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[Q] Best Way to Return VZW SGS3 due to locked bootloader? (And Alternatives?)

So if I want to return the Verizon SGS3, what's the best way to do this? The only reason is the locked bootloader, and I haven't received the box yet (nor obviously opened it.)
Is it best to return it as a defective device? (Without opening it, as I was relying upon the assumption that it would be unlocked like all of Samsung's previous devices, which have been all unlocked, including other carrier's SGS3s, and furthermore that it would be substantially similar to the SGS3 available to other carriers.)
Is there a good way to avoid a restocking fee?
Would it be better to ebay it and pick up a Nexus (though I hear that the camera sucks.)
Would it be better to switch to another carrier? Is there an obvious ETF loophole? Do I avoid ETF if I just return the device before activating it?
Sprint has unlimited and they have an unlocked SGS3. Does it have LTE inside? Will it work with their upcoming LTE network?
This bootloader lock is ridiculous. I want to go as close to AOSP as possible on the best possible hardware, which appears to currently be the SGS3, but I don't intend upon sticking with the carrier's software update strategy over the next 2 years of a contract.

I suppose you could refuse the package. Then it goes back to them and I don't believe they can charge you the restocking fee, as you never accepted the package to begin with.
Good luck with that 30 activation fee though.

The Nexus camera isn't that bad.
Just sell the GS3 online and you'll make a killing from someone who has no upgrade to use.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

I second the package refusal. They can't charge you if you never received it. How much is the restocking fee anyway?
Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk 2

Has yours even shipped? If not go to the pre order page hit check status and type your information in then hit cancel and enter the last 4 of your SSN.

No need to return.................
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1756885

I called their Online Sales.. 1-866-338-7390
My order has completed, but hasn't shipped yet, so they will create a ticket to *see* if the warehouse can cancel before it ships, then will send an email to you...
So you can try .. I'd do it ASAP if your looking to do this .. they just opened for the day..

bbeelzebub said:
I suppose you could refuse the package. Then it goes back to them and I don't believe they can charge you the restocking fee, as you never accepted the package to begin with.
Good luck with that 30 activation fee though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will be returning it in 14 days if Verizon doesn't officially unlock. It is a defective unit in my opinion so I will NOT be paying restocking fee. I am considering switching to Sprint...so much cheaper and will meet my needs just as well...

macdroid01 said:
I will be returning it in 14 days if Verizon doesn't officially unlock. It is a defective unit in my opinion so I will NOT be paying restocking fee. I am considering switching to Sprint...so much cheaper and will meet my needs just as well...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here, i'm waiting to see what happens, if it is in fact encrypted i'm returning (it would be a long while b4 anything happens w/ an unlock, if it happens at all) if its not encrypted and just locked i'll wait until one of the marvelous devs of the XDA community crack it, hell they already got root.
But if its encrypted i will politely and firmly tell VZW to shove it and refund me or give me a nexus, no way in hell i'm paying restocking fees

Since it appears that we can write to the internal flash, AND boot from an unsigned recovery partition, (and also write a modified system.img!?) I think we're going to be ok here. Booting from an unsigned recovery means that we can basically do anything. It's still a pain, but much less of a PITA than if booting from unsigned partitions at all was restricted. (So it appears this is somewhere between a HTC-esque S-ON and S-OFF.)
Mine has already shipped.

macdroid01 said:
I will be returning it in 14 days if Verizon doesn't officially unlock. It is a defective unit in my opinion so I will NOT be paying restocking fee. I am considering switching to Sprint...so much cheaper and will meet my needs just as well...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does the unit work as intended in Verizon's eyes? Are you trying to do something you shouldnt but a designed protocol is preventing you from doing it? If the answer is yes to either question, then its not defective.

