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

[cg101]

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

How long after ordering via bestbuy.com did your plan change? I just placed an order now and it's in the process of being fulfilled.

After I placed both orders, I went logged on to Verizon. The contract date was 2 years from today. It appeared immediate.

 

[cg101]

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

Definitely upgrade the Jetpack line. Remember that your contract is extended when the phone ships and not when it is activated. Therefore, you could upgrade the line and just sell the phone (after destroying the SIM that ships with it).

I am going to try upgrading it with another phone. Then will change it back to the Jetpack. Will let you know how that works out tomorrow.

 

[derekisthematrix]

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

OK I'm still confused. If I'm transferring my UDP upgrade to a TDP line, activating for an hour on TDP, going back to old phone on TDP... do I need to put the UDP SIM in new phone OR just activate online per your previously posted (multiple times) instructions? (your patience is duly noted and appreciated good sir)

 

[cnotes2019]

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

After I placed both orders, I went logged on to Verizon. The contract date was 2 years from today. It appeared immediate.

You did an alternate upgrade via verizon.com??

 

[cg101]

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

You did an alternate upgrade via verizon.com??

Negative.

I did the Best Buy Method...I had to put in my Verizon information on the Best Buy web site. Then sometime later, I signed on to Verizon and saw that both of my lines had a new contract date. I did not do an alternate upgrade. In fact, I'm considering getting rid of my basic lines, if this Best Buy thing works out.

BTW, both iPhones have shipped...from Alaska...lol.

 

[awegust]

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

I've been following this massive thread as a lurker for about a month now, and am really impressed by the amount of active discussion-- bottom line, if we've learned one thing from online gaming, it's that when something valuable is offered for a limited time only, it becomes even moreso when that time period closes. I definitely want to keep my unlimited.

But here's my question: I have unlimited data and one line only on my account. Is it true that I can only get ahold of a new phone from a third party source (eg: bestbuy.com) and activate it somehow myself, since Verizon corporate stores will not sell it unfettered and then activate it for me there? They will not do it without pushing me off the old plan and onto whatever tiered thing they are instead pushing, am I right?

I am fully willing to pay for it outright, the cash is not the issue; it's the logistics of getting the thing onto my account (and running smoothly with 4G et al) and getting my Galaxy S4 off of it that poses the challenge. Also: LG V10 requires a nano sim, which sadly I haven't got (S4 uses ff3). Is cutting it down really safe, or does Verizon give out new sims for newly owned phones acquired elsewhere? Or is the whole SIM card switcheroo a moot point since I can turn the phone on and just link it to the account by supplying my IMEID, and I would have bought it without supplying any of my Verizon credentials?

Thanks in advance for any help offered. I HAVE read through lots of these pages (not all!) but I've still had a lot of questions. Hopefully the LG V10 shows up at Best Buy soon!

 

[2006scionxa]

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

I just pick up phone off of ebay. Take it to Verizon store. Then have them put Sim card from old phone into new phone. And I walk out with a new phone and unlimited data plan in tact. Simple

 

[LukeT32]

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

I've been following this massive thread as a lurker for about a month now, and am really impressed by the amount of active discussion-- bottom line, if we've learned one thing from online gaming, it's that when something valuable is offered for a limited time only, it becomes even moreso when that time period closes. I definitely want to keep my unlimited.

But here's my question: I have unlimited data and one line only on my account. Is it true that I can only get ahold of a new phone from a third party source (eg: bestbuy.com) and activate it somehow myself, since Verizon corporate stores will not sell it unfettered and then activate it for me there? They will not do it without pushing me off the old plan and onto whatever tiered thing they are instead pushing, am I right?

I am fully willing to pay for it outright, the cash is not the issue; it's the logistics of getting the thing onto my account (and running smoothly with 4G et al) and getting my Galaxy S4 off of it that poses the challenge. Also: LG V10 requires a nano sim, which sadly I haven't got (S4 uses ff3). Is cutting it down really safe, or does Verizon give out new sims for newly owned phones acquired elsewhere? Or is the whole SIM card switcheroo a moot point since I can turn the phone on and just link it to the account by supplying my IMEID, and I would have bought it without supplying any of my Verizon credentials?

Thanks in advance for any help offered. I HAVE read through lots of these pages (not all!) but I've still had a lot of questions. Hopefully the LG V10 shows up at Best Buy soon!

