This means that - unlike most other carriers - there isn’t really a list of criteria to unlock your phone. Deployed military are exempt from this rule, and can request an unlock during this period by calling Verizon’s support line at 80.Įven though SIM-equipped Verizon phones can be used on AT&T, T-Mobile, or other GSM carriers, the phone will need roaming GSM radios to make calls and send texts in the U.S. This rule applies to both postpaid and prepaid devices, and the lock is automatically removed after 60 days. According to Verizon’s policy, newly purchased devices are locked to Verizon’s networks for 60 days after purchase to help mitigate theft and other fraudulent activity. Verizon locks its devices - but only for a short time. Unlocking a Verizon phone Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends With that information, here’s how each carrier handles unlocking your phone. Overseas deployment papers, for military personnel who want to unlock the phone before the contract expires.A completed contract and/or device payment plan.
On the Apple side, if you paid for your iPhone in full upon purchase, then it’s probably unlocked already. It’s generally a good idea to unlock your phone when it goes off-contract. The process can be tedious and differs depending on the provider, so we’ve broken down the steps for each one. AT&T, Boost Mobile, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon, Virgin Mobile, Xfinity, and many more offer unlocking services. While most cell phone operators offer unlocking services after you’ve fully paid off your phone and all installments, or your contract term has expired, it doesn’t always happen automatically. Don’t worry - it’s completely legal to do. If you’re looking to switch providers or just hoping to add some value when selling your phone, unlocking it is a must. Unlocking your phone means that you can switch carriers if you’re dissatisfied with the service, move to a different region, are traveling, or want to keep your old handset when you change networks.
When you purchase a cell phone from a carrier, it generally comes locked - meaning it includes a software code that ensures your mobile device connects only to a specific network so you can’t get or use a signal with any other service.