I took a long shot and took my never turned on S3 to the Verizon store to see about swapping for a Nexus. Since I bought online they could do nothing in store. The only two options are returning using the pre-paid shipping label included with the phone or selling. A return is guaranteed to incur the $35 fee. From what I've read the bootloader is probably encrypted and therefore will never be broken by the devs. The current level of enthusiasm reminds me of 2 years ago when I bought my DroidX, and we all know how that turned out. Sure they finally figured out 2ndinit and enabled some non stock kernels, but it was really like running a VM on an underpowered PC and basically sucked.We enthusiasts need to come to terms with the fact that verizon doesn't want or need us. They currently are and will continue to do quite well financially without us. I plan on seeing how this playsout over the next several days and then I'll probably return mine and buy a used Nexus. The next step, and I'll guarantee you it's coming, will be for them to not allow you to change devices if you're on unlimited data, unless you purchase at full price directly. Get ready to decide whether you want a superior network and be treated like an iSheep, or to be an android enthusiast.

My plan is buy the phone on the 10th, if this isn't fixed by the return window I'll return it as defective and be asking for my money back for the SD card I purchased, along with anything else I buy for it, since I won't need them with the Galaxy Nexus.
Sent from my DROIDX

burpootus said:
I took a long shot and took my never turned on S3 to the Verizon store to see about swapping for a Nexus. Since I bought online they could do nothing in store. The only two options are returning using the pre-paid shipping label included with the phone or selling. A return is guaranteed to incur the $35 fee. From what I've read the bootloader is probably encrypted and therefore will never be broken by the devs. The current level of enthusiasm reminds me of 2 years ago when I bought my DroidX, and we all know how that turned out. Sure they finally figured out 2ndinit and enabled some non stock kernels, but it was really like running a VM on an underpowered PC and basically sucked.We enthusiasts need to come to terms with the fact that verizon doesn't want or need us. They currently are and will continue to do quite well financially without us. I plan on seeing how this playsout over the next several days and then I'll probably return mine and buy a used Nexus. The next step, and I'll guarantee you it's coming, will be for them to not allow you to change devices if you're on unlimited data, unless you purchase at full price directly. Get ready to decide whether you want a superior network and be treated like an iSheep, or to be an android enthusiast.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hope I will be able to swap mines out for a nexus. I pre ordered mine in store. What really grabbed me about the s3 was being able to watch videos while texting. I have a really long story about how my pre order went down as well, but I won't get into that.
I don't even have my phone yet, and I feel extremely disappointed.
Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk 2

What if my phone is accidentally dropped before the 14 days are up? Can I still return it and get charged only the restocking fee? Maybe the fed-ex wasn't careful with the phone?

burpootus said:
I took a long shot and took my never turned on S3 to the Verizon store to see about swapping for a Nexus. Since I bought online they could do nothing in store. The only two options are returning using the pre-paid shipping label included with the phone or selling. A return is guaranteed to incur the $35 fee. From what I've read the bootloader is probably encrypted and therefore will never be broken by the devs. The current level of enthusiasm reminds me of 2 years ago when I bought my DroidX, and we all know how that turned out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is exactly what has me worried. I have a DX that I am greatly anticipating getting rid of (even though Jonman's CM9 port is rockin') and I pre-ordered the SGS3 largely BECAUSE it had an unlocked bootloader.
Sure they finally figured out 2ndinit and enabled some non stock kernels, but it was really like running a VM on an underpowered PC and basically sucked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
2nd-init doesn't allow you to run a custom kernel. There are other methods that will allow you to boot a custom kernel, but they lack basic functionality, like CDMA radios, partly because much of that is built into the kernel. 2nd-init does allow you to run a custom OS on top of the stock kernel. This is where a lot of the difficulties come in. Right now, for example, I am running a GB kernel with an ICS rom (CM9). Getting drivers that talk to the GB kernel and the ICS API is tricky, to say the least. Again, Jonman's CM9 is BOSS and continually getting better, but it is noticeably crippled because of the locked/encrypted bootloader.
We enthusiasts need to come to terms with the fact that verizon doesn't want or need us. They currently are and will continue to do quite well financially without us.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately, I agree with you. IHMO, they should be sued for anti-trust violations. They have the best product, in terms of their network, and they are using that as leverage against their customers and preventing an open market. Pretty much all the major carriers do this to some degree, but Verizon is the worst offender.
I plan on seeing how this playsout over the next several days and then I'll probably return mine and buy a used Nexus. The next step, and I'll guarantee you it's coming, will be for them to not allow you to change devices if you're on unlimited data, unless you purchase at full price directly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As of 28 June, 2012 (about a week or so ago), this is already true. That's why I pre-ordered the SGS3 when I did. I was eligible for a contract renewal (and therefore a subsidized phone) on July 20th, and I pre-ordered on the 21st. You can continue on the same contract indefinitely, but if you want a subsidized phone, you have to switch to their "shared everything" plan.
Get ready to decide whether you want a superior network and be treated like an iSheep, or to be an android enthusiast.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Part of my point on the anti-trust violation, especially when you consider the practice of subsidized phones and the issue mentioned directly above.

