Hey there! Ever found yourself staring at your current phone, wishing you could magically teleport to the latest and greatest device without waiting out your full contract? You're not alone! Many Verizon customers feel that itch for new tech, and the good news is, Verizon offers ways to upgrade early. It's not always as simple as snapping your fingers, but with the right steps, you can be holding that shiny new phone sooner than you think. Let's dive into how you can make that early upgrade a reality!
How to Upgrade Early with Verizon: Your Comprehensive Guide
Upgrading your phone before your current device payment agreement (DPA) is fully paid off can seem a bit daunting, but Verizon has specific programs and policies in place to facilitate this. Understanding these can save you time, money, and a lot of frustration.
Step 1: Are You Eligible? - The First, Crucial Check!
Before you even start dreaming about the features of your new phone, you need to confirm your eligibility. This is the most important first step, as it dictates what options are available to you.
Checking Your Eligibility: The Quick and Easy Way
My Verizon App: This is by far the simplest method.
Open the My Verizon app on your smartphone.
Log in to your account.
Navigate to the "Devices" section.
Select "Upgrade Device" to see your current status and potential upgrade date.
My Verizon Website: If you prefer a desktop or laptop, the website offers the same functionality.
Go to the official Verizon website.
Log in to your My Verizon account.
Look for a section related to "Devices" or "Upgrade".
You'll see your eligibility status, often indicating if you're eligible for an early upgrade or when your next standard upgrade date is.
Customer Service: If you encounter any issues or prefer speaking to someone, a Verizon representative can provide your eligibility details.
Key Eligibility Factors
Verizon's early upgrade eligibility primarily revolves around your Device Payment Agreement (DPA) and your account standing:
50% Paid Off: The most common pathway to an early upgrade is when you have paid at least 50% of the retail price of your current device under your device payment agreement.
Good Working Condition: Your device must be returned to Verizon in good working condition with no significant damage. This typically means:
It powers on and off.
It does not have a cracked screen.
It has no significant damage as determined by Verizon.
All password-protected security features (e.g., Find My iPhone) are turned off.
Account in Good Standing: Your Verizon account must be current and in good standing. Any past-due balances could prevent an early upgrade.
New Device Payment Agreement: You will be required to purchase a new qualifying device under a new device payment agreement.
Step 2: Understanding Your Early Upgrade Options
Once you've confirmed you're eligible, it's time to explore the specific avenues for an early upgrade. Verizon typically offers a few pathways, each with its own nuances.
Option A: The "Annual Upgrade Program" (or similar 50% payoff)
This is the most common and straightforward method for early upgrades, particularly for iPhone users, though similar principles apply to other devices.
The Core Principle: Once you've paid off at least 50% of your device's retail price, you can return your current device to Verizon (assuming it's in good condition) and upgrade to a new phone. The remaining balance on your old DPA is then waived.
Important Considerations:
No Trade-In Value (for the old device): When using this specific early upgrade option, you are not trading in your device for its market value. Instead, you are returning it to cancel the remaining balance on your DPA. This means you generally won't receive a separate trade-in credit on top of the waived balance.
New DPA Required: You will be starting a completely new device payment agreement for your new phone.
Promotional Credits May Be Lost: If you were receiving monthly promotional credits on your old device payment plan (e.g., from a previous trade-in deal), these credits will likely stop when you engage in an early upgrade. Be sure to factor this into your decision.
Activation Fee: Expect a one-time activation fee (typically $35-$50) when upgrading to a new device.
Option B: Paying Off Your Current Device Completely
While not strictly an "early upgrade" in the sense of waiving a balance, paying off your current device entirely gives you the most flexibility and often opens up the best promotional offers.
How it Works: You simply pay the remaining balance of your current device payment agreement. Once the device is fully owned by you, it becomes eligible for trade-in programs or any standard upgrade promotions.
Benefits:
Eligibility for Trade-In Deals: Once your device is paid off, you can participate in Verizon's trade-in program, which often offers significant credits towards a new device, sometimes making a new phone "free" over 36 months with eligible plans and a qualifying trade-in. These credits are usually applied as monthly bill credits.
