data!

 

[dusoccer10]

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

Thanks for the reply. Just so I got this right I will restate the steps you listed in my own words.

1. Log into my Verizon Wireless account and transfer my upgrade to my sister, Line 3.
2. When I transfer my upgrade, this will renew my 2 year contract. Note: My line is currently not on contract. It says Month-to-Month. Is this a problem?
3. Use the upgrade now on Line 3 to buy a new phone.
4. When phone arrives, activate the phone for line 3, line 3 will have a new for at least 1 hour.
5. After 1 hour or so, Line 3 will switch back to its old phone.
6. I will take the new phone and activate it on my line.

What I am confused about: My line currently says month-to-month. You are saying, when I "transfer" my upgrade to Line 3, this results in my line renewing for another 2 years? Please confirm. Thank you!

Close. The only way to get on contract is to use the upgrade. It's the actually ordering of a new phone that converts a line from month to month to on contract. Transferring your upgrade is not good enough. You need to actually order a new phone immediately after transferring the upgrade. Once you do step 3, your unlimited line will go under contract for 2 years from the date of the new phone being ordered. As long as you do this before November 15th, you'll dodge the $20 increase in price.

 

[dusoccer10]

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

Good thinking. Looking at Swappa iPhone 6 or 6+ is the best option if I am reselling. If I buy an Nexus 6P he can have my current phone.

My wife just upgraded (as in 2 weeks ago) to an iphone 6s. I wonder if I can transfer an upgrade to her, have her order a new 6s through verizon, pull the new sim out of it, then sell it (does it need to be activated with her sim?). I wonder if I can do an upgrade transfer from my line so quickly. Is that any safer than the Best Buy method?

The Best Buy method definitely kicks in the new 2 year contract even if the sim is never used right? Don't use the sim don't break the Unlimited Data right?

Thanks for the help, always get so nervous around messing with my Unlimited Data!

If your wife is on a tiered plan, you should definitely use her line. Just transfer your upgrade to her line and order away. There is no waiting period even though she just upgraded. Once you order a new phone, this will use up your upgrade and cause you to go under contract. Even if you never use the SIM that comes with the phone (i.e. you never activate the phone), it still renews your contract.

If you are planning on selling the phone, an iPhone is definitely the way to go.

If you are doing the Best Buy Method, you definitely need to remove the SIM that comes with the new phone and destroy it!

 

[TheNeckerCube]

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

It's the actually ordering of a new phone that converts a line from month to month to on contract. Transferring your upgrade is not good enough. You need to actually order a new phone immediately after transferring the upgrade.

Thanks for clarifying, but one last point of confusion is: do you mean ordering a phone through my line which will not have an upgrade after I transfer it? Or do you mean ordering a phone from Line 3 which has my upgrade since I transferred it?

If I am understanding correctly, after I transfer my upgrade to Line 3, I will also activate that upgrade on Line 3, and because the upgrade which was just transferred from my line was activated, my line will renew on contract?

Once you do step 3, your unlimited line will go under contract for 2 years from the date of the new phone being ordered.

Is it that when I activate the Turbo 2 on my line, that is when the 2 year contract renews?

 

[cg101]

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

I'm still kinda confused after reading...

1) I go to Best Buy
2) I upgrade the UDP line I want to upgrade
3) I switch out SIMs when I get the phone
4) I keep UDP.

Is that really how it is now?

 

[s42013]

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

i have the following:
line 1 6+ UDP month to month - upgrade available
line 2 basic no upgrade
line 3 S4 UDP month to month - upgrade available
line 4 basic - upgrade available

What is my best option - to transfer upgrade at verizon.com to the basic phone and then just use my current sim to turn it on and wait for pending activation to fall off? or should i just go to bb.com and order the upgrade on line 1 and put my sim in it when it arrives?

Just want to do the one that works best (i can't transfer upgrade on bb.com for whatever reason...so i have to do that on vz.com)

Thank you for your help.

 

[wonderrx]

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

If your wife is on a tiered plan, you should definitely use her line. Just transfer your upgrade to her line and order away. There is no waiting period even though she just upgraded. Once you order a new phone, this will use up your upgrade and cause you to go under contract. Even if you never use the SIM that comes with the phone (i.e. you never activate the phone), it still renews your contract.

If you are planning on selling the phone, an iPhone is definitely the way to go.

If you are doing the Best Buy Method, you definitely need to remove the SIM that comes with the new phone and destroy it!

Wife is under the same old plan as I am (we share minutes, she has the 2GB feature pack), not sure if this is wise to mess with hers, although she just used an upgrade 2 weeks ago. Also not sure it's wise to use 2 upgrades in a month on a line.