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

[tech_head]

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.

You cannot pick up in the store.
They require activation before leaving on the SIM they provide.
Sometimes just them scanning the device in store can force a data plan switch.

If you really want the Turbo; buy an iPhone and tell it, then pay full price for the Turbo.
Follow the method to the letter or risk losing UDP.

Verizon - How to Use a Subsidized Upgrade and Keep Your Unlimited Data Plan Or Avoid A 2 year Data Plan on a Nationwide Basic Line - Slickdeals.net

 

[dusoccer10]

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).

You have two options:

1.) Best Buy Method - just upgrade your UDP through Best Buy and have the phones shipped to home. Depending on what you want to do with them, you can activate or sell them for a profit. Just make sure to remove the SIM cards that ship with the new phones.

2.) Transfer the upgrades to the basic lines - Through Best Buy or Verizon, just transfer the upgrades to the basic lines and then order new phones. As long as you do not activate the new phones on the basic line, you will not be stuck with any data plans on them. Again, you can either use or sell the new phones.

In either case, the ordering of the new phones will put your UDPs in a two year contract and avoid the extra $40 a month.

 

[dusoccer10]

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!

No problem. Just do the following:

1.) When the phone arrives, go ahead and activate it on the tiered line following the directions provided.
2.) Wait for about an hour and make sure the V10 works (test calls, data, text).
3.) Now log into Verizon online and go to "switch/activate device"
4.) Choose the TDP
5.) Select activate a phone that has been on the account before
6.) Select the G4 and follow the rest of the directions.
7.) Now take the V10 to a VAR and get them to activate it on the UDP.

 

[TheNeckerCube]

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

1.) Since you moved the upgrade to your sister's line, when the phone arrives just follow the activation instructions that come with the phone. The SIM cards are different between the 3 phones in play here, but that is ok. The Droid Turbo 2's nano SIM is already coded to your sister's line. That's why it is ok to use and activate it.
2.) Once you activate the Turbo 2, test the phone to make sure calls, texts, and data all work. Make sure you wait at least an hour as this will give Verizon's system a chance to update.
3.) After an hour, you need to log into My Verizon online. On the main page, scroll down to My devices and select "activate/switch device"
4.) Choose your sister's line.
5.) Select activate device and activating a device that has been used on this account before
6.) Just follow the rest of the directions to reactivate the S5 use the SIM that is already in the S5.
After these 6 steps, you'll have activated the Droid Turbo 2 and reactivated the S5. Now, it's time to move the Turbo 2 onto your line:

7.) Go back to "activate or switch device" and select your line
8.) Select activate a device that has never been on the account before and enter one of the bar code numbers from the box of the Turbo 2.
9.) Follow the rest of the directions to get the Turbo 2 onto your line.

I just received my phone this morning! I am anxious to get it activated on my sister's line and then onto my UDP line! But I want to confirm one more time because I am uncertain about what happens after Step 6 (see above).

Specifically, once the Turbo 2 has been orphaned, and I try to activate it on my UDP line via My Online Account - activate or switch device, will VZW try to screw me? Or am I allowed to switch out my RAZR MAXX and swap in the Turbo 2 seamlessly? I am guessing yes, that is how all this works, but I need further confirmation.

Dusoccer10 please respond, I appreciate it! Thank you.

 

[derekisthematrix]

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

No problem. Just do the following:

1.) When the phone arrives, go ahead and activate it on the tiered line following the directions provided.
2.) Wait for about an hour and make sure the V10 works (test calls, data, text).
3.) Now log into Verizon online and go to "switch/activate device"
4.) Choose the TDP
5.) Select activate a phone that has been on the account before
6.) Select the G4 and follow the rest of the directions.
7.) Now take the V10 to a VAR and get them to activate it on the UDP.

Do I have to use a VAR or can I switch it using My Verizon? Or can/should I simply cut down my SIM in my Note 3 to fit the V10?

 

[dusoccer10]

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

I just received my phone this morning! I am anxious to get it activated on my sister's line and then onto my UDP line! But I want to confirm one more time because I am uncertain about what happens after Step 6 (see above).

Specifically, once the Turbo 2 has been orphaned, and I try to activate it on my UDP line via My Online Account - activate or switch device, will VZW try to screw me? Or am I allowed to switch out my RAZR MAXX and swap in the Turbo 2 seamlessly? I am guessing yes, that is how all this works, but I need further confirmation.

Dusoccer10 please respond, I appreciate it! Thank you.

Just follow the directions and you'll be fine. The good news is that if the system is acting up (and sometimes it does), it is safe to take the new phone to Verizon and have them activate it.

 

[dusoccer10]

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

Do I have to use a VAR or can I switch it using My Verizon? Or can/should I simply cut down my SIM in my Note 3 to fit the V10?

You can try using My Verizon. Sometimes it acts up. You can also cut down your old SIM if you prefer. Basically, all of the options are available to you since you will not have a pending activation on your account due to ordering and activating the new phone on the tiered line.

 

[rdjr74]

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!

Did you do this via Verizon or BB?

 

[drivingon9]

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

Quick question, and I apologize if this has already been asked. I searched for a fair bit of time to find an answer, but couldn't find anything definitive.. I'll admit that I didn't comb through and read every single post in the 400+ pages here.

Using the Best Buy Method, is the step where you insert your old SIM into the new phone to activate it absolutely necessary, even if I don't want to keep the phone? I've heard some people say yes, and some no.. I'd like to just order a phone, trash the new SIM, and either sell it, or give it to my kids as a wifi play phone.

Thanks!

 

[derekisthematrix]

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

Did you do this via Verizon or BB?

