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

[Ry]

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

I think you guys are making this overly complicated.
Any device that works on Verizon's 4G network can be used with an unlimited data plan. The problem is that if you get a subsidised device, Verizon will make you switch to a newer plan because you have to sign a new contract, and since unlimited is no longer offered, you can't add it to any new lines. (New contract = new line.)
What you need to do is buy your 4G Verizon-compatible device device outright from any source, and then place your SIM card in it. The plan is for the account, so your SIM will transfer your unlimited data with itself. Once your phone connects to the network, you'll have unlimited data immediately.
I would suggest you get a nano SIM, and if your device uses a larger size, then you can just use an adapter. That way, you can switch to any 4G device in the future no matter what size SIM it takes.
I have been using this method for years, and I have activated a Galaxy Nexus, a Droid 3, a Droid 4, an iPhone 5, an iPhone 5S, an iPhone 6, a Note 4 and an iPad - all with the same SIM, and without asking Verizon to do anything and I have had an unlimited data plan on 2 lines since 2009 when I first activated unlimited data on my 3G Palm Pre.
The one issue I ever had was that I activated a used Sprint iPad on Verizon (cellular iPads are unlocked and work universally) and it showed as an unauthorized device. Everything still worked, but occasionally it would lose connectivity. All I had to do was place my SIM card back into my previously authorized device, and once it connected to the network, the problem was solved. I just had to return the SIM to the iPad and everything worked fine. Eventually, I called Verizon and added my iPad to my account, and now, even though it shows as unsupported, I have no more problems. An added benefit is that since there is no charge for tethering on an iPad, I can now use unlimited hotspot for free - as well as unlimited standard data. The only thing you lose doing it this way is the ability to make calls and receive texts - but I have another line for that.
P.S. I routinely witch my SIM from device to device depending on what I need to do, and I have never had any problem with that, either.

I think that's pretty clear.

But this thread is essentially a how to to not pay full price (up front) to get a brand new phone.

 

[Droid3r]

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

Yes they filed the IPR. I will call back Monday night and ask for update. My usage now shows 14.149 GB out of 0.649 GB

They restored my unlimited plan.

 

[tx_tuff]

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

Question:

I have a UDP line and my brother has a UDP line. We are both eligible for an upgrade in Feb. Could we both get a subsidized phone, never turn them on, swap them, then use our Sim cards and keep our UDP?

If this doesn't work is there something else we could try? Thanks for any advice!

In theory it should work since the phones are coming from different accounts.

Make sure to let everybody know how it works.

 

[yeahizme]

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

As long as you're under contract, you will not get the $20 add on fee...however, once you get out of contract , the $20 fee is added to your monthly charges even if you buy the phone outright or thru other means ...out of contract = $20 extra fee no matter what

 

[yeahizme]

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

Ok so yes the SIM contains all your account information ...you can swap sim cards between phones as long as the phones are compatible. For example, I recently upgraded from the G3 to the V10, but the G3 uses a micro sim and the v10 uses a nano sim....so I had to cut my micro sim from the G3 into a nano sim to fit my v10...worked like a charm and no isses whatsoever with Verizon

 

[zombieshavebrains]

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

In theory it should work since the phones are coming from different accounts.

Make sure to let everybody know how it works.

Would I need to do anything special (order them online from verizon vs best buy vs buying from brick/mortar store)?

I've read a lot of this thread, it saved me 2 years ago with the BBM, but I just want to make sure i'm understanding all of this correctly.

 

[yeahizme]

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

Yes and yes !!!! That's how I went from the G3 to the V10....just don't turn the phones on until after you put the sim cards with the Unlim Data in ....then turn the phones on

 

[NBAJ2K]

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

I'm on a family plan with an upgrade eligible on a UDP line. Since there is a line with Tiered Data on the family plan account as well, am I still able to transfer the upgrade, from the UDP line to the Tiered line activate it, and then switch it back? I know this worked previously, but wasn't sure if id lose unlimited data now by doing it. I'm already paying an extra $20 a month to keep unlimited data.

I thought I had read that on a UDP plan I could still buy a phone for the 2 year price (which I would prefer) and not the payment plan. Trying to see my options for when the S7 Edge comes out.

-J

 

[Justintoxicated]

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

So a couple years ago I upgraded and kept my unlimited by using a new every 2 on a dumbphone line (for the order), then, after it arrived I simply activated that phone under my UDP account using some number on the phone and bam, upgrade went through and I kept my UDP.

