Are you feeling stuck with your Verizon phone and yearning for more freedom? Maybe you want to switch carriers, use your device abroad, or sell your phone without restrictions. The key to making any of these goals a reality is getting your Verizon phone unlocked. But navigating the world of carrier unlocking can feel overwhelming, especially for the non-tech-savvy.
Don‘t worry though – as a retail and consumer expert who‘s also a picky shopper, I‘m here to break down everything you need to know about Verizon phone unlocking, from policies to procedures to costs and beyond. By the end of this guide, you‘ll be equipped with the knowledge to confidently approach the unlocking process and enjoy your device on your own terms. Let‘s dive in!
Phone Locking Explained: CDMA vs GSM
First, a quick primer on the technical aspects of phone locking in the US. There are two main network technologies used by the major carriers: CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) and GSM (Global System for Mobiles).
Verizon uses CDMA, while AT&T and T-Mobile use GSM. This is important because traditionally CDMA devices don‘t have SIM card slots, making them more restrictive and difficult to unlock and use on other networks. In contrast, unlocked GSM phones can easily be used across different carriers simply by swapping out the SIM card.
However, in recent years, Verizon has started using a blend of CDMA and GSM technology in their newer devices (known as CDMA-LTE or CDMA-World). This means if you have a modern Verizon smartphone, it likely has a SIM slot and the ability to be unlocked and used on a variety of other networks, both domestically and internationally.
So in summary: if you have an older Verizon flip phone or early smartphone, it‘s probably CDMA-only and your unlocking and network switching options will be fairly limited. But if you have a newer iPhone or Android device from Verizon, unlocking should open up a decent amount of flexibility in terms of carrier compatibility.
Verizon Postpaid Device Unlocking Policy
Now that we‘ve covered the basics, let‘s get into the nitty gritty of Verizon‘s actual unlocking policies, starting with postpaid devices. If you have a standard monthly contract plan with Verizon, your phone is considered postpaid. Here are the key details of their postpaid unlocking policy:
- Devices are automatically unlocked 60 days after purchase or activation
- Line must be active for a minimum of 60 days
- Account must be in good standing with no overdue payments
- Device must be fully paid off, either purchased outright or all installments/lease payments completed
As long as you meet these criteria, Verizon will unlock your phone free of charge – no extra fees required. In most cases, the unlock will be processed automatically over-the-air without any action needed from the customer. However, it‘s always a good idea to follow up with Verizon support after the 60 day mark to verify your unlock has gone through successfully before popping in a new SIM card.
Military Personnel Unlocking Exceptions
There is one notable exception to Verizon‘s 60 day postpaid unlock timeframe: active military personnel. If you are currently serving in the military and receive deployment papers requiring you to relocate outside of Verizon‘s coverage area, they will unlock your phone immediately upon request, even if you‘re still within the initial 60 day locking period. To initiate this process, you‘ll need to provide proof of your deployment to a Verizon rep via chat or over the phone.
Verizon Prepaid Device Unlocking Policy
Prefer to pay for your Verizon service upfront rather than dealing with a monthly bill? Then you likely have a prepaid device, which has a different set of unlocking requirements compared to postpaid:
- Must be activated on Verizon prepaid service for a minimum of 12 months
- Must have had at least $100 in total refills/payments during the 12 month period
- Account must be in good standing with no monies owed
Once you‘ve met these more stringent criteria, Verizon should automatically push through the unlock for your prepaid phone. However, if you‘ve passed the 1 year mark and your device is still locked, you may need to call customer service to get it resolved.
It‘s also worth noting that Verizon has a separate prepaid subsidiary called Visible, which operates under its own unlocking policy. With Visible, all phones sold through their website come automatically unlocked out of the box. However, if you purchase a Visible-branded phone from a third-party retailer, it must be activated and used on the network for 60 consecutive days before unlocking.
