Gifting data on Verizon can be a lifesaver for friends or family members who are running low on their mobile data, especially when they need it most! Whether it's for an emergency, staying connected while traveling, or just helping someone out until their next billing cycle, Verizon offers a straightforward way to share data.
Are you ready to be a data superhero for someone in need? Let's dive into the steps to make that happen!
Understanding Verizon Data Gifting
Before we get into the "how-to," it's important to understand a few things about Verizon's data gifting:
Eligibility is Key: Not all Verizon plans are eligible for data gifting. Generally, you need to be on an eligible monthly shared data plan. Prepaid, Talk & Text, Data-Only, single-line, and business plans are typically not eligible to send or receive data gifts.
Cost: A data gift usually comes in 1 GB increments and costs $10. This amount is charged to your Verizon mobile bill.
Limitations: You can spend up to $100 on data gifts for each line on your account in a given bill cycle. There's also a limit of 11 data gifts per account in a given month.
Expiration: Unredeemed data gifts do not expire. However, once redeemed, data gifts expire at the end of the recipient's next bill cycle.
Usage Priority: Once a data gift is redeemed, it's added to the recipient's account and is used before their regular monthly data allowance. This is great for preventing overages!
No Cash Value: Data gifts have no cash value, are not returnable or refundable, and cannot be exchanged or redeemed for cash. They are also not transferable once sent.
Now that you're up to speed on the basics, let's get to the gifting!
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Gift Data on Verizon
The easiest way to gift data on Verizon is through the My Verizon app. Make sure your app is updated to the latest version for the best experience.
Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility and Open the My Verizon App
First things first, let's make sure you're ready to share that data!
Are you on an eligible plan? As mentioned above, generally, you need a shared data plan. If you're unsure, the My Verizon app will guide you.
Has your phone number been in service for at least 60 days? This is a requirement to send a data gift.
Once you've confirmed these, it's time to launch the app.
Open the My Verizon app on your smartphone. If prompted, enter your password, use your fingerprint, or Face ID to log in securely.
Step 2: Navigate to Your Data Usage
Once logged in, you'll need to find your data usage section to access the gifting option.
Look for the "Mobile" tab at the bottom of the screen and tap it.
You should see your current data usage displayed prominently. Tap on your remaining data amount or the "Usage" section. This will typically give you a more detailed breakdown.
Step 3: Find the "Get More Data" Option
From your data usage screen, you'll want to look for an option to add more data.
Within the usage details, you should see an option like "Get more data". Tap on this.
Step 4: Select "Gift data"
If your account is eligible for data gifting, you'll see this option here.
Among the choices, select "Gift data". This option allows you to send 1 GB of data to anyone on Verizon. If you don't see this option, your plan might not be eligible, or you've reached your gifting limit for the month.
Step 5: Choose the Recipient and Confirm Purchase
Now, specify who you're sending the data to.
You'll be prompted to enter the Verizon mobile number of the person you want to gift data to. Double-check the number to ensure you're sending it to the correct person!
The app will typically show you the cost (which is generally $10 for 1 GB).
Review the details, then tap "Purchase data" or a similar confirmation button.
A pop-up will appear asking you to "Confirm purchase". Tap Confirm to finalize the transaction.
Congratulations! You've just sent a data gift! You'll usually see a confirmation message like "Well done, you just added a Data Boost" or "Your data gift has been sent."
Step 6: Recipient's Action: Redeeming the Data Gift
The recipient doesn't automatically get the data; they need to redeem it!
The recipient will receive a text message from Verizon with details about the data gift and a four-digit PIN code.
To redeem the gift, the recipient must reply to that message with their PIN code.
Alternatively, the recipient can also redeem the data gift through their own My Verizon app by navigating to their usage and looking for "Gifted data."
Once redeemed, the 1 GB of gifted data will be added to their account and available for use!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common questions about gifting data on Verizon, with quick answers:
How to Check if My Verizon Plan is Eligible for Data Gifting?
You can check your eligibility directly in the My Verizon app. If you go to the "Get more data" section and see the "Gift data" option, your plan is eligible to send. Generally, shared data plans are eligible.
How to Redeem a Data Gift on Verizon?
Redeem a data gift by replying to the Verizon text message with the four-digit PIN provided, or by logging into your My Verizon app and looking for the "Gifted data" section under your usage.
How to Know When a Data Gift Expires on Verizon?
Unredeemed data gifts do not expire. Once redeemed, they expire at the end of the recipient's next bill cycle.
How to See How Much Data I Have Gifted This Month?
You can typically view your recent account activity and charges in the "Bill" or "Usage" section of the My Verizon app or website. Data gift purchases will be listed there.
How to Prevent Someone from Gifting Me Data on Verizon?
If you have "data block" features enabled on your account or are using "Usage Controls," you may be ineligible to receive data gifts. You can also contact Verizon customer support to discuss your options.
How to Gift Data to a Verizon Prepaid Customer?
Unfortunately, Verizon data gifting is generally not available for prepaid accounts. It's typically limited to eligible monthly shared data plans.
How to Gift Data to Someone Who Isn't a Verizon Customer?
You cannot directly gift data to someone who is not a Verizon mobile customer through this feature. Data gifting is exclusively for Verizon-to-Verizon mobile accounts.
How to Use Gifted Data Before My Regular Data?
Once a data gift is redeemed, Verizon automatically prioritizes its usage. The gifted data will be used before your regular monthly data allowance, which helps prevent overages on your primary plan.
How to Gift More Than 1 GB of Data at Once?
Verizon's data gifting allows for 1 GB increments. To gift more, you would need to send multiple 1 GB gifts, up to the monthly limit of 11 gifts per account.
How to Get a Refund for a Sent Data Gift?
Data gifts have no cash value, are not returnable or refundable, and may not be exchanged or redeemed for cash. Therefore, refunds are generally not possible once a data gift has been sent.