ez unlock
satadru said:
Sboatloader with an app calledc want to return the Verizon SGS3, what's the best way to do this? The only reason is the locked bootloader, and I haven't received the box yet (nor obviously opened it.)
Is it best to return it as a defective device? (Without opening it, as I was relying upon the assumption that it would be unlocked like all of Samsung's previous devices, which have been all unlocked, including other carrier's SGS3s, and furthermore that it would be substantially similar to the SGS3 available to other carriers.)
Is there a good way to avoid a restocking fee?
Would it be better to ebay it and pick up a Nexus (though I hear that the camera sucks.)
Would it be better to switch to another carrier? Is there an obvious ETF loophole? Do I avoid ETF if I just return the device before activating it?
Sprint has unlimited and they have an unlocked SGS3. Does it have LTE inside? Will it work with their upcoming LTE network?
This bootloader lock is ridiculous. I want to go as close to AOSP as possible on the best possible hardware, which appears to currently be the SGS3, but I don't intend upon sticking with the carrier's software update strategy over the next 2 years of a contract.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can now unlock your boatloader with an app called ez unlock!

Rbh0909 said:
You can now unlock your boatloader with an app called ez unlock!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
why did you necro this thread? im sure after 2mo that person figured out what ez unlock is lmao

[Q]Best Way to Upgrade to GS3 While Keeping Unlimited?

I thought of a few ways to upgrade while keeping unlimited data.
There was..
Add a new line, with the GS3, give that phone to the unlimited data, and then put a basic phone on that line so it doesn't require the data fees...
There's buy a used cracked screen on eBay, replace the cracked screen with a replacement on eBay..
Any ideas anyone?

I would suggest against buying any used phone, especially for verizon phones, only because of the risk that if the person selling it has any remaining balance on that account that the phone was tied to, it would be useless for you and by law Verizon will be unable to add it to your phone line. If you can confirm that it in fact has no left over balance, then this is probably the best way to go.
Better off going with the plan of adding a line with a basic phone and switching the two numbers, but that will cost you another 40$ every bill and verizon will probably still make you pay an arm and a leg for the SGS III essentially at full retail price if you really want to keep that unlimited data plan. So you might as well just pay full price for the phone and then just switch your number to it in order to keep the unlimited data plan.
Hope this helps.

Martakia said:
Better off going with the plan of adding a line with a basic phone and switching the two numbers, but that will cost you another 40$ every bill and verizon will probably still make you pay an arm and a leg for the SGS III essentially at full retail price if you really want to keep that unlimited data plan. So you might as well just pay full price for the phone and then just switch your number to it in order to keep the unlimited data plan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I get the GS3 on the extra line and I switch a basic phone onto it, wouldn't it be just 10 dollars a month?

That's basically what I did to keep my unlimited data. Added a line for the GS3, switched it to my line with unlimited data and activated a basic phone I had lying around onto the new line.

weblexa said:
That's basically what I did to keep my unlimited data. Added a line for the GS3, switched it to my line with unlimited data and activated a basic phone I had lying around onto the new line.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How much a month is it for that line? 10 dollars?

Well I have 2 lines that had an upgrade on the same day. Mine had unlimited data, and the other one was my moms who had no data at all. So what we did was use my upgrade to upgrade her line to a sgs3 with 2gb of data a month , then put that phone on my line and put the basic phone back on her line. Then she upgraded with her updrage to a sgs3 for herself
Sent from my Verizon Galaxy S3

weblexa said:
That's basically what I did to keep my unlimited data. Added a line for the GS3, switched it to my line with unlimited data and activated a basic phone I had lying around onto the new line.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is what I did as well. Added $10/month to my bill.