Business & Government Account Unlocking
If you have a phone through your employer on a Verizon business or government account, the unlocking policies are a bit different. The account owner (your company) must submit the unlock request on your behalf. The device must also be active for a minimum of 30 days, a shorter timeframe compared to personal accounts.
Third-Party Unlocking Services
Can‘t meet Verizon‘s unlocking requirements or just want to skip the wait period? You may be tempted to utilize a third-party unlocking service that promises a quick and easy solution, usually for a fee ranging from $20-100.
However, proceed with caution. While there are some reputable unlocking companies out there, the industry is rife with scams. You could end up paying for an unlock code that doesn‘t work or worse, have your phone damaged or rendered unusable in the unlocking attempt.
Before considering an outside unlocking service, ask yourself if it‘s really worth the risk and extra expense. In most cases, it‘s best to stick with the official carrier unlock process, even if it means waiting a bit longer. But if you do decide to use a third party, be sure to do thorough research first. Check reviews across multiple trusted sites, look for money-back guarantees, and understand exactly what type of unlock they‘ll be performing (factory unlock vs. SIM unlock).
Verizon Phone Unlocking Statistics
Just how many Verizon customers are unlocking their phones these days? While the carrier doesn‘t release detailed figures, we can glean some insights from industry analysts and surveys.
According to a 2018 report from mobile research firm Chetan Sharma Consulting, approximately 10-20% of US consumers unlock their phones each year. The most common reasons cited for unlocking were switching carriers and international travel.
Meanwhile, a 2019 survey from WhistleOut found that among respondents who had unlocked a phone in the past year, 32% did so because they were traveling abroad, 30% wanted to change carriers, and 17% were looking to use their phone on a prepaid plan.
Based on Verizon‘s Q3 2020 earnings report showing 120.3 million total wireless subscribers, we can estimate that somewhere between 12-24 million Verizon customers may be unlocking their devices annually.
Unlocking Fees & Timeframes Comparison
Let‘s take a look at how Verizon‘s unlocking fees (or lack thereof) and timeframes stack up against the other major US carriers:
| Carrier | Postpaid Device Unlock Fee | Postpaid Device Unlock Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| Verizon | $0 | 60 days |
| AT&T | $0 | 60 days |
| T-Mobile | $0 | 40 days |
| Sprint | $0 | 50 days |
As you can see, all of the big four carriers have now moved to $0 phone unlocking fees for postpaid devices as of 2020, a welcome change for consumers. Verizon‘s 60 day unlock waiting period is on the longer side, with T-Mobile offering the shortest timeframe at 40 days.
Note that these policies are always subject to change and may have additional nuances and exceptions beyond what‘s listed in the chart. Always check with your specific carrier for the most up-to-date information.
Phone Portability Between US Carriers
So you‘ve unlocked your Verizon phone – now what? If you‘re looking to take your device to another major US carrier, here‘s a general overview of compatibility:
- Verizon uses CDMA technology for calling/texting but also has GSM/LTE data support on most modern phones, meaning they should work on AT&T and T-Mobile‘s networks when unlocked
- Newer high-end Verizon devices like iPhones, Google Pixels, and Samsung Galaxy S-series are the most likely to have broadest compatibility with other carriers
- Verizon‘s 5G phones operate on a high-frequency type of spectrum (mmWave), which currently has more limited support and coverage on other networks like AT&T and T-Mobile
- Certain features like visual voicemail and HD/Wi-Fi calling may not always carry over when moving an unlocked Verizon phone to a new carrier
Before making the switch, your best bet is to contact your intended new carrier and provide them with your Verizon device‘s ID (IMEI number) so they can confirm compatibility with their network.
International Compatibility for Unlocked Verizon Phones
Planning to travel abroad or relocate overseas? An unlocked Verizon phone will give you the most flexibility to use local SIM cards and save on international roaming charges. Some of the international carriers that Verizon devices tend to play nicest with include:
- Vodafone (Europe, Asia, Africa, Oceania)
- EE (United Kingdom)
- Telstra (Australia)
- Movistar (Spain, Latin America)
Before you jet off, make sure to do your research on which carriers will work best in your specific destination with your particular Verizon phone model. The Will My Phone Work website is a helpful resource for checking compatibility.
