Carrier How to keep my unlimited data with Verizon

[nonicali21]

Hoping for some guidance. I'm sure this question has already been asked. I'm lost and I am just trying to find out what is my best option at this point. I dropped my Iphone 5s and shattered the screen last night, and that is the phone I have the grandfathered unlimited data package.

line 1: Iphone5s (unlimited data) - broken screen
line 2: Iphone4 (2gb)

Both phones are no longer on a contract and are month-to-month.

Would it be best to just pay for the screen to get replaced or to get a new iphone. If I get a new iphone is there a way to keep my unlimited data plan? Also it is still possible to renew 2 year contract with the 199$ price or would I have to pay for the full price of the phone (something I am hoping to avoid).

Thanks an advance for all your help.

 

[evilrt]

Google Verizon wireless bestbuy method.

 

[Subwaymac]

Order from Best Buy.com have it shipped to your house as soon as the phone arrives remove the Sim card and burn it. Insert your old Sim card in the new phone and you will still have your unlimited data and have bought an iPhone at the low price

 

[Beerstalker]

I don't think Verizon offers the subsidized pricing anymore. So you can pay full price up front, or use the monthly payment plan.

Edit/
OK it looks like Best Buy does still offer the subsidized pricing for a Verizon iPhone (that's strange). So if you want the subsidized pricing, and to keep your unlimited data, you need to order a new iPhone from Best Buy for line 2. That will get you the subsidized pricing, and allow you to keep unlimited data on line 1, but it will mean a new 2 year contract on line 2.

Once you get the phone then you can just swap out the SIM card from your 5S and get it up and running on line 1. Then you will probably also have to go online and re-activate the iPhone 4 on line 2.

All this said, how much data do you really use on line 1? There is a good chance you could actually save money by switching to the new plans and sharing data between the two lines.

 

[Subwaymac]

Beer is confusing everyone you can do the Best Buy method an upgrade and still keep your unlimited data!

 

[nonicali21]

I googled Best Buy method and I am still alittle confused as to which line I should upgrade.

I plan to take my husband's phone which is the tiered 4s and give him the new phone on the unlimited so would I first go to Verizon's website and switch our lines, then go to best buy and order a 6s under line 2. When it comes it take out the sime and destroy it. Then insert old sim from line 1? I think I confused myself.

 

[Beerstalker]

Sorry, but my method is 100% reliable and does not require trying to game Verizon and Best Buy's systems. Doing it my way does not risk something happening accidentally and causing the unlimited data to be lost forever. I purchased both a 5 and a 5S this way without losing my unlimited data (which I have now given up since I actually save money with the more everything plan).

Buy the new iPhone on line 2 and you don't have anything to worry about.

When you get the new iPhone swap it's SIM card with the one from your 5S.

The new iPhone will them be set up for line 1 and will have unlimited data and no contract.

Your 5S will then be set up for line 2. Obviously you don't want to keep using it for line 2 since the screen is broken, so you need to reactivate the iPhone 4 on line 2. You can do this very easily yourself from the Verizon website. Log into your account, choose "My Devices", "Activate or Switch Device", choose line 2 and hit "Next". Now choose "Activate Device" and "I am activating a device that I previously used with this account." That should then give you a drop down box where you can select your iPhone 4 and then click "Next". Your iPhone 4 will now be back up and running on line 2 with the tiered data plan and a new 2 year contract.

 

[Subwaymac]

Your just mad you lost your data

 

[Beerstalker]

No, like I said I willingly gave it up when I realized switching to a more everything plan was gonna save me about $100 a month (10GB more everything plan with 5 iPhones, an iPad, and a dumb phone). I never used more than 2-3 GB per month on my unlimited line so it didn't make sense for me to spend that much extra to keep it.

 

[aneftp]

FYI. Anyone doing Best Buy method probably cannot get the 5.5 inch 6s plus Best Buy requires in store pickup in which they require in store activation.

Time is of the essence.

Pick any subsidize phone u want that's available to ship to HOME.

Make sure u have appropriate active SIM card before u buy the phone.

 

[determined09]

FYI. Anyone doing Best Buy method probably cannot get the 5.5 inch 6s plus Best Buy requires in store pickup in which they require in store activation.

Time is of the essence.

Pick any subsidize phone u want that's available to ship to HOME.

Make sure u have appropriate active SIM card before u buy the phone.

How do you know that you have the appropriate active SIM Card? I have iPhone 6 now

 

[Subwaymac]

How do you know that you have the appropriate active SIM Card? I have iPhone 6 now

Then you have the appropriate Sim they just take a nano Sim

 

[sundog925]

I did this a couple weeks ago.
Used best buy method.

Line 1- Unlimited data.

ordered iphone 6S thru best buy and had it SHIPPED TO HOME.
Removed SIM card BEFORE turning on phone. Cut it up.
Insert your unlimited SIM in to phone.
Power on.
Make sure to use best buy phone with unlimited SIM for at least and hour and
**MOST IMPORTANTLY**
make no plan changes i.e. minutes, messages for at least 2 months. contract extensions are fine, but everything must remain the same.

 

[determined09]

.

 

[emilioestevez]

Can you upgrade multiple unlimited data lines at once using the Best Buy method? I'd like to get locked in at the $30 rate for 2 years before the price increase kicks in.

 

[renee_yuh]

Order from Best Buy.com have it shipped to your house as soon as the phone arrives remove the Sim card and burn it. Insert your old Sim card in the new phone and you will still have your unlimited data and have bought an iPhone at the low price

Does this bypass the $40 activation/upgrade fee?

 

[aneftp]

Does this bypass the $40 activation/upgrade fee?

Yes

 

[maliu]

I don't think Verizon offers the subsidized pricing anymore. So you can pay full price up front, or use the monthly payment plan.

Edit/
OK it looks like Best Buy does still offer the subsidized pricing for a Verizon iPhone (that's strange). So if you want the subsidized pricing, and to keep your unlimited data, you need to order a new iPhone from Best Buy for line 2. That will get you the subsidized pricing, and allow you to keep unlimited data on line 1, but it will mean a new 2 year contract on line 2.

Once you get the phone then you can just swap out the SIM card from your 5S and get it up and running on line 1. Then you will probably also have to go online and re-activate the iPhone 4 on line 2.

All this said, how much data do you really use on line 1? There is a good chance you could actually save money by switching to the new plans and sharing data between the two lines.

The Verizon 4s don't have a SIM card. Yes you can upgrade on the second line. You activate it on line 2 then Verizon switches the service. Do it on the phone with a rep. I did this when I used my daughter's upgrade for my UL plan. She had a 4.

 

[ajm222]

You can always simply buy the phone using the other line's upgrade. When it arrives, just call Verizon and activate it on your line. Simple as that. You maintain your UDP. You can also still get the subsidized price.

 

[aneftp]

Either way. November 15th date is coming up quick.