Martakia said:
I would suggest against buying any used phone, especially for verizon phones, only because of the risk that if the person selling it has any remaining balance on that account that the phone was tied to, it would be useless for you and by law Verizon will be unable to add it to your phone line. If you can confirm that it in fact has no left over balance, then this is probably the best way to go.
Better off going with the plan of adding a line with a basic phone and switching the two numbers, but that will cost you another 40$ every bill and verizon will probably still make you pay an arm and a leg for the SGS III essentially at full retail price if you really want to keep that unlimited data plan. So you might as well just pay full price for the phone and then just switch your number to it in order to keep the unlimited data plan.
Hope this helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a question about this. Does the new use of a SIM card change what you're saying about left over fees owed to Verizon? If a person were to buy a phone from Ebay and put their own SIM in would that be Ok even if the original owner owed money on their SIM?

All I did was order online. I originally went into the store to upgrade, but they told me I had to get a new data plan. I went home and ordered the GS3 online that night and it let me keep my unlimited plan. They probably fixed that glitch by now though.

pcdisme said:
I have a question about this. Does the new use of a SIM card change what you're saying about left over fees owed to Verizon? If a person were to buy a phone from Ebay and put their own SIM in would that be Ok even if the original owner owed money on their SIM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With the new SIM card system that Verizon has started to use, I am not quite sure about that, but when reading past experiences, and one that my cousin had to go through, they all bought used phones from online sites like ebay and amazon, but ended up being unable to apply them to their own plans because of a check that was done on the phone's background. (I know there is a way to do this yourself, but you pretty much have to have the phone in your possession in order to do so.)
When my family had to add a new line to our family plan for my little brother, a basic phone, verizon wanted to charge us $40, and instead we got him a smartphone which was only $30. Verizon is really pushing smartphones, primarily android devices and especially the SGS3. Essentially what they tried to sell us, but we told them no lol.

Martakia said:
With the new SIM card system that Verizon has started to use, I am not quite sure about that, but when reading past experiences, and one that my cousin had to go through, they all bought used phones from online sites like ebay and amazon, but ended up being unable to apply them to their own plans because of a check that was done on the phone's background. (I know there is a way to do this yourself, but you pretty much have to have the phone in your possession in order to do so.)
When my family had to add a new line to our family plan for my little brother, a basic phone, verizon wanted to charge us $40, and instead we got him a smartphone which was only $30. Verizon is really pushing smartphones, primarily android devices and especially the SGS3. Essentially what they tried to sell us, but we told them no lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got my SGS3 from someone that had left over fees and it didn't effect me at all. I think the SIM card system has made this a thing of the past.

MrSmith317 said:
I got my SGS3 from someone that had left over fees and it didn't effect me at all. I think the SIM card system has made this a thing of the past.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome , then i guess the op is good to go and buy the one off ebay and replace the screen.

Thanks for all the input guys! Much appreciated.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app

Dude, all u have to do is calling Verizon & give them the imei or serial, they will tell u if the fone legit. Bought mine used but looks like new.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app

quattr0 said:
Dude, all u have to do is calling Verizon & give them the imei or serial, they will tell u if the fone legit. Bought mine used but looks like new.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yep or you can use one of the following online service to check the IMEI/MEID, Verizon's is the more accurate one, if it says call customer service then the IMEI is bad:
http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/estore/certifieddevice/cd
http://www.checkesnfree.com/

I upgraded a flip phone line on my plan to the SG3 and gave it 2gb data temporarily. I then had them switch the SG3 to my number, re-enable the flip phone on the upgraded line, and then cancel the 2gb data plan, reverting it back to $10 nondata plan. Verizon will not charge for a data plan that is changed within 24 hours. Worked for me anyhow, but did have to pay the $30 upgrade fee.

