Help activating MAXX on Verizon after buying phone from Amazon?

[markm62]

I have had my Droid X since launch date 2 years ago. I love it and don't want to give it up. However i read a news release that stated that Verizon is not going to allow grandfathering of unlimited accounts when upgrading to new phone later this summer.
We don't have 4g where we live (who knows if we ever will- live in a rural area) but I want to go ahead and get a 4g phone just in case 4g makes it to our area and I also want to retain my grandfathered unlimited plan.
If I purchase my phone from amazon or other 3rd party sellers do I really need verizon for activation on my existing account? Plus I purchased the 2 year insurance plan for $100 when I bought my X.
We don't have a true Verizon store within 35 miles of where I live, rather we have Verizon wireless "partners" stores. Which mean the reps are all idiots and to really get any true help you deal with Verizon online or via telephone.
Can I activate my phone and transfer all my contacts without Verizons help?
The only benefit of driving 35 miles that I can see to the Verizon store is that they transfer your stuff from old phone to new phone.

I have a rooted phone so I have more than basic skills with my smartphone.

 

[euph_22]

I have had my Droid X since launch date 2 years ago. I love it and don't want to give it up. However i read a news release that stated that Verizon is not going to allow grandfathering of unlimited accounts when upgrading to new phone later this summer.
We don't have 4g where we live (who knows if we ever will- live in a rural area) but I want to go ahead and get a 4g phone just in case 4g makes it to our area and I also want to retain my grandfathered unlimited plan.
If I purchase my phone from amazon or other 3rd party sellers do I really need verizon for activation on my existing account? Plus I purchased the 2 year insurance plan for $100 when I bought my X.
We don't have a true Verizon store within 35 miles of where I live, rather we have Verizon wireless "partners" stores. Which mean the reps are all idiots and to really get any true help you deal with Verizon online or via telephone.
Can I activate my phone and transfer all my contacts without Verizons help?
The only benefit of driving 35 miles that I can see to the Verizon store is that they transfer your stuff from old phone to new phone.

I have a rooted phone so I have more than basic skills with my smartphone.

if the contacts are Google Contacts then all you have to do is sign into your google account and they download from the cloud. Not sure how to do it if they're phone contacts, because honestly why aren't you using google contacts on an Android phone.

 

[mahers]

When I got my Maxx from Amazon (I used to have the X as well), I turned it on after charging, it tried to set up on its own. When it wouldn't work after a few minutes, I just called VZW and they activated it over the phone...no fee, no hassle, no questions. It was something to do with the sim card, but I didn't care.

 

[Sharondippity]

I had mine fed exed to me from Verizon and was able to use the step by step directions that were included in the box to do exactly what you just asked.

You'll be fine.

 

[mineolasmitty]

If you are activating your phone in a 3G area, you will need to go into settings and change it to 3G. It comes set on 4G and will not activate unless you change it. I just went through this.

 

[Sharondippity]

If you are activating your phone in a 3G area, you will need to go into settings and change it to 3G. It comes set on 4G and will not activate unless you change it. I just went through this.

Good to know.