If you want to SIM-unlock your device but don’t understand the Verizon unlock policy or how you should proceed, you’ve come to the right place. Check out this comprehensive unlocking guide and learn more about all there is to know to get rid of Verizon’s network lock, including their eligibility requirements and the steps you’ll need to follow.
Why does Verizon have an Unlocking Policy instead of stopping the sale of Locked Devices?
Well, according to what it says on their official website, devices purchased from Verizon are locked to protect customers from fraud and prevent phone theft. They state that this makes your phone less attractive to criminals —as if they knew which phones are SIM-locked when stealing them—, but there’s another reason why network providers do this.
The reality is that there are a lot of competitors in the telecommunications market, including big providers like AT&T or T-Mobile, and all carriers want to protect their business interests. This is why carriers always try to tie their users’ phones to their networks (Verizon’s network in your case); it’s all to make you keep using their services for as long as they can and prevent you from switching carriers.
Do they charge any Fees for the Verizon Device Unlock?
This really depends on whether you meet Verizon’s unlock requirements or not, and which ones you don’t meet if that’s the case. If you do meet all the conditions that the Verizon support team has, the lock removal process is completely free.
However, if you meet all policies except the minimum active period, you’ll be asked to pay an early termination fee of up to $300. Remember that this only applies to that specific term and if you don’t meet any other condition, they’ll simply reject your request.
Understanding the Verizon Unlock Policy for Prepaid and Postpaid Devices
So, we were talking about meeting certain conditions and requirements, but which are the specific ones that apply to Verizon’s customers? Well, that depends on whether you have a prepaid or postpaid plan, so let’s see together the specific criteria that will be applied to determine whether your request will be approved or not.
Requirements to unlock your Verizon Phone (Prepaid/Postpaid)
- The phone’s unique IMEI number cannot be reported as lost or stolen.
- You must have met the carrier’s minimum period of active service on their network.
- The phone cannot be associated with any type of fraudulent or illegal activity.
- If the phone was financed on a payment plan, it must be fully paid for.
What is the Difference on the Policies for Prepaid and Postpaid Devices?
Well, the difference is pretty much that as with postpaid plans you receive a monthly statement that you have to pay before it’s due, they ask you to be in good standing. That is not clarified with prepaid devices because you never get to owe anything to the carrier (they work through balance top-ups), so the difference is not really that big.
Device Locking Policy for Deployed Military Personnel
Verizon’s policy states that if you’re on active military duty, you won’t have to wait for the minimum period of active and paid service. In addition, it doesn’t matter if the device was financed on monthly statements or not, you can still unlock your phone (the other requirements still apply). However, keep in mind that they clarify that this is only if you receive relocation orders outside of the Verizon Coverage Area.
For how long do I need to stay on the Verizon Network before they approve my Unlock Request?
Phones bought from Verizon are locked for 60 days after activation, so those 60 days after purchase are the minimum period of active service with them. However, this doesn’t apply to mobile devices that were financed on an installment plan, which can be of up to 36 monthly statements. That means that your handset can be locked to this carrier’s network for up to 3 years plus 60 days from purchase (which would count after the final payment).
Do these Timeframes apply to Phones bought from Verizon’s Retail Partners?
Yes, they normally do because all smartphones sold by Verizon or authorized stores come locked under the same policy. However, if you want to confirm, you can always check the device’s original box (in which it came) because on its back they specify the lock period applicable.
How do I know if I meet Verizon’s Device Unlocking Policies?
Well, the thing is that Verizon automatically unlocks all handsets once they’re eligible, so if you were eligible to unlock your device, they would have proceeded already. This means that either you don’t meet one of the carrier’s policies or they’ve made a mistake and you need to contact them to clarify everything and proceed with the SIM-lock removal process if approved.
Unlocking Verizon Phones: How to Place Your Unlock Request
As we mentioned, this carrier has an automated system to automatically remove the SIM lock once the user meets their criteria. So, they don’t really have any lock removal platform for users to submit their unlock requests, which means that you’ll need to contact Verizon customer support to do so. All you need to do is call them or send them an email to let them know that your device is locked and to ask what’s your phone’s lock status.
How long does it take to Unlock a Wireless Device directly with Verizon?
If it’s processed automatically, the phone will get SIM-unlocked in seconds; in fact, you won’t even notice it is happening but will be notified via SMS after it’s done. However, if you need to contact the Verizon Wireless customer support department and process your request with them, it can take up to 5 business days while they check your case.
Can Verizon lock again my Phone after I SIM-Unlocked it?
Not at all, Verizon can’t place this lock twice, so unlocked phones remain free of network restrictions forever, which also applies to smartphones unlocked from Verizon’s MVNOs. So, rest assured that you’ll be able to switch carriers, use the handset abroad, and do anything you want without restrictions.
Unlock your Verizon Device without the Verizon Unlock Policy
If you want to get rid of the network lock on your smartphone but for some reason, you are not eligible to do it directly with the carrier, you’ve come to the right place because we can help you out. UnlockHere offers a 100% free service for everyone in the Verizon community to completely and permanently free their smartphones from this SIM lock in minutes:
- It doesn’t matter if you’re trying to unlock a second-hand phone.
- It doesn’t matter if you haven’t met the device payment agreement and paid it off.
- It doesn’t matter if you don’t wait the required 60 days to unlock the smartphone.
With us, you can SIM-unlock any mobile device regardless of the status of your Verizon account or whether you meet or not all the requirements they have. This is a non-invasive method that will only take something between 5 and 10 minutes to complete the process, all without charging you anything for the service.
How can I place an Unlock Request with UnlockHere?
Simply visit UnlockHere.com, click on the “carrier unlock” box, and start entering the required pieces of information we need for the process. These include the brand of the phone (Samsung, Apple, etc.), its unique IMEI number, and your name and email address. Then, simply follow the steps that our AI-powered unlock assistant will give you until you complete the procedure successfully.