Martakia said:
With the new SIM card system that Verizon has started to use, I am not quite sure about that, but when reading past experiences, and one that my cousin had to go through, they all bought used phones from online sites like ebay and amazon, but ended up being unable to apply them to their own plans because of a check that was done on the phone's background. (I know there is a way to do this yourself, but you pretty much have to have the phone in your possession in order to do so.)
When my family had to add a new line to our family plan for my little brother, a basic phone, verizon wanted to charge us $40, and instead we got him a smartphone which was only $30. Verizon is really pushing smartphones, primarily android devices and especially the SGS3. Essentially what they tried to sell us, but we told them no lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah.....
I don't think so.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

PSA: Unlocking your phone is illegal starting today

This just popped up in my news feed. androidcommunity.com/psa-unlocking-your-phone-is-illegal-starting-today-20130126/ WTF?!? What gives them the right to say what I can, or can not do with my own property? They get money for the purchase, regardless of which carrier I wish to use. I know this won't affect much, but just the notion alone grinds my gears. Please weigh in your opinion, I'd like to see what others think/feel about this.

This is not a surprise. Itbis not locking down the OS just the SIM lock and nice you pay off the contract you will be able to unlock it. Or if you pay full retail price for it. Either way they have the right until you pay for it in full. Most Americans think they own the device when they get a new contract but this is not true. They don't own it till the contract is up.
Sent from Batcom-SIII

zelendel said:
This is not a surprise. Itbis not locking down the OS just the SIM lock and nice you pay off the contract you will be able to unlock it. Or if you pay full retail price for it. Either way they have the right until you pay for it in full. Most Americans think they own the device when they get a new contract but this is not true. They don't own it till the contract is up.
Sent from Batcom-SIII
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This I do understand, but whenever I upgrade through T-Mobile, I never actually use the phone I upgrade to. IE: I upgraded to a HTC Marvel I never took out of the box and currently use a SGS2 T989 which I rooted and unlocked. I only unlocked it for resale value. Anyone who thinks they 'bought' a phone for $1 with a two year service agreement is a fool, yet just the prospect of criminal charges for someone who bought an unlocked phone from Ebay worth $400+ for only $150 aggravates me to no end...

Just another reason I should consider going contract free. Unless you are grandfathered into some unlimited plan, you can get Straight Talk (GSM on At&t/T-Mobile) with unlimited text calls and ~2GB data for $45 a month. I am currently with Verizon but am growing tired of how carriers think they own your device and lock it down. Hopefully the Nexus 4 will set a trend of making more phones available without a contract at an affordable price.

Another Unlimited Data Question

Broke my S3, and would like to upgrade to the Moto X. Unfortunately, I have the unlimited data upgrade. Our family plan has 5 lines. 1 unlimited smart, 1 tiered smart, and 3 dumb phones. I've searched and heard NUMEROUS stories on how to keep unlimited data, and read comments from people about how none of those work. I figured the XDA folks may be a bit more knowledgeable than some other forums, so I'm trying my hand here. I've heard a few different ways to do it:
1. Transfer my upgrade through myverizon to a dumb line and then upgrade. (Verizon alone has given me about 4 different answers on if this would void my UDP)
2. Find a retailer that would work things around and keep my UDP. (Found a guy, verizonchris, on a different site that said he could do this for me most likely, but he needs my billing password. Naturally, Im reluctant to give it out)
3. Transfer upgrade on myverizon, go to a store and get a upgrade voucher for motomaker, then upgrade through motomaker and it will keep my UDP.
I've heard of some others, as I'm sure you guys have, and am really just looking for some sort of verification for this from some smart peeps!
(Sidenote, I'm also going to claim the S3 on Asurion. Does anyone know what Asurion is giving people for broken vzw S3's? Heard a few different things, maybe an upgrade through that would be possible?)
Thanks!

blueice5249 said:
Broke my S3, and would like to upgrade to the Moto X. Unfortunately, I have the unlimited data upgrade. Our family plan has 5 lines. 1 unlimited smart, 1 tiered smart, and 3 dumb phones. I've searched and heard NUMEROUS stories on how to keep unlimited data, and read comments from people about how none of those work. I figured the XDA folks may be a bit more knowledgeable than some other forums, so I'm trying my hand here. I've heard a few different ways to do it:
1. Transfer my upgrade through myverizon to a dumb line and then upgrade. (Verizon alone has given me about 4 different answers on if this would void my UDP)
2. Find a retailer that would work things around and keep my UDP. (Found a guy, verizonchris, on a different site that said he could do this for me most likely, but he needs my billing password. Naturally, Im reluctant to give it out)
3. Transfer upgrade on myverizon, go to a store and get a upgrade voucher for motomaker, then upgrade through motomaker and it will keep my UDP.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
4. Buy the Moto X outright and pop your SIM in.

