Formed on June 30th, 2000, Verizon Wireless has grown into one of the biggest telecommunications industries in the world. Approximately 143 million subscriptions in 2021, 136.8 billion in revenues in 2022, the first company to commercially launch 5G for mobility, the list goes on.
However, it's still a network provider meaning any smartphone you purchase from Verizon will be locked and will only operate in the Verizon network until you meet its device unlock policy.
Read to the end to learn about Verizon’s device unlock policy, how to check if your phone is locked or unlocked, and how you can unlock any Verizon phone without worrying about the unlock policy.
New Verizon Unlock Policy 2023
Verizon’s unlock policy states that starting 7/23/2019, any device purchased from Verizon will be locked for 60 days from the purchasing date. The device unlock policy applies to new and existing customers, prepaid and postpaid device plans, and even customers who want to port to another carrier (switch to a different network carrier while keeping their current phone numbers).
So, what does Verizon’s unlock policy entail? Essentially, it signifies the following:
- Any Verizon device bought at full price or on an agreement plan will remain locked for 60 days from the purchase date. Devices bought from Verizon's retail partners are locked for 60 days after activation.
- Any Verizon device bought on an agreement plan and then paid off before the required 60 days will remain locked for 60 days from the purchase date.
- If you cancel your Verizon service while your device is still locked, your device will remain locked for 60 days from the purchase date.
- All prepaid customers have to wait for 60 days for their devices to be unlocked.
- Verizon customers looking to port to a different carrier must wait 60 days from the purchase date for their devices to be unlocked.
The 60-day wait does not apply to Verizon customers in the military. Verizon will unlock your device at your request if you are deploying to areas outside Verizon's coverage. You may need your deployment papers, though, as proof.
Verizon's current unlock policy applies to all smartphones and devices sold by Verizon or any of its retailers. According to Verizon, the device unlock policy exists to help reduce the theft of devices and save its customers from fraud.
How to Check if Your Verizon Phone Unlocked
Confirming if your Verizon is unlocked or not (even after the 60 days) is very easy; insert a SIM card that's not Verizon's.
Unlocked devices accept all SIM cards, so if you see a message like "SIM Not Supported", "Invalid SIM", or something close (depending on your phone), then the phone is still locked.
How to Unlock a Verizon Phone for Free
All carrier-locked smartphones have to be unlocked at some point, and Verizon's phones are the easiest to unlock. You don't have to do anything to unlock your Verizon phone. Sixty days from the purchase or activation date, Verizon will automatically unlock your phone, and you'll be free to use another carrier's SIM cards.
However, your account must be in good standing (you are fully paying the bills), and your phone must not have been reported as lost, stolen or involved in fraud.
In case your phone is still locked after 60 days, feel free to request an unlock from Verizon.
Quite easy, right? Next time you see or hear someone worrying about unlocking their Verizon phone, just tell them to pay their bills and patiently wait two months for their phone to be automatically unlocked.
How to Unlock a Verizon Phone Before the 60 Days Ends
Not everyone is patient enough to wait for two months before they can unlock their phone, or you may want to move to another area outside Verizon's coverage. Don't worry; DirectUnlocks can unlock your Verizon phone a week after purchasing or activating it.
DirectUnlocks is an online phone unlocking site that removes carrier locks from all types of phones. Whether Android or iOS, DirectUnlocks will grant you the network freedom you are looking for in three simple steps: Provide your device's details, your unlock order is processed, and receive confirmation messages with instructions.
Some Features of DirectUnlocks
- No eligibility requirements or unlock policies: with DirectUnlocks, you don't have to wait for Verizon's 60-day period to elapse or the six months from other carriers.
- The best turnaround time: DirectUnlocks turnaround time is 6 to 24 hrs. With other unlocking services (and even some carriers), you are looking at 48 hrs or more before your phone is unlocked.
- Compatible with all phone brands and models: DirectUnlocks can unlock any phone type, whether Android or iOS.
- Permanent solution: With DirectUnlocks, you don't have to worry about locking your phone again when it's reset. The process is permanent, allowing you to switch carriers for as long as you want
- Maintained device warranty: DirectUnlocks does not modify your phone in any way, software or hardware. No jailbreaking or rooting!
- All carriers are supported. Verizon is just one of the many network carriers DirectUnlocks can free your phone from. All the big names in every country are supported. See the complete list of supported carriers here.
- Zero technical knowledge required: DirectUnlocks is entirely online. You don't need to download and install those complex software. You only need your device's IMEI number to use DirectUnlocks.
How to Unlock a Verizon Phone Using DirectUnlocks
DirectUnlocks has made those complex phone unlocking software obsolete. Using its Verizon unlock service is as easy as filling out the form below.
Enter Your IMEI to Unlock
Step 1: Obtain your phone's IMEI number by dialing *#06#. The IMEI number will be displayed on the screen.
Step 2: Fill out the form below, then click the “Unlock Your Verizon Phone” button.
Step 3: Pay the unlocking fee. Your order will be processed immediately.
Wait for a confirmation message. You will receive an email with the instructions to unlock your phone. You will receive a Verizon network unlock code if it is an Android phone. Apple devices are unlocked over the air.
Voila! Your Verizon phone is now unlocked. You will never again see the "Invalid SIM" or "SIM Not Supported" message!
Conclusion
Verizon claims that its unlock policy is meant to discourage device theft because locked devices are less targeted by criminals. This is true, but we all know the policy exists to ensure you remain a Verizon customer for as long as possible.
If you want to unlock your Verizon before the 60 days, I recommend DirectUnlocks. No unlock policy or eligibility requirement will stand in your way when you use DirecUnlocks. I hope you fill out the form above to unlock your phone before closing this article. You deserve the freedom!
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