It‘s also a good idea to touch base with Verizon and let them know your travel plans. They can confirm your phone is unlocked and walk through any necessary steps to prep your device for international usage.
Buying Used: How to Check If a Verizon Phone Is Unlocked
In the market for a used Verizon phone? Whether you‘re buying from a private seller or a third-party reseller site, it‘s crucial to verify the device‘s unlocked status before handing over any cash. A few ways to check:
- Ask the seller to provide the phone‘s IMEI number and then input it into an online IMEI checker tool like IMEI.info, which will give you details on the phone‘s carrier lock status
- If you‘re able to test the device in person, the most foolproof method is to insert a friend‘s SIM card from another carrier and see if the phone registers a signal (just be sure you trust the seller to actually give you back your friend‘s SIM!)
- For iPhone models, if you go to Settings > General > About and see "No SIM Restrictions" under the Carrier Lock section, that means the phone is unlocked
If a seller is unable or unwilling to confirm the phone‘s unlocked status, that‘s a big red flag. It‘s not worth the risk of ending up with a locked device that you can‘t use on your carrier of choice. Stick with reputable sellers who are upfront about the phone‘s specs and history.
The Evolution of Verizon‘s Unlocking Policy
Verizon‘s unlocking policies have come a long way over the past decade. Let‘s take a quick walk down memory lane:
- Pre-2015: Verizon kept most phones locked down without any way for consumers to unlock, even after fulfilling contracts. This was largely due to the CDMA network technology
- July 2015: Verizon begins honoring unlock requests for select devices after contract completion and implements military deployment exceptions
- 2016: Verizon shifts to 24 month financing agreements for phones rather than 2 year contracts
- Feb 2017: Verizon begins locking phones for 60 days after purchase to combat theft and fraud
- Mid-2018: Verizon brings prepaid devices into the 12 month unlocking fold
- Early 2019: All unlocking fees eliminated
- May 2019: All Visible-purchased phones now unlocked automatically with 60 days of service
Fortunately for consumers, the past few years in particular have seen positive strides in Verizon making their unlocking practices more customer-friendly. Here‘s hoping the trend continues in the future as people demand even more freedom and flexibility over their devices.
Key Takeaways & Next Steps
Whew, that was a lot of information! Let‘s recap some of the most important points about Verizon phone unlocking:
- Most postpaid devices will be unlocked automatically for free after 60 days, while prepaid devices require 12 months of paid service
- Certain requirements like payment completion and account good standing must be met to receive an unlock
- Active military members can have their phones unlocked immediately upon verified deployment
- While third-party unlocking services exist, it‘s generally safest and cheapest to go through Verizon‘s official channels
- When purchasing a used Verizon phone, always confirm it‘s unlocked before buying
- An unlocked Verizon device will have the broadest compatibility with AT&T and T-Mobile networks, but certain features may not carry over
- Verizon phones can often be used internationally with local SIM cards when unlocked, but check the specific model and destination before traveling
Now that you‘re armed with the knowledge to conquer the Verizon unlocking process, what are your next steps? If you‘ve decided an unlock is right for you, start by checking your device‘s eligibility and initiate the request through Verizon‘s customer support if needed.
If you don‘t meet the requirements quite yet, set a reminder to check back in after the 60 day or 12 month mark. And if you‘re in the market for a new phone, consider the benefits of buying direct from the manufacturer to get an unlocked device right out of the box (just be sure it will play nice with Verizon‘s network).
No matter your specific scenario, I hope this guide has given you the confidence to make an informed decision about Verizon phone unlocking. If you have any other questions or unique situations, please share in the comments. Happy unlocking!
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