Jacquestrapp said:
4. Buy the Moto X outright and pop your SIM in.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, trying to avoid that.

Sounds like you may be overthinking this, or something has changed that I'm not aware of.
You can't do anything with the upgrade available on your unlimited line. If you do, this will most likely reset your line to tiered data.
The upgrade would need to be on the dumb phone line.
You would upgrade that dumb phone's line to the phone you want.
When the phone comes, call up Verizon and activate the new phone on your line.
Double check with Verizon that the data plan will not activate on the dumb phone's line.
Enjoy your new phone with unlimited data! Too bad the person who uses that dumb phone won't have an upgrade for another couple years.

If other lines on the account have upgrades available all you will need to do is update using one of the other updates. The line yoy used for the upgrade will now have a 2gb plan but you don't activate with that line. Just put your SIM in and you will still have your UNLIMITED DATA. Hope this helped.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app

MetalMan2 said:
You can't do anything with the upgrade available on your unlimited line. If you do, this will most likely reset your line to tiered data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The 'new every two' was discontinued 2 years ago. The reason you get a new subsidized phone price is because you're re-entering into a contract with verizon... so it's like it's a new contract/line. You don't have credits and there's nothing to transfer, but if your contract is up, you can get the 'new' price. Unless you have unlimited data... you do that and they'll move you to a 'share everything' plan.
I've been told Costco will generally eat the cost of the phone, just to sell you one at the 'new' price and get the credit for your business. You keep the unlimited data and Verizon thinks you paid full retail. I can't confirm that plan will work for you, but many here have said that's worked for them.
Personally, I'm in the EDGE program. Pay $16-30/month more for a new device, keep my unlimited data and every 12 months, get to pick a new device. Yes, you're paying $200-360 for the phone, but A- that's not much more than the 'new' price', B- you get to keep unlimited data, C- you get a new phone every 1 year, rather than 2 years with re-entering a contract and D- you were probably going to pay that much for a phone off eBay anyway if you have unlimited data. Dunno if that makes sense for someone with so many lines, but if you keep it to 1-2 lines and really need that data (like I do), then it makes perfect fiscal sense.

beepea206 said:
The 'new every two' was discontinued 2 years ago. The reason you get a new subsidized phone price is because you're re-entering into a contract with verizon... so it's like it's a new contract/line. You don't have credits and there's nothing to transfer, but if your contract is up, you can get the 'new' price. Unless you have unlimited data... you do that and they'll move you to a 'share everything' plan.
I've been told Costco will generally eat the cost of the phone, just to sell you one at the 'new' price and get the credit for your business. You keep the unlimited data and Verizon thinks you paid full retail. I can't confirm that plan will work for you, but many here have said that's worked for them.
Personally, I'm in the EDGE program. Pay $16-30/month more for a new device, keep my unlimited data and every 12 months, get to pick a new device. Yes, you're paying $200-360 for the phone, but A- that's not much more than the 'new' price', B- you get to keep unlimited data, C- you get a new phone every 1 year, rather than 2 years with re-entering a contract and D- you were probably going to pay that much for a phone off eBay anyway if you have unlimited data. Dunno if that makes sense for someone with so many lines, but if you keep it to 1-2 lines and really need that data (like I do), then it makes perfect fiscal sense.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I may look into that if I run out of options.
Has anyone ever heard of this working? Seems like a HUGE loophole if it really works.
http://forums.androidcentral.com/ve...nlimited-data-get-phone-subsidized-price.html

blueice5249 said:
Has anyone ever heard of this working? Seems like a HUGE loophole if it really works.
http://forums.androidcentral.com/ve...nlimited-data-get-phone-subsidized-price.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's a huge flaw in Best Buy's system if it works. Because the purchase of the new phone requires a re-entry into contract and VZ specifically has blocks on subsidized phone prices on grandfathered data plans. Not even GMs in Verizon stores can override it... I've tried.
So basically, you're placing a 3rd party order and because Best Buy can't send you a live sim card (only VZ can), you swap it for your current one and VZ is never the wiser. Clever, but tread lightly and quickly.. I can't imagine this flaw will remain open for long.

