How to Get Your Verizon Phone Unlocked

## Understanding Phone Unlocking and Verizon's Policy Before diving into the process, it's important to understand what unlocking a phone means. When a phone is locked, it is tied to a specific carrier's network. Unlocking it allows you to use the phone with other carriers, provided the phone's technology is compatible with the new network. Verizon has a relatively straightforward unlocking policy. As of July 2019, Verizon automatically locks devices for 60 days after purchase. After this period, the phone is automatically unlocked, provided the account is in good standing. ### Why Unlock Your Verizon Phone? - **Switch Carriers**: If you're unhappy with Verizon's service or pricing, unlocking your phone allows you to switch to another carrier without buying a new device - **Travel Internationally**: Use a local SIM card to avoid expensive roaming charges - **Increase Resale Value**: Unlocked phones are generally more attractive to buyers - **Freedom of Choice**: The ability to choose the carrier that best suits your needs ## Eligibility Requirements ### Postpaid Devices * Must be paid off in full * Cannot be reported lost or stolen * Must have been activated on Verizon's network * Must have been owned for at least 60 days ### Prepaid Devices * Must have been active for at least 60 days * Cannot be reported lost or stolen ## Checking Your Phone's Lock Status Before proceeding with any unlocking steps, verify if your phone is already unlocked: 1. Insert a non-Verizon SIM card 2. If the phone accepts the SIM and connects to the network, it's already unlocked 3. If you see "SIM not supported" or similar message, your phone is likely still locked ## How to Request an Unlock If your phone is still locked after the 60-day period, you can request an unlock through several methods: ### Online 1. Visit [Verizon's website](https://www.verizon.com/) 2. Log into your account 3. Navigate to the device settings 4. Look for the unlocking option ### By Phone * Call Verizon Customer Service: 1-800-922-0204 * Follow the prompts to speak with a representative * Have your account information ready ### In Store Visit any Verizon retail store with: * Your phone * Valid ID * Account information ## Special Circumstances ### Military Personnel If you're in the military and receiving deployment orders, Verizon will unlock your phone before the 60-day period if you: * Provide deployment papers * Have an account in good standing * Contact customer service with your request ### International Travel For international travel, most newer Verizon phones come unlocked. However, it's important to: 1. Verify your phone's compatibility with international networks 2. Check if your current plan includes international service 3. Consider purchasing an international plan or local SIM card ## Troubleshooting Common Issues ### Network Compatibility ``` GSM Networks: AT&T, T-Mobile CDMA Networks: Verizon, Sprint ``` If you experience problems after unlocking: 1. Restart your device 2. Reset network settings 3. Ensure APN settings are correct for the new carrier 4. Contact the new carrier for proper configuration settings > **Important Note**: Even after unlocking, your phone must be compatible with the new carrier's network frequencies and technology to work properly. For more information, visit [Verizon's Device Unlocking Policy](https://www.verizon.com//about/consumer-safety/device-unlocking-policy) or the [FCC's Guide on Mobile Wireless Device Unlocking](https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/cell-phone-unlocking-faqs).

How to Get Your Verizon Phone Unlocked

Related articles