Awegust. When the LG G2 came out I walked into Verizon on launch day and said I wanted to pay full retail for the phone and not use my upgrade. I purchased the phone no questions asked and walked out of the store shortly there after with my UDP intact and my brand new G2 in hand.

Fast forward two years. I pre-ordered an LG G4 from BB.com without using my still available upgrade for in-store pick up. Went to my local Best Buy and picked up my phone on launch day. The rep there activated my phone using a new SIM card and my UDP is still in tact.

 

[rdjr74]

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

Is cutting it down really safe, or does Verizon give out new sims for newly owned phones acquired elsewhere?

From first hand experience, yes cutting down is safe. I've done it twice. One time I had to cut into the gold. Just make sure you don't cut into the middle which should never be an issue getting close to it. There are templates and adaptors online. Take your time. Nanos are thinner so you'll have to do some sanding as well but not much.

 

[Kelly Kearns]

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

It was in HER number yet it extended YOUR plan and the phone is on your line despite ordering from her line? Normally folks have to move a sim or something. I don't see why an upgrade of her phone affects your line. I have the exact situation u do. NW 500 for me and wife. In am udp with upgrade. She is 2gb no upgrade (still 2 years left new iphone).

You're saying I order a N5 from Her line after transfer upgrade from my line to hers and the phone goes on MY line all by itself?

It is called a cross upgrade. I did it on AT&T all the time.

 

[rdjr74]

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

Based on some previous comments, it sounds like the BB method is still putting people on 2 year contracts when upgrading your UDP line directly via switching out sim cards after phone is delivered.

What about transferring upgrades thru Verizon's site? Can anyone confirm their UDP line is being put on a 2 year contract after transferring upgrades? I'm getting ready to do this but I'm looking for confirmation.

Only reason I'm worried is because I transferred my UDP line's upgrade in Dec. and it stayed month to month. It was awesome at the time but now everyone is trying to get on a contract, weird how that worked out. : /

 

[dusoccer10]

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

So is there a way for me to get this done? do i have time? i could upgrade the basic - but then I'm assuming I'll have to wait for the pending to fall off before I can transfer my UDP upgrade to the basic line again. Thank you!

You don't have to wait that long. As soon as the new phone arrives, feel free to activate it on the UDP even if there is a pending activation on the basic.

 

[dusoccer10]

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

OK I'm still confused. If I'm transferring my UDP upgrade to a TDP line, activating for an hour on TDP, going back to old phone on TDP... do I need to put the UDP SIM in new phone OR just activate online per your previously posted (multiple times) instructions? (your patience is duly noted and appreciated good sir)

What phone is on the UDP, TDP, and was ordered? It all depends on the SIM sizes, but I can help you with that information.

 

[dusoccer10]

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

I've been following this massive thread as a lurker for about a month now, and am really impressed by the amount of active discussion-- bottom line, if we've learned one thing from online gaming, it's that when something valuable is offered for a limited time only, it becomes even moreso when that time period closes. I definitely want to keep my unlimited.

But here's my question: I have unlimited data and one line only on my account. Is it true that I can only get ahold of a new phone from a third party source (eg: bestbuy.com) and activate it somehow myself, since Verizon corporate stores will not sell it unfettered and then activate it for me there? They will not do it without pushing me off the old plan and onto whatever tiered thing they are instead pushing, am I right?

I am fully willing to pay for it outright, the cash is not the issue; it's the logistics of getting the thing onto my account (and running smoothly with 4G et al) and getting my Galaxy S4 off of it that poses the challenge. Also: LG V10 requires a nano sim, which sadly I haven't got (S4 uses ff3). Is cutting it down really safe, or does Verizon give out new sims for newly owned phones acquired elsewhere? Or is the whole SIM card switcheroo a moot point since I can turn the phone on and just link it to the account by supplying my IMEID, and I would have bought it without supplying any of my Verizon credentials?

Thanks in advance for any help offered. I HAVE read through lots of these pages (not all!) but I've still had a lot of questions. Hopefully the LG V10 shows up at Best Buy soon!

Welcome to the thread. With a single line plan, your only real option is the Best Buy method. Even with the different sim sizes, it's fairly easy to upgrade to the V10. Just do the following:

1.) Order the V10 from Best Buy and have it shipped to home
2.) Remove the SIM that comes with the phone. Do not turn it on or try to charge it.

