Latest news with #phoneplan
Android Authority
9 hours ago
- Business
- Android Authority
Ready to leave Spectrum? This loophole can help, even if you have a device payment plan
Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority TL;DR If you're ready to leave Spectrum Mobile but already have a payment plan for a new device there's a way to get out of the deal early. Spectrum's Anytime Upgrade feature lets you swap out your phone — even if you're on a payment plan and even if you have only had the new device for a few months or less. Some users are taking advantage of a loophole to trade in expensive phones for a cheap model and pay it off upfront, but this workaround may not last long. Last year, Spectrum Mobile tried to attract more subscribers with a special promotion that offered a full year of free service for customers who also used Spectrum for home internet. This promotion is still available and can be a great way to try the service, though Spectrum Mobile certainly isn't for everyone. If you're not impressed with Spectrum's phone service, you don't necessarily have to stick around for the whole year if you brought your own device. But what if you bought a phone on a payment plan and still have many payments left? Surprisingly, there's a way out without having to pay off the entire phone: Enter Spectrum's Anytime Upgrade feature. For those unfamiliar, all Unlimited Plus plans include Anytime Upgrade. This feature lets you try out a phone and then return it for another if it's not the right fit. Most of the time this feature is used to actually lock you in longer, but it doesn't have to be that way. Unlike similar programs from other carriers, you don't need to pay off a set percentage of the phone's value first, and there aren't strict upgrade requirements. As noted over the weekend by Redditor bonchooski, the end result is that there's a bit of a loophole here that could help you leave Spectrum behind. Let's say you were previously packing a Galaxy S25 and still have nearly two years of payments ahead of you. With the Anytime Upgrade, you could simply turn it in and swap it for another. Obviously, the longer you keep the device, the less of a good idea this is but if you are only a few months into a payment plan and are ready to leave Spectrum, you could simply turn in your device for for Spectrum's cheapest device, the $79.99 TCL Flip 3 and pay it off upfront. In most cases this will be much cheaper than paying off your existing plan, though you'll have to get a new smartphone at your new phone carrier of choice. Several other Redditors confirmed this strategy works, but cautioned that the more people use the loophole, the more likely Spectrum is to close it. So if you're thinking about leaving Spectrum and don't want to pay off your current device, you might want to act quickly. Got a tip? Talk to us! Email our staff at Email our staff at news@ . You can stay anonymous or get credit for the info, it's your choice.
Phone Arena
06-05-2025
- Business
- Phone Arena
Are you voiding your carrier trade-in deal? This Verizon rep shares some tips to avoid that
Verizon Plan changes and promotions The main warning from the Verizon employee covered two important topics: changing your phone plan after an upgrade and the details of trading in your old phone. If you get a big discount on a new phone, like $830 or $1,000 off, because you agreed to a certain plan, don't quickly switch to a cheaper plan to save money. The Verizon employee said doing this could make you lose your discount. They suggested other ways to save money, such as removing extra services or using an approved automatic payment method. The main warning from theemployee covered two important topics: changing your phone plan after an upgrade and the details of trading in your old phone. If you get a big discount on a new phone, like $830 or $1,000 off, because you agreed to a certain plan, don't quickly switch to a cheaper plan to save money. Theemployee said doing this could make you lose your discount. They suggested other ways to save money, such as removing extra services or using an approved automatic payment method. Don't try to cheat the system when upgrading. It will backfire. byu/Visual_Watch_586 inverizon The second important warning was related to trading in your old device. It's not just about giving back a phone of the same type, as Verizon 's system has very specific rules: First, the IMEI number (a unique code for each phone) of the device you trade in must be the same as the IMEI of the phone that was listed for the trade-in. Even if you try to trade in a newer or better phone, if the IMEI numbers don't match, you won't get the credit. Second, you have a 45-day limit to send in your old phone after you start an upgrade. Waiting two or three months is too long. Receive the latest Verizon news By subscribing you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy How carrier deals generally work This advice from a Verizon insider doesn't just apply to Verizon customers. Most phone companies, like First, the IMEI number (a unique code for each phone) of the device you trade in must be the same as the IMEI of the phone that was listed for the trade-in. Even if you try to trade in a newer or better phone, if the IMEI numbers don't match, you won't get the credit. Second, you have a 45-day limit to send in your old phone after you start an upgrade. Waiting two or three months is too you must erase all data from the phone before you take it to the store. The system will not take iPhones that still have iCloud activation locks on them. This will just cause more delays at the advice from ainsider doesn't just apply tocustomers. Most phone companies, like AT&T and T-Mobile , offer their best phone deals based on long-term agreements. These often come as bill credits paid out over 24 or 36 months. T-Mobile 's phone deals often say that if you cancel your service, the credits might stop, and you might have to pay the rest of the phone's cost. AT&T 's trade-in deals also usually need an eligible unlimited plan, and switching to a plan that doesn't qualify can make you lose your promotional credits. It's a good idea to always read all the terms and conditions carefully before you sign up for any phone upgrade or special offer. Getting a "free" or much cheaper new phone is tempting, but knowing what you're agreeing to can help you avoid surprise costs and problems later. This reminds us that when a deal looks very good, there are usually specific rules you need to understand and follow. These deals are set up to keep customers on more expensive plans. If you make changes that break the agreement, like moving to a cheaper plan too early or paying off your phone ahead of schedule, you can often lose any remaining credits. For example,'s phone deals often say that if you cancel your service, the credits might stop, and you might have to pay the rest of the phone's cost.'s trade-in deals also usually need an eligible unlimited plan, and switching to a plan that doesn't qualify can make you lose your promotional a good idea to always read all the terms and conditions carefully before you sign up for any phone upgrade or special offer. Getting a "free" or much cheaper new phone is tempting, but knowing what you're agreeing to can help you avoid surprise costs and problems later. This reminds us that when a deal looks very good, there are usually specific rules you need to understand and follow. employee recently posted a warning on Reddit for customers . The post advised people not to try and find ways around the rules when upgrading their phones, because it could cause problems and they might lose discounts on their new devices. This highlights how carrier deals work and why it's important to know the details.
