You’re staring at your cracked screen, wondering if you should pull the trigger now or wait. It’s a classic dilemma. Does Verizon have Black Friday sales that actually save you money, or is it just a bunch of marketing smoke and mirrors? Honestly, it’s a bit of both. If you walk into a store expecting a simple price tag discount like you’d find on a pair of jeans at the mall, you’re going to be disappointed. Verizon doesn't really do "discounts" in the traditional sense. They do bundles. They do bill credits. And they definitely do "gotchas" if you aren't reading the fine print.
The short answer is yes, they have massive sales. But these sales are built on a 36-month timeline. If you’re cool with staying put for three years, you can walk out with a $1,100 phone for essentially zero dollars. If you’re a commitment-phobe? This might not be your scene.
The "Free" Phone Reality Check
Most people search for Verizon Black Friday deals looking for the iPhone 17 or the latest Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. In 2025, we saw Verizon go aggressive—like, "giving away the farm" aggressive. They offered the iPhone 17 Pro and the Google Pixel 10 Pro for $0 a month. Sounds fake, right?
Here is how it actually works. You buy the phone on a device payment plan. Verizon then gives you a monthly credit that cancels out the cost of that phone. If the phone costs $30 a month, they give you a $30 credit. After 36 months, the phone is yours. But if you try to leave after 18 months, you owe the remaining half of that phone's total price immediately. No more credits. You're on the hook.
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Historically, Black Friday is the only time they drop the "trade-in" requirement for these top-tier flagships. Usually, you have to hand over a pristine iPhone 15 to get a deal. During the holiday peak, they often run "No Trade-In Required" promos for new lines. It’s their biggest lure for people jumping ship from T-Mobile or AT&T.
The Famous "Triple Play" Bundle
You’ve probably seen the ads: "Get a phone, a tablet, and a watch on us!"
This is the quintessential Verizon Black Friday move. They’ll bundle a Galaxy S25 with a Galaxy Watch 8 and a Tab S10 FE. It feels like Christmas came early until you see the first bill. While the hardware might be free via those monthly credits, each of those devices needs its own data plan.
- The Watch: Usually $5 to $15 extra a month.
- The Tablet: Often $10 to $30 extra a month.
- The Phone Plan: Usually requires the "Unlimited Ultimate" or "Plus" tier, which aren't exactly cheap.
If you actually use a cellular tablet and want LTE on your wrist, it's an incredible value. But if those gadgets are just going to sit in a drawer, you're paying $20+ a month for "free" tech you don't need.
Verizon Home Internet: The Hidden Gem?
While everyone is fighting over iPhones, the real sleeper hits are the 5G Home Internet and Fios deals. This past season, Verizon started throwing in some wild perks for new sign-ups. We're talking 43-inch Samsung QLED TVs, Marshall Kilburn III speakers, or $200 Target gift cards just for switching your home Wi-Fi.
What’s interesting here is the lack of a 36-month "trap." Most of these home internet deals only require you to keep the service active for about 65 days to keep the gift. Plus, they often bake in a 3-year or even 5-year price guarantee. In an era where everything from Netflix to eggs is getting more expensive, a locked-in $35 or $45 internet bill is kind of a big deal.
Do Existing Customers Actually Get Anything?
This is the biggest gripe in the industry. "Why do new customers get everything?"
Verizon has actually started to pivot here. During Black Friday, they often open up "Loyalty Deals" in the My Verizon app. These aren't advertised on the front page of the website. You have to go into your account and look for "My Offers."
Sometimes, they’ll offer existing customers $800 off a new device with any trade-in—even an old, beat-up Samsung S10 with a shattered screen. They call it "Any-Condition Trade-In." It’s their way of keeping you from wandering over to a competitor. If you’re an existing customer, the Black Friday window is usually the best time to check your app daily. The deals change fast.
Accessories and Stocking Stuffers
If you don't want to mess with your cellular plan, the accessory sales are actually straightforward. No credits, no 36-month contracts, just lower prices.
- The "Buy 3, Save 30%" rule: This is a staple. If you grab a case, a screen protector, and a charger, the price drops significantly.
- Audio Gear: They frequently beat Amazon on JBL and Beats prices during the week of Thanksgiving. We've seen $100 off Beats Studio Pro and significant cuts on Bose earbuds.
- Gaming: Surprisingly, Verizon has become a destination for PlayStation and Xbox controllers. They usually shave $20 or $30 off MSRP during the holiday rush.
How to Win at Verizon Black Friday
Don't just walk into the store on Friday afternoon. That’s a recipe for long lines and rushed decisions.
First, check the "Unlimited Ultimate" plan cost versus what you pay now. If the "free" phone requires you to spend an extra $20 a month on your plan, you're basically just paying for the phone in installments. It’s only a "deal" if you were going to be on that high-end plan anyway for the international data or Disney+ bundles.
Second, watch the dates. Verizon's "Black Friday" usually starts in early November. By the time the actual Friday rolls around, some of the best stock—especially specific colors of the Pro Max models—might be backordered until January.
Lastly, look for the $200 "Switcher" gift cards. Often, Verizon will stack a free phone deal with a virtual prepaid Mastercard if you're bringing your number from another carrier. This can cover your activation fees (which are usually around $35 to $40 per line) and then some.
The bottom line? Verizon definitely has Black Friday sales, but they are designed to keep you as a customer for the long haul. If you're happy with the network and plan on staying for three years, it is the absolute cheapest time of year to upgrade your tech. If you like to switch carriers every year, steer clear of the device credits and just buy your phone unlocked from the manufacturer.
To get started, log into your My Verizon app right now and navigate to the "Shop" tab to see if any early loyalty "Loyalty Upgrades" have been loaded into your account before the public rush begins.