Maximizing Value: If your phone is in excellent condition and has good market value, paying it off and then trading it in might get you more overall savings than the 50% early upgrade program, especially if there's a strong promotional offer.
Considerations: This requires an upfront payment of the remaining balance, which might not be feasible for everyone.
Option C: Looking for Loyalty Offers and Special Promotions
Sometimes, Verizon offers targeted "loyalty" or "early upgrade" promotions that might appear in your My Verizon app or website.
Check My Verizon Up: Keep an eye on the "Verizon Up" section within your My Verizon account. From time to time, Verizon may offer exclusive deals for early upgraders, which could include specific discounts or credits towards a new device.
Limited-Time Deals: Major device launches (like new iPhones or Samsung Galaxy phones) and holiday seasons are often when Verizon rolls out aggressive promotional offers. These might include enhanced trade-in values or discounts for upgrading, even if you're not at the 50% mark yet, though they might still require paying off a certain percentage or the full balance.
Step 3: Preparing Your Current Device for Upgrade
Regardless of the early upgrade path you choose, proper preparation of your current device is crucial. This ensures a smooth process and helps avoid any unexpected charges.
Back Up Your Data
Crucial Step! Before doing anything else, back up all your photos, videos, contacts, apps, and other important data. Use cloud services (iCloud, Google Drive, Google Photos, Verizon Cloud), or transfer them to a computer.
Why it's important: Once you relinquish your device, your data is gone. Don't risk losing precious memories!
Factory Reset Your Device
Erase All Personal Information: This is essential for your privacy and security. A factory reset wipes all personal data and settings from the device, returning it to its original factory state.
Turn Off Security Features: For iPhones, make sure "Find My iPhone" is turned off. For Android devices, ensure any anti-theft or activation lock features are disabled. Failure to do so can render your device unusable for Verizon and may result in penalties or rejection of your return.
Remove SIM Card and SD Card: Don't forget to remove your physical SIM card and any external SD cards if applicable. You'll need your SIM for your new phone or to activate an eSIM.
Assess Your Device's Condition
Good Working Condition is Key: As mentioned, for the 50% early upgrade program, your device must be in good working order. A cracked screen, significant dents, or liquid damage will likely disqualify it or result in additional fees.
Consider Repairs (if needed): If your device has minor damage, it might be worth getting it repaired before returning it, especially if the cost of repair is less than the penalty for a damaged return.
Step 4: Selecting Your New Device and Plan
Now for the exciting part – choosing your new tech!
Browse Available Devices
Verizon Website/App: Explore the latest smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches available on Verizon's website or through the My Verizon app. Filter by brand, features, and price.
In-Store Experience: Visit a Verizon store to get a hands-on experience with the devices. Sales representatives can also answer specific questions and guide you through the process.
Consider Your Needs: Think about what you truly need in a new device.
Do you need a better camera?
Longer battery life?
More storage?
Are you looking for specific operating system features (iOS vs. Android)?
Review Plans and Promotions
Plan Compatibility: Ensure your desired new device is compatible with your current plan, or consider upgrading your plan if a new device requires it (e.g., for full 5G Ultra Wideband access).
Current Deals: Pay close attention to any current promotions. Often, the best deals are tied to specific unlimited plans or new lines of service. While an early upgrade focuses on getting out of your old DPA, some promotions might still apply to the new DPA for your chosen phone.
Understand Total Cost: Look beyond the monthly device payment. Factor in any activation fees, potential loss of old promotional credits, and the impact of a new DPA on your overall monthly bill.
Step 5: Completing Your Early Upgrade
Once you've made your decision and prepared your old device, it's time to finalize the upgrade.
Online vs. In-Store
Online: The My Verizon app and website offer a seamless online upgrade process. You can select your new device, initiate the return of your old one, and complete the new DPA digitally. Verizon will then send you a shipping label for your old device.
In-Store: Visiting a Verizon store allows for immediate assistance and ensures your old device is assessed on the spot. This can be beneficial if you have concerns about your device's condition or want hands-on help.
