ATT iphone 5s switch to Verizon Family Plan?

Question

ATT iphone 5s switch to Verizon Family Plan?

I would like to know exactly how I can do the following; I know it is possible and I have done research, does anyone know how to do the following step-by-step:

I have an ATT iPhone 5s which I purchased two years ago at Best Buy as a subsidized phone (not the ATT NEXT Plan, so I actually own this phone) on my original ATT iphone unlimited data plan. I am now going to purchase the new ATT iphone 6s and I want to give my old ATT iphone 5s to my friend who has an old school Verizon flip phone attached to a Verizon Family Plan that already has other iphones on it. What exactly do I do? I realize I think we have to change to a Verizon SIM, but can someone give me the step-by-step simplest way of getting this accomplished. I was hoping to do everything at the Apple Store if possible.

iPhone 5s, iOS 9.2

Posted on Jan 2, 2016 8:28 AM

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Answer 1

KiltedTim

Level 10

226,146 points

Jan 2, 2016 8:31 AM in response to jerseybob2016

Actually, no. It's not possible. Verizon will not activate that phone on their network.

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Answer 2

ChrisJ4203

Level 10

236,315 points

Jan 2, 2016 8:33 AM in response to jerseybob2016

Since you purchased the AT&T device as subsidized, you will need to request an unlock from AT&T. If that is granted, which it should, follow their instructions to complete the unlock of the device. Then follow the steps in this support document to prepare the device to be given away to your friend. What to do before selling or giving away your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support

Then your friend would have to contact Verizon to see if they will accept the device on their network. In the past, they would not accept bring your own devices, however, they have relaxed that somewhat. If they will accept it, then he would need to follow Verizon's instructions.

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Answer 3

KiltedTim

Level 10

226,146 points

Jan 2, 2016 8:37 AM in response to ChrisJ4203

I believe they will only activate unlocked iPhone 6s and 6s Plus's on their network. They will not activate an unlocked iPhone 5s. It may be possible to put a Verizon SIM in it and get it working on their LTE network, but it will have no fallback service to their CDMA network if outside of the LTE coverage area and they will not support it at all.

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Answer 4

Jan 2, 2016 9:55 AM in response to ChrisJ4203

ChrisJ4203 wrote:

Then your friend would have to contact Verizon to see if they will accept the device on their network. In the past, they would not accept bring your own devices, however, they have relaxed that somewhat. If they will accept it, then he would need to follow Verizon's instructions.

Nope, only 6/6+ and 6S/6S+. They give a reasonably good deal on trade ins, though. 🙂

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Answer 5

Jan 2, 2016 9:56 AM in response to KiltedTim

KiltedTim wrote:

I believe they will only activate unlocked iPhone 6s and 6s Plus's on their network.

The 6/6+ will also work.

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Answer 6

KiltedTim

Level 10

226,146 points

Jan 2, 2016 10:14 AM in response to IdrisSeabright

Thanks for clarifying. Wasn't positive about those.

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Answer 7

Jan 2, 2016 10:17 AM in response to KiltedTim

KiltedTim wrote:

Thanks for clarifying. Wasn't positive about those.

My pleasure. Also, both iPad Airs and the minis starting with the second gen. I've forgotten if the Pro has been added.

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Answer 8

ChrisJ4203

Level 10

236,315 points

Jan 2, 2016 11:26 AM in response to IdrisSeabright

Thank you. I wasn't exactly sure what their bring your own device rules were, but I knew if I was wrong, you would have my back! Thanks. 🙂

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Answer 9

ChrisJ4203

Level 10

236,315 points

Jan 2, 2016 11:27 AM in response to KiltedTim

Thanks. I appreciate the help.

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Answer 10

Jan 2, 2016 12:00 PM in response to ChrisJ4203

ChrisJ4203 wrote:

Thank you. I wasn't exactly sure what their bring your own device rules were, but I knew if I was wrong, you would have my back! Thanks. 🙂

Team work!

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