If you're trying to unlock a Verizon phone, you're in luck! Verizon has one of the simplest unlocking policies, and once you meet the basic requirements, Big Red will automatically unlock your device for you.
Quite frankly, you don't need to do much (if anything at all) to unlock your Verizon phone. We'll go over Verizon's unlocking policies and help you determine if your Verizon phone is already unlocked.
How to unlock your Verizon phone
Unlocking your phone with Verizon is simple, legal, and free. All you have to do is meet the carrier's simple unlocking requirement, and Verizon will automatically unlock your phone. It's that easy!
Verizon's phone unlocking policy
Verizon will automatically unlock your phone 60 days after purchasing the device from Verizon or 60 days after activation if you purchased your device from a Verizon retail partner.
Suspending phone service will not have an effect on the 60-day lock period. However, if you suspend phone service due to loss or theft, Verizon will not unlock your phone.
Heads up: Get the same coverage for half the price
One of the best reasons to unlock your phone is that you can get the exact same coverage as you would from a Verizon plan by going with a much cheaper MVNO, a smaller carrier that uses Verizon's towers.
Our favorite is Visible, which offers unlimited everything with Big Red's 4G and 5G coverage for just $25/month. We especially love that you can opt for 50GB up to the fastest 5G speeds, plus spam-blocking and global calling benefits, for just a few bucks more.
How to unlock a prepaid Verizon phone
The unlocking requirements and procedures for Verizon prepaid phones aren't exactly the same as they are for postpaid phones, but they aren't very different. Again, Verizon will automatically unlock your prepaid phone once you hit the basic requirements.
Verizon's prepaid unlocking policy
Verizon will unlock prepaid phones purchased directly from Verizon and through retail partners 60 days after activation.
Unlocking policy for military personnel
Verizon offers exemptions to military personnel who are relocated to areas outside of Verizon's coverage area, such as those deployed or stationed overseas. Verizon will unlock your phone even within the initial 60-day locked window.
To do so, you must submit proof of deployment or location, such as your TCS or PCS orders. Verizon will temporarily suspend service for 24 hours to confirm those orders, after which your phone will be unlocked and ready to use with an international SIM.
To start a military phone unlock, contact Verizon's customer service team and have your necessary paperwork with you.
Determining if your phone is locked or unlocked
To determine if your Verizon phone is unlocked:
- Check Settings: For many smartphones, you can check the lock status in the settings menu under Network or Connections.
- SIM Card Test: Insert a SIM card from another carrier. If the phone operates normally, it's unlocked. If you receive an error message or it's not functional, it's likely locked.
- Customer Support: Contact Verizon customer support for a definitive answer about your phone's lock status.
Where to bring your unlocked Verizon phone
You're probably not reading this guide just out of pure curiosity. You're likely interested in switching from Verizon to another carrier and bringing your phone. If you want excellent service at prices much lower than what you can get with Verizon, your best bet is to switch to an MVNO. Some of our favorite picks include Visible and Mint Mobile.
Here's a look at a few popular MVNO carriers:
Angelo Ilumba
Senior Writer
Thousands of cell phone plans unpacked. All the facts. No surprises.
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