Guides

Unlocking a phone from Verizon

5 minute read · beginner

Verizon works differently from the other big US carriers. New phones are locked for a fixed period after activation, commonly 60 days, and then unlock automatically. There is no code and usually no request. Most people only need to check that it happened.

How Verizon's lock works

Verizon's rules come from FCC conditions attached to the spectrum it runs on. The lock is time-based and is meant to deter fraud and theft in the first weeks after purchase.

At the time of writing, phones bought from Verizon directly or from an authorised retailer are locked for 60 days from activation and then unlock on their own. This applies whether the phone was paid in full or is on an instalment plan, as long as it is not flagged for fraud or non-payment.

Some prepaid and partner devices follow a different clock, so ask rather than assume.

Deployed military members can ask Verizon support for an early exception by providing their deployment orders.

Check Verizon's current device unlocking policy page (https://www.verizon.com/support/unlock-phone/) before you rely on these numbers, because carriers revise them.

Checking that it has unlocked

  1. Make sure 60 days have passed since the phone was first activated on Verizon.
  2. Power the phone off and insert an active SIM from another carrier, then power it back on.
  3. Try to make a call. If the phone connects to the new network and the call goes through, it is unlocked.
  4. iPhones often show an Activation Required screen that finishes over Wi-Fi. That is normal. It means the phone has downloaded its updated status.

If it is still locked after 60 days

Contact Verizon customer support at 1-800-922-0204 or through the My Verizon app. Tell them the activation date and that the phone has not unlocked. Ask which condition is left: days of service, an account flag for non-payment, or a lost or stolen report. Only the first two are things you can fix.

Use Verizon's own channels only. Paid unlock-code brokers cannot change a Verizon lock, and there is no code to buy.

Stop and get help when

  • The phone is flagged for fraud or non-payment on the account.
  • The phone was reported lost or stolen.
  • Someone offers to sell you a Verizon unlock code.

Official route

Verizon customer support (1-800-922-0204 or the My Verizon app). If a phone that meets the policy stays locked, file a complaint with the FCC.

Who this is for: You must be the Verizon account holder, or authorised by them, to raise anything with support.