The Swappa marketplace has received numerous reports from our users who have been experiencing issues when attempting to activate older iPhones on Verizon Wireless’ postpaid plans.
After some due diligence, our support team was able to confirm that Verizon is no longer activating CDMA-only devices on their network. It’s because of this Swappa has taken immediate action and is now halting all approvals of these devices, as well as canceling a handful of active listings in our marketplace.
This was not an easy decision but one we felt was absolutely necessary as a responsible marketplace that has our users’ best interests in mind.
Which phones are affected by Verizon’s block?
iPhones
Right now, it appears that only iPhone models older than the iPhone 6 are no longer eligible for activation on Verizon’s postpaid plans. This applies to iPhones that were purchased directly from Verizon.
This information is supported by Verizon’s Bring Your Own Device page. Entering iPhone 5S, 5C, 4S, or 4 returns the following message:
“Oops, looks like your device is no longer supported on our network. Check out some other devices.”
Here’s the full list of now ineligible iPhones:
- Apple iPhone 5S
- Apple iPhone 5C
- Apple iPhone 5
- Apple iPhone 4S
- Apple iPhone 4
We were also able to confirm these findings with several Verizon reps who claim the block out started back on July 1, 2018. While only postpaid plans are affected at the current moment, prepaid plans will also be giving these older iPhone models the ax come January 1st, 2019.
Android
A big question still up in the air is how Verizon’s activation block will affect older Android phones. It only makes sense that CDMA-only Android devices would also be affected by this block, although Verizon reps weren’t able to confirm an official list.
We were, however, able to build our own list of Verizon Android phones in the meantime. These are also the models you’ll want to avoid purchasing from secondhand sellers as well:
- Samsung Galaxy S III
- Samsung Galaxy Note II
- Samsung Galaxy Nexus
- Moto X
- HTC One (M7)
Other
Android and iPhone phones may not be the only phones affected by Verizon’s CDMA-only block. Legacy smartphones like the BlackBerry — although ancient in smartphone years — can still be found in use today. Here’s the one you’ll want to stay away from:
- BlackBerry Bold 9930
Verizon CDMA network retirement status
As Verizon continues the move away from CDMA and 3G, they have been providing status updates as they complete the network transition to 4G and 5G. As of January 1, 2020, Verizon has added the following:
No longer allowed:
- Transfer of Service, moving 3G / 4G non-HD Voice CDMA device from one account to another account.
- Bring Your Own Device (BYOD), providing a 3G / 4G non-HD Voice CDMA device to activate on an existing line.
- Swapping 3G / 4G non-HD Voice CDMA device for another 3G / 4G non-HD Voice CDMA device.
- 3G devices roaming outside of the US.
- 4G non-HD Voice devices and devices without 1x RTT / 2G radios can’t roam in Canada.
Essentially, this means 3G-only devices, including 3G basic phones and 3G smartphones, as well as, 4G LTE smartphones that do not support HD Voice, such as the Apple iPhone 5s or older, can no longer be activated.
What Swappa is doing about it?
After receiving word from Verizon’s support team that they will no longer be supporting new activations of CDMA-only specific devices on standard plans, Swappa has made the decision to no longer approve new listings for the above-affected devices.
We’ve also been working around the clock to remove existing listings and notify these sellers of this new development, all in an effort to be as proactive and transparent as possible. This is all done in the best interest of our users and helps keep the Swappa marketplace the safest place it can be for buying and selling your used goods online.
We realize this could make finding affordable iPhones or Android devices a bit more challenging. This post should also act as a public service announcement for those shopping other marketplaces like the Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or even eBay, so make sure to share this post with your friends, family, or anyone else looking for cheap Verizon phones so they can make more informed purchases and ensure they don’t take home a dud.
If you’re looking for the best deals on gently used Verizon phones, the Swappa marketplace has your back. We have a huge selection of used Android phones and used iPhones to fit anyone’s budget. Or you can browse our entire selection of used phones primed and ready for activation on Verizon by clicking the link below.
Shop Verizon Phones on Swappa
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