I did this through Verizon's website.

 

[clatus]

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

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.

3c.) Why can't you just call Verizon and ask them to send you a nano-sim and activate it in the BB phone?

 

[ms_pd]

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

Hi dusoccer10,

Thanks for all the information and help you've given everyone. I had a quick question for you, once I get my new iPhone 6s, I understand that I need to leave it off and switch the current SIM card with my old SIM card. With that said, once I turn on the new iPhone 6s w/ my old SIM card and confirm that UDP was successfully kept and it all works...would it be safe to switch the old sim card back to the old phone? The reason why I ask is b/c I want to sell my old iPhone 5s so I'm wondering when it's best to back-up everything and clean/restore the whole iPhone 5s. Should I do this before I switch the old SIM to the new iPhone 6s? Or can I do it later and switch the old SIM card between the two phones once it is determined UDP was successful when I get my new iPhone 6s? Please advise. Thanks a MIL!

 

[awegust]

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

Just a quick update: went in and got the new LG V10 hassle free from the corporate store, out of contract, UDP intact. I'm going to write a good yelp review for the woman who did it for me. Thanks to those who put two cents in on what to do.

 

[zoxxo]

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

OK, a lot of people here are talking about using the BB method to upgrade their phone and keep their UDP rates intact for 2 more years. I thought they closed the BB method. I now that when I try to use BB to purchase a phone (and lock in my UDP rate) , it tells me that my phone is not yet ready for an upgrade and then it quotes a 2014 date as to when my phone is eligible. If I'm missing something or if there is another method to play the game, I would love to know!

 

[dusoccer10]

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

Quick question, and I apologize if this has already been asked. I searched for a fair bit of time to find an answer, but couldn't find anything definitive.. I'll admit that I didn't comb through and read every single post in the 400+ pages here.

Using the Best Buy Method, is the step where you insert your old SIM into the new phone to activate it absolutely necessary, even if I don't want to keep the phone? I've heard some people say yes, and some no.. I'd like to just order a phone, trash the new SIM, and either sell it, or give it to my kids as a wifi play phone.

Thanks!

You do not need to activate the new phone when doing the Best Buy Method. Activation only matters if you transfer the upgrade to a tiered data plan. If you go that route, activation makes sense since it clears the pending activation on the line. All other methods will leave a pending activation on the line that uses the upgrade for about a month. It's perfectly fine to order a new phone, trash the SIM card, and then do what you please with it.

 

[dusoccer10]

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

3c.) Why can't you just call Verizon and ask them to send you a nano-sim and activate it in the BB phone?

Technically, you can go this route as long as you order the SIM card before upgrading the phone. It's not as common nowadays as the other two options I listed.

 

[dusoccer10]

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

Hi dusoccer10,

Thanks for all the information and help you've given everyone. I had a quick question for you, once I get my new iPhone 6s, I understand that I need to leave it off and switch the current SIM card with my old SIM card. With that said, once I turn on the new iPhone 6s w/ my old SIM card and confirm that UDP was successfully kept and it all works...would it be safe to switch the old sim card back to the old phone? The reason why I ask is b/c I want to sell my old iPhone 5s so I'm wondering when it's best to back-up everything and clean/restore the whole iPhone 5s. Should I do this before I switch the old SIM to the new iPhone 6s? Or can I do it later and switch the old SIM card between the two phones once it is determined UDP was successful when I get my new iPhone 6s? Please advise. Thanks a MIL!

I'm not very familiar with the backup/restore process of iPhones, but I'm pretty sure you do not need to be connected to a wireless network to do a backup or restore. This is the case with Androids and I would be shocked if Apple was any different. You need to be connected to Wifi or iTunes to do the backup. My suggestion would be:

1.) Once the 6s arrives, go ahead and back up your 5s before doing anything else using either iCloud or iTunes (see https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT203977 if you don't know how).
2.) After the backup process is completed, power down the 5s and remove the SIM card
3.) Put the SIM card in the 6s and power it on. Follow the iPhone setup process and restore your backup (see https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204184)

Those three steps should get the 6s up and running. Now you can turn on the 5s and wipe it in order to prepare for a sale. I'm almost positive you do not need to put the SIM back in the 5s to wipe.

I hope this helps!

 

[dusoccer10]

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

OK, a lot of people here are talking about using the BB method to upgrade their phone and keep their UDP rates intact for 2 more years. I thought they closed the BB method. I now that when I try to use BB to purchase a phone (and lock in my UDP rate) , it tells me that my phone is not yet ready for an upgrade and then it quotes a 2014 date as to when my phone is eligible. If I'm missing something or if there is another method to play the game, I would love to know!

How many lines are on your account and what type of phones are on the lines?

Also, can you take a screenshot of the error message from Best Buy as something doesn't seem right.

 

[DROIDUSERHD]

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

All....
So I I went to the Verizon website today and transferred my UDP upgrade to a tired line and upgraded the teired line to the Turbo 2.

My question is what do I do when the phone come in?
1. Activate it on the tired line, use it for a couple hours and then swap the SIMS?
2. Don't activate it on the tired line and before I turn the Turbo 2 on, just put in the UDP SIM?

Also, when I was at the Verizon store the other day, they told me that the SIM from my DROID MAXX would not work in the Turbo 2 because the Turbo 2 "requires a NFC SIM".

Can anyone verify this? and if this is true, what would the steps be to get the correct SIM?

Thanks!
DROIDUSERHD

 

[rdjr74]

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!

Have you played around with the phone yet? I keep going between this phone and the droid turbo 2. Message me your impressions if you don't mind. Thx