blueice5249 said:
Broke my S3, and would like to upgrade to the Moto X. Unfortunately, I have the unlimited data upgrade. Our family plan has 5 lines. 1 unlimited smart, 1 tiered smart, and 3 dumb phones. I've searched and heard NUMEROUS stories on how to keep unlimited data, and read comments from people about how none of those work. I figured the XDA folks may be a bit more knowledgeable than some other forums, so I'm trying my hand here. I've heard a few different ways to do it:
1. Transfer my upgrade through myverizon to a dumb line and then upgrade. (Verizon alone has given me about 4 different answers on if this would void my UDP)
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have done this many times. If the upgrade is on your unlimited data plane line, log into VZ website and transfer it to the tiered smart line. When you phone arrived, call VZ and activate on your unlimited data line.

buhohitr said:
I have done this many times. If the upgrade is on your unlimited data plane line, log into VZ website and transfer it to the tiered smart line. When you phone arrived, call VZ and activate on your unlimited data line.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ive done this twice as well. I went to the store and did this. They understood what I was doing too. They didn't care. They thought it was smart. Just transfer the upgrade to a dumbline and then upgrade. Then have them activate it under ur unlimited line.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

buhohitr said:
I have done this many times. If the upgrade is on your unlimited data plane line, log into VZ website and transfer it to the tiered smart line. When you phone arrived, call VZ and activate on your unlimited data line.
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Just a quick update for everyone:
I couldn't update because of my talk plan. Since I claimed my broken screen through Asurion, I talked them into making a "one-time" exception and sending me a brand new S4 instead of another S3.
I'm selling the S4 and buying a Moto X. They told me they're in and out of them. I convinced them to send me a new S4 (as a "one time" exception because of my great history).
Im going to sell the S4 and buy a Moto X.
I already convinced Motorola to send me a free case and $50 off coupon. Awesome deal! :victory::victory:
Suck it Verizon!
UNLIMITED FOREVER!! :laugh::highfive:

blueice5249 said:
Just a quick update for everyone:
I couldn't update because of my talk plan. Since I claimed my broken screen through Asurion, I talked them into making a "one-time" exception and sending me a brand new S4 instead of another S3.
I'm selling the S4 and buying a Moto X. They told me they're in and out of them. I convinced them to send me a new S4 (as a "one time" exception because of my great history).
Im going to sell the S4 and buy a Moto X.
I already convinced Motorola to send me a free case and $50 off coupon. Awesome deal! :victory::victory:
Suck it Verizon!
UNLIMITED FOREVER!! :laugh::highfive:
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Click to collapse
Nice move! I'm jealous!
:good:

buhohitr said:
Nice move! I'm jealous!
:good:
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Now you'll be really jealous. Since they have that $100 off sale Monday, I conned free Royal Blue earbuds and the anti-glare film out of them! I'm still gonna call back Monday to see what they're doing for the people who just ordered them too lol

How to keep unlimited data.

This worked for me. I upgraded to the HTC m8 on black Friday weekend 2014 through best buy. I hope it helps you. I used method #6
www.droid-life.com/2014/09/25/upgrade-verizon-keep-unlimited-data/

Darn! I used Method One and paid $500. Using Method Six would have required me to cut down my S3 MicroSIM to a NanoSIM. I thought I might have to that anyway so I bought a SIM cutter. Method Six would have saved me $500 but if caught I imagine I would definitely have lost my unlimited data.
I am starting to understand why the Japanese are going back to Flip Phones.