Can I do that again (move upgrade to dumb line, order phone, activate dumb phone on my UDP account)? Soon I will have 3 accounts that are eligable one smart, one smart UDP, one dumbphone. My batrtery is having issues in my HTC M8 which is the reason I want to upgrade. I haven't decided on a phone yet, none of the new phones seem to have the features I want. (Dual LED flash/flashlight, dual speakers, external memory card, unlocked / unlockable boot loader) are my priorities, I think my M9 or LG V10 are the closest (kind of hate to buy an M9 so late in the game). Thanks!

I beleive I'm already paying the $20 add in fee, but well I still want to keep my UDP.

 

[Lok52]

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

Best thing to do is read the first post here: http://slickdeals.net/f/7743625-ver...a-2-year-data-plan-on-a-nationwide-basic-line

It covers pretty much everything.

Posted via Android Central App

 

[alxarambula]

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

I have an upgrade available and still clinging on to UDP. Can anyone confirm that the best buy method still works? I learned about it here about 2yrs ago and did it... now ive walked through the steps and im not seeing the option to keep your same plan but @ the same time its not making me pick a new plan. I might wait a little longer to see what new phones come out but would like to know if this method is still works.

Posted via the Android Central App

 

[tx_tuff]

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

I have an upgrade available and still clinging on to UDP. Can anyone confirm that the best buy method still works? I learned about it here about 2yrs ago and did it... now ive walked through the steps and im not seeing the option to keep your same plan but @ the same time its not making me pick a new plan. I might wait a little longer to see what new phones come out but would like to know if this method is still works.

Posted via the Android Central App

Click on the link right above your post and read.

 

[alxarambula]

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

Well im glad I didn't pull the trigger after reading all that.. Guess im SOL.

Posted via the Android Central App

 

[NBAJ2K]

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

On a family plan, can you still transfer an upgrade from a UDP line to a TDP line and upgrade and activate on the TDP line (and then switch it back to the UDP line) without losing unlimited data?

 

[tx_tuff]

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

On a family plan, can you still transfer an upgrade from a UDP line to a TDP line and upgrade and activate on the TDP line (and then switch it back to the UDP line) without losing unlimited data?

Click on the link 4 posts above you and read.

 

[Pain_dont_hurt]

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

I have a question for anyone buying the new Galaxy S7. Where are you buying the new S7. I've only ever bought a new phone from Verizon because I was too scared of losing my Unlimited Data Plan but Best Buy has a good pre-order incentive. Thank You

Posted via the Android Central App

 

[ctk4949]

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

The preorder at Worst Buy aint that great, Samsung is giving a Gear VR to anyone that preorders a S7/S7e. So all you really getting is a 64GB microSD card. lol

But Worst Buy looks to be selling the S7 edge for $749.99, verizon has it for $792.

 

[CharlesH]

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

I am just a bit confused about the "proper" way to activate a new phone not bought from Verizon and keep the UDP. I bought a Droid Turbo 2 from the Motorola web site (obviously full price) to replace a Maxx with UDP. When the phone phone arrives do I

1) Remove the SIM from my Maxx and put it into the new Turbo 2?

2) Just go to the Verizon website and go though the "update with your own phone" steps ?

Nowhere along here is a subsidized phone/upgrade.

Thanks.

 

[tx_tuff]

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

I am just a bit confused about the "proper" way to activate a new phone not bought from Verizon and keep the UDP. I bought a Droid Turbo 2 from the Motorola web site (obviously full price) to replace a Maxx with UDP. When the phone phone arrives do I

1) Remove the SIM from my Maxx and put it into the new Turbo 2?

2) Just go to the Verizon website and go though the "update with your own phone" steps ?

Nowhere along here is a subsidized phone/upgrade.

Thanks.

If the SIM card fits just put the old one in the new phone. If not go to the store and get one. They don't take away your ODP when you buy a new phone out right like that.

 

[recDNA]

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

As long as you're under contract, you will not get the $20 add on fee...however, once you get out of contract , the $20 fee is added to your monthly charges even if you buy the phone outright or thru other means ...out of contract = $20 extra fee no matter what

So i buy a new full price phone from vzw to put in my udp and my contract with 8 months remaining would be over?