Verizon: This carrier automatically locks any phone bought through Verizon for 60 days. However, after that 60-day period, your phone is unlocked—with no extra steps needed. To confirm your. Oct 30, 2019 Unfortunately, Verizon has gone away from its older unlocking policy where the carrier unlocked all phones within 24 hours starting several months back. According to Verizon, they now require 60-days after phone is purchased before they unlock the device. To quote them directly: After 60 days, we will automatically remove the lock. To unlock a Verizon phone: Activate your Verizon phone. Keep your account current and in good standing for 60 days. After 60 days, Verizon will automatically unlock your device. If your phone is still locked, contact Verizon customer. If available networks appear, the phone is probably unlocked. To make sure, choose one and try to make a call. If only one result comes backfrom the network search, or if the Search Networks option is unavailable in the Networks menu, then the phone is most likely locked to the carrier. The easiest way to see if your phone is clear from Verizon Wireless: activate it on another network. You’ll know whether your Verizon phone is unlocked if you replace the SIM card with one from another carrier. A Verizon locked phone will show a “SIM not supported” message, meaning it’s still tied to Verizon’s network.
Verizon is one of the largest wireless service providers in the world and, as such, has a pretty strong grip on the mobile space. Indeed, it has had its share of exclusive phones over the years.
Why do carriers lock phones?
One of the main reasons that carriers lock phones down is to get customers to purchase device through them. In some cases you’ll find a particular model that’s exclusive to a network. In other words, you must buy the phone through that provider if you want to use it. Another reason for locking is to prevent fraud and mitigate theft.
READ:Where can I buy an unlocked phone?
The concept of exclusive phones was much bigger a few years back but it still happens from time to time with the top carriers. The Motorola Droid line is an example Verizon exclusivity. Nevertheless, you have the right to unlock your phone.
Why unlock a Verizon phone?
While Verizon phones operate on a CDMA it does offer dual CDMA/GSM devices, meaning international coverage is potentially an option. Unlocking a Verizon phone gives you freedom to take it to prepaid and MVNO brands like GreatCall, Net10, Staight Talk, Total Wireless, and Visible.
Also worth noting, you should still be able to use an unlocked Verizon LTE phone on AT&T or T-Mobile — or their MVNO brands. More and more we’re finding their handsets to be compatible with both carriers’ LTE bands.
READ:Cheap phone plans that use Verizon’s network
Unlocking Verizon phones: Prerequisites
Verizon makes it very easy to unlock your phone. In fact, as of summer 2019 it automatically unlocks its customer’s devices after 60 days as long as certain criteria is met. There are a few things you should know need to do first. Before unlocking, ensure the following is in order.
You are 60 days after phone purchase
The phone must not be reported as stolen, lost, or associated with fraud
How to unlock your Verizon phone
Okay, so this one is pretty much a non-starter. As long as you adhere to the aforementioned details, you should have no problem with getting your device unlocked. But, if you have any issues, reach out to Verizon for help.
In the event you have a phone that was purchased prior to July 2019, it may already be unlocked. Simply put in a SIM card from a different carrier and you’ll know whether it is. If not, give Verizon a ring and you’ll be just fine.
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In order to mitigate theft and other fraudulent activity, newly purchased devices are “locked” to work exclusively on the Verizon network. We have separate device unlocking policies that cover postpay and prepaid devices, as well as special rules for deployed military personnel.
“Unlocking” a device refers only to disabling software that would prevent a consumer from attempting to activate a device designed for one carrier’s network on another carrier’s network. Due to differing technologies, an unlocked Verizon Wireless device may not work – or may experience limited functionality – on another carrier’s network.
Postpay Device Unlocking Policy
Verizon Phone Account
Devices that you purchase from Verizon are locked for 60 days after purchase. Devices that you purchase from our retail partners are locked for 60 days after activation. After 60 days, we will automatically remove the lock. Following the 60 day lock period, we do not lock our phones at any time.
Prepaid Device Unlocking Policy
Devices that you purchase from Verizon and certain devices purchased from our retail partners are locked for 60 days after activation. After 60 days, we will automatically remove the lock. Following the 60 day lock period following device purchase, we do not lock our phones at any time.
If you purchase a 4G Phone-in-a-Box from our retail partners, you should review the back of the box to determine the lock period applicable to that device.
If you are a Verizon Wireless customer in the military and receive relocation orders outside of the Verizon Coverage Area, we will unlock your device at your request, even during the 60-day-lock period following the purchase of your device.