I've used method 6 in the past with no issues. I purchased through BB.
Sent from my HTC One M8

schneid said:
Darn! I used Method One and paid $500. Using Method Six would have required me to cut down my S3 MicroSIM to a NanoSIM. I thought I might have to that anyway so I bought a SIM cutter. Method Six would have saved me $500 but if caught I imagine I would definitely have lost my unlimited data.
I am starting to understand why the Japanese are going back to Flip Phones.
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You live in Japan?

chowner said:
You live in Japan?
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No but I get it.

I believe Verizon has now made a policy change so that you can no longer use options 2-5 don't quote me on that but I have seen that on another forum, option 6 is risky as hell wouldn't even go there but then again I'm just paranoid. When I upgrade to the M9 (hopefully there is a plus) I'll be buying full price.

The Stig 04 said:
I believe Verizon has now made a policy change so that you can no longer use options 2-5 don't quote me on that but I have seen that on another forum, option 6 is risky as hell wouldn't even go there but then again I'm just paranoid. When I upgrade to the M9 (hopefully there is a plus) I'll be buying full price.
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And then can you S-Off it?

schneid said:
And then can you S-Off it?
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If something like the sunshine method is available yes. Verizon likes to play the difficult one and not allow their phones be unlocked via htcdev.

The Stig 04 said:
I believe Verizon has now made a policy change so that you can no longer use options 2-5 don't quote me on that but I have seen that on another forum, option 6 is risky as hell wouldn't even go there but then again I'm just paranoid. When I upgrade to the M9 (hopefully there is a plus) I'll be buying full price.
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Just used option 5 a couple months ago. Caveat: if you purchase a smart phone with the extra line, you have to keep a smartphone data plan on that line for 2 years or pay ETF. If you aren't going to be using that extra line, it's cheaper to just buy a new phone for full retail.

I bought my last two phones off of Swappa. Still rolling strong with Unlimited Data here.

Has anyone tried (lately) getting a device via BestBuy dot com, and doing the "keep current plan" option, to upgrade a device without losing Unlimited Data? I'm trying to help a friend update his device (to a Galaxy S5, currently available for $1), and I'm not seeing any place to keep current plan. I suspect they (at Verizon's behest) fixed the loophole, but I'm looking for confirmation.

Freedom First said:
Has anyone tried (lately) getting a device via BestBuy dot com, and doing the "keep current plan" option, to upgrade a device without losing Unlimited Data? I'm trying to help a friend update his device (to a Galaxy S5, currently available for $1), and I'm not seeing any place to keep current plan. I suspect they (at Verizon's behest) fixed the loophole, but I'm looking for confirmation.
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You might see what happens for a few different devices. I bought my m8 that way and a few months later I bought my wife's 2013 Moto X and saw that the galaxy s4 mini (I think) didn't give the keep-your-existing-plan option while the Moto X and m8 still did.

I just got one from best buy and one from Amazon. I swapped the sim cards between the devices, activated online and still have unlimited on both lines so far.
Sent from my HTC6535LVW using XDA Free mobile app

I have no idea how they're still allowing this to happen, yet are closing other loopholes like having extra lines for dummy phones. It seems like it shouldn't even be a thing. Can't Verizon just get the info from best buy when someone buys a phone at subsidized rate and then make the change on their end? Likewise, when a phone gets returned Verizon would restore the previous plan.
It must not be that simple, because if so it would have been long resolved by now. I'm definitely not complaining as I still have unlimited and hope this loophole is still around next year but I guess I'm worried it won't be. It seems too obvious for them to fix.

Echo5Kilo said:
I bought my last two phones off of Swappa. Still rolling strong with Unlimited Data here.
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Ditto to Swappa, 2nd phone from there now and both good so far. New phone requires a NanoSim, old phone has MicroSim. The new phone came rooted with custom rom, and I didn't want to take it in to show the Verizon tech, so I got on Verizon Live Chat, they are mailing me a NanoSim. Also ordered a Nano to MicroSim adapter off Amazon so I can switch between phones if I want.
And yes I know I could have cut my MicroSim down, but figured I'd be safe and wait 2 days for a new sim.