Then do one of the following (these are your only options):

3a.) Cut your old SIM down to nano. If you are worried about this, you can buy a SIM cutter from Amazon for around $3. This makes it very easy.

or

3b.) Most VARs will activate a phone from Best Buy without any questions. Corporate stores will cause problems, but VARs do not. They will charge you $10 for this.

 

[cg101]

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

Only reason I'm worried is because I transferred my UDP line's upgrade in Dec. and it stayed month to month. It was awesome at the time but now everyone is trying to get on a contract, weird how that worked out. : /

Giving Verizon $720 a year will get someone like me to be on contract. [(20x3) * 12]

I would have loved to use one of those upgrades on a new Note 5...but lower battery life, non removable battery and no SD card? I think what'll do after this project is over (will be around December) is use some of my iPhone profit to purchase a fair conditioned Note 4 from swappa.com. Then, will contact Verizon, say my camera isn't working well as well as complain about reception and get a refurbed (Certified Like New) Note 4 from them since I have extended warranty (I expect that it won't be far from the truth, so I will sleep good at night. .)

I am sure when 2017 rolls around, we will all be back in this thread wondering how we will keep paying $29.99 a month for Verizon's sweet unlimited data. I am sure the Best Buy Method will cease to work by then. Gotta give it to VZW though...they really did put forth a good effort to get us to pay extra for unlimited.

 

[recDNA]

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

I've been following this massive thread as a lurker for about a month now, and am really impressed by the amount of active discussion-- bottom line, if we've learned one thing from online gaming, it's that when something valuable is offered for a limited time only, it becomes even moreso when that time period closes. I definitely want to keep my unlimited.

But here's my question: I have unlimited data and one line only on my account. Is it true that I can only get ahold of a new phone from a third party source (eg: bestbuy.com) and activate it somehow myself, since Verizon corporate stores will not sell it unfettered and then activate it for me there? They will not do it without pushing me off the old plan and onto whatever tiered thing they are instead pushing, am I right?

I am fully willing to pay for it outright, the cash is not the issue; it's the logistics of getting the thing onto my account (and running smoothly with 4G et al) and getting my Galaxy S4 off of it that poses the challenge. Also: LG V10 requires a nano sim, which sadly I haven't got (S4 uses ff3). Is cutting it down really safe, or does Verizon give out new sims for newly owned phones acquired elsewhere? Or is the whole SIM card switcheroo a moot point since I can turn the phone on and just link it to the account by supplying my IMEID, and I would have bought it without supplying any of my Verizon credentials?

Thanks in advance for any help offered. I HAVE read through lots of these pages (not all!) but I've still had a lot of questions. Hopefully the LG V10 shows up at Best Buy soon!

No. I've done it twice no problem. As long as you pay full price at vzw you keep udp.

 

[awegust]

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

Thanks to everyone, good answers all. Glad I registered and posted my own questions. Perhaps I should head down to a corporate store today and at least attempt a purchase... If things get cagey I could just turn and walk away. Otherwise I'll just wait for Best Buy to stock the phone and follow dusoccer10's instructions.

 

[s42013]

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

Thank you dusoccer10 for all of your help -

to be clear - i have 4 lines
1 - udp upgrade available month-to-month Iphone 6+
2 - basic - upgrade available - on contract 11/30/15
3 - basic - upgrade available - contract til 12/8/15
4 - udp - upgrade available - month to month galaxy s4

Will I be able to upgrade to get my UDP lines on contract for 2 more years, and if so - how?
Thanks in advance for your additional help (if i can be helped).

 

[otwok]

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

Hi All,

I have a quick question regarding the Best Buy method. I did it two years ago successfully and this year I want the Droid Turbo 2, but it is only allowing me to ship and pick up at the store. Has anyone been successful picking it up from the store and not having them activate it?

I may just have to purchase it under my wifes account, let them activate it then activate it on my account when we get home.

 

[derekisthematrix]

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

UDP: Note 3
TDP: LG G4
'new' phone that I ultimately want on UDP:LG V10.
Transfered UDP upgrade to TDP and ordered V10 (arrives today). My UDP contract says 2 years and UDP is still intact: primary mission accomplished. Now I'd like to get V10 onto UDP line that currently has Note 3. Thanks!