Shipping Your Old Device
Follow Instructions Carefully: If upgrading online, Verizon will provide specific instructions and a pre-paid shipping label for returning your old device.
Timely Return: There's usually a 30-day window to return your eligible device after initiating the early upgrade. Failure to return it within this timeframe, or returning a device not in good condition, will result in the remaining balance of your original DPA being due on your next bill.
Documentation: It's always a good idea to keep a record of your shipping tracking number and any documentation from Verizon confirming the receipt of your returned device. Take photos or videos of your device's condition before shipping as a safeguard.
Step 6: Activating Your New Phone
Congratulations, your new device has arrived!
Simple Activation
Follow the Instructions: Your new phone will come with activation instructions. Often, it's as simple as turning it on and following the on-screen prompts.
Swap SIM (if applicable): If your new phone uses the same type of physical SIM card, you can often just transfer your old SIM. Many new phones utilize eSIMs, so activation might be fully digital.
Transfer Your Data: Now you can transfer the data you backed up in Step 3 to your new device.
Step 7: Monitoring Your Bill
After an early upgrade, it's wise to keep a close eye on your next few Verizon bills.
Confirm Old DPA Waived: Ensure that the remaining balance of your old device payment agreement has indeed been waived.
New DPA Reflects Correctly: Verify that the new device payment charges for your new phone are accurate.
Check for Any Unexpected Charges: Immediately contact Verizon customer service if you see any discrepancies or unexpected fees.
Related FAQ Questions (How to...)
Here are 10 common questions related to early upgrades with Verizon, structured as "How to" questions with quick answers:
How to check my early upgrade eligibility with Verizon?
You can easily check your early upgrade eligibility through the My Verizon app or by logging into your My Verizon account on their website. Navigate to the "Devices" or "Upgrade Device" section.
How to qualify for an early upgrade on Verizon?
Generally, you qualify for an early upgrade with Verizon by having paid at least 50% of your current device's retail price under your device payment agreement and returning your old device in good working condition. Your account must also be in good standing.
How to know if my device is in "good working condition" for a Verizon early upgrade?
"Good working condition" typically means your device powers on and off, has no cracked screen, no significant damage (as determined by Verizon), and all security features (like Find My iPhone) are turned off.
How to avoid losing promotional credits when upgrading early with Verizon?
If your current device has ongoing monthly promotional credits, an early upgrade (where you return the device and the remaining balance is waived) will likely cause those credits to stop. To potentially retain credits, you would generally need to pay off your device completely and then trade it in under a new promotional offer, though this isn't always guaranteed and depends on the specific promotion.
How to pay off my Verizon device payment agreement early?
You can pay off your device payment agreement early via the My Verizon app or website, by navigating to the "Device Payment Agreement" section and selecting "Pay off device." You can also pay it off at a Verizon store.
How to back up my old phone before a Verizon early upgrade?
You should back up your phone's data (photos, contacts, apps) to a cloud service (iCloud, Google Drive, Verizon Cloud) or a computer. This is a critical step before performing a factory reset and returning the device.
How to factory reset my phone for a Verizon early upgrade?
The process varies by phone, but generally involves going into your phone's settings, finding "System" or "General," then "Reset" or "Transfer or Reset iPhone," and selecting "Erase all content and settings" or "Factory data reset." Ensure all security locks are disabled first.
How to send my old device back to Verizon after an early upgrade?
If you completed your upgrade online, Verizon will provide a pre-paid shipping label and instructions. Package your device securely and send it back within the specified timeframe (usually 30 days) to avoid being charged the remaining balance.
How to activate my new Verizon phone after an early upgrade?
Most new Verizon phones come with simple activation instructions. Often, you just power on the device and follow the on-screen prompts. If you have a physical SIM card, you might transfer it from your old phone, or your new phone might use an eSIM.
How to get the best deals when upgrading early with Verizon?
To get the best deals, consider paying off your current device completely to become eligible for trade-in promotions, which often offer significant bill credits. Also, keep an eye on Verizon's website, the My Verizon app (especially "Verizon Up"), and holiday/new